Best Hemorrhoid Creams of 2025: Doctor-Tested Reviews & How to Choose

Not all hemorrhoid creams are created equal. Some numb pain, others shrink swelling, and a few just add moisture.

Choosing the right one depends on your symptoms, skin sensitivity, and whether you have internal or external hemorrhoids.

Here’s our 2025 comparison of top creams — with pros, cons, and doctor recommendations.

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How to Choose the Right Cream

Ask yourself:

1. What’s my main symptom?
   → Pain? → Look for lidocaine
   → Itching? → Look for hydrocortisone or witch hazel
   → Swelling? → Look for phenylephrine

2. Internal or external?
   → Internal? → Use suppositories or applicator creams
   → External? → Any topical cream

3. Sensitive skin?
   → Avoid alcohol, fragrance, menthol → Choose fragrance-free, natural formulas

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Top 5 Hemorrhoid Creams (2025)

1. Preparation H Rapid Relief Cream

• Best for: Pain + swelling
• Active Ingredients: Phenylephrine (shrinks tissue) + Lidocaine (numbs pain)
• Pros: Fast relief, widely available
• Cons: Can cause dryness; not for long-term use
• Use: External hemorrhoids only

2. Tucks Cooling Pad Cream

• Best for: Itching + irritation
• Active Ingredients: Witch hazel (natural astringent)
• Pros: Gentle, no steroids, safe for pregnancy
• Cons: Less effective for severe pain
• Use: External, sensitive skin

3. Anusol HC Cream

• Best for: Inflammation + itching
• Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone 1% (anti-inflammatory)
• Pros: Reduces swelling fast
• Cons: Max 7 days — can thin skin
• Use: External or applicator for internal

4. Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment

• Best for: Sensitive skin, prevention
• Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide (barrier protection)
• Pros: No drugs, safe for daily use, pregnancy-safe
• Cons: Doesn’t shrink tissue or numb pain
• Use: Mild irritation, prevention

5. Equate Hemorrhoid Cream (Walmart)

• Best for: Budget shoppers
• Active Ingredients: Same as Preparation H (phenylephrine + lidocaine)
• Pros: 50% cheaper, same effectiveness
• Cons: Packaging less user-friendly
• Use: External hemorrhoids

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Natural & Organic Options

Product	Key Benefit	Best For
ZENMED Derma-Essentials	Herbal blend (comfrey, chamomile)	Sensitive skin, long-term use
Boiron Hemovel	Homeopathic (no steroids)	Mild symptoms, pregnancy-safe
Earth Mama Organic Perineal Balm	Calendula, lavender	Postpartum, gentle relief

✅ Tip: Natural ≠ weaker — many find herbal formulas just as effective with fewer side effects.

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FAQs

Can I use hemorrhoid cream every day?

Lidocaine or phenylephrine creams: max 7 days. Witch hazel or zinc oxide: safe for daily use.

Do hemorrhoid creams cure hemorrhoids?

No — they relieve symptoms. To cure, address root causes: constipation, sitting, diet.

Can I use cream and suppositories together?

Yes — many doctors recommend this for mixed internal/external symptoms.

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Explore all options in our Complete Treatments Guide.

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