OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments: Creams, Wipes, Suppositories Compared (2025)
OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments: Creams, Wipes, Suppositories Compared (2025)
When home remedies aren’t enough, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can provide fast, targeted relief.
But with dozens of products on shelves — how do you choose?
Here’s a doctor-reviewed comparison of creams, wipes, and suppositories — and which one is right for your symptoms.
1. Topical Creams & Ointments
Best for: External hemorrhoids, itching, pain
Key Ingredients:
- Hydrocortisone (1%) → Reduces inflammation & itching (max 7 days)
- Phenylephrine → Shrinks swollen tissue
- Lidocaine/Prilocaine → Numbing for pain
- Witch Hazel → Soothing, natural astringent
Top Picks 2025:
| Product | Best For | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation H Rapid Relief | Pain + swelling | Phenylephrine + Lidocaine |
| Tucks Cooling Pad Cream | Itching + irritation | Witch Hazel |
| Anusol HC | Inflammation | Hydrocortisone 1% |
| Burt’s Bees Baby | Sensitive skin | Natural oils, no steroids |
⚠️ Don’t use hydrocortisone >7 days — can thin skin.
2. Medicated Wipes & Pads
Best for: Cleaning, soothing after bowel movements
Top Picks:
| Product | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Tucks Pads | Witch hazel, pH balanced, no alcohol |
| Cottonelle GentlePlus | Aloe, vitamin E, flushable* |
| Preparation H Soothing Relief | Lidocaine, cooling effect |
❌ Avoid wipes with alcohol, fragrance, or menthol — can irritate.
3. Suppositories
Best for: Internal hemorrhoids, bleeding, prolapse
How they work: Melt at body temp → deliver medication inside rectum.
Top Picks:
| Product | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Preparation H Suppositories | Shrinks tissue, reduces bleeding |
| Anusol Suppositories | Soothes, protects lining |
| Equate Hemorrhoidal | Budget-friendly, effective |
✅ Tip: Insert after bowel movement + lie down for 15 min.
Comparison Table: Which to Choose?
| Symptom | Best OTC Option |
|---|---|
| Itching | Witch hazel cream or Tucks pads |
| Pain | Lidocaine cream or suppository |
| Swelling | Phenylephrine cream |
| Bleeding | Suppository (internal) or hydrocortisone (if inflamed) |
| Sensitive Skin | Burt’s Bees, fragrance-free wipes |
FAQs
Can I use cream and suppositories together?
Yes — many doctors recommend this combo for mixed symptoms (internal + external).
Do OTC treatments cure hemorrhoids?
No — they relieve symptoms. To cure, you must address the cause (constipation, sitting, etc.).
Are store brands as good as name brands?
Often yes — check active ingredients. Equate, Up&Up, and Kirkland often match name brands at half the price.
🚨 Stop using if: You develop rash, burning, or worsening symptoms — may be allergic reaction.
Explore all options in our Complete Treatments Guide.
🩺 Reviewed by: Hemorrhoid Care Hub Medical Review Team
📅 Last reviewed: September 7, 2025