What can I put on a hemorrhoid besides Preparation H?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids each year, many seeking effective relief beyond the most popular name-brand products. If you're wondering What can I put on a hemorrhoid besides Preparation H?, numerous alternative over-the-counter products, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes can help alleviate discomfort.

Quick Summary

This article discusses various effective alternatives to Preparation H for hemorrhoid relief, including OTC treatments with numbing agents or steroids, soothing natural remedies like witch hazel, and essential lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

Key Points

Topical Anesthetics: Creams with lidocaine or benzocaine offer rapid, temporary pain relief by numbing the affected area.
Anti-inflammatory Steroids: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams effectively reduce swelling and itching but should be used for less than a week without a doctor's supervision.
Astringent Pads: Witch hazel-infused pads, such as Tucks, provide a soothing and constricting effect that can relieve irritation and burning.
Sitz Baths: Soaking in a shallow basin of warm water multiple times a day helps relax the anal muscles, improving blood flow and easing overall discomfort.
High-Fiber Diet and Hydration: Increasing dietary fiber and drinking plenty of water softens stools, prevents straining, and addresses a primary cause of hemorrhoids.
Prescription Strength Options: For severe or persistent symptoms, a doctor may prescribe stronger hydrocortisone or other topical medications.

Understanding Your Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

While Preparation H is a well-known brand, its active ingredients—primarily phenylephrine and protectants like petrolatum—are just one approach to managing hemorrhoid symptoms. Other over-the-counter (OTC) products and home remedies utilize different active ingredients or mechanisms to provide relief from pain, itching, and swelling.

Over-the-Counter Alternatives to Preparation H

Beyond the familiar green box, pharmacies offer a variety of other topical treatments designed for hemorrhoidal relief. These typically contain different active ingredients tailored to specific symptoms.

Topical Anesthetics and Steroids

Some of the most effective OTC treatments combine numbing agents with anti-inflammatory ingredients to target both pain and swelling. These products can offer more rapid symptom relief than protectant-based ointments.

Hydrocortisone creams: These contain a mild steroid to reduce inflammation and itching. Brand names include Anusol-HC and Proctozone-HC, among others. Note that hydrocortisone products should not be used for more than a week without a doctor's recommendation, as prolonged use can thin the skin.
Lidocaine creams: As a topical anesthetic, lidocaine temporarily blocks pain signals from nerve endings to provide rapid, targeted relief from discomfort and itching. Products like RectiCare contain lidocaine specifically for this purpose.
Pramoxine rectal foam: This medication also acts as a numbing agent to help with pain and itching. Proctofoam is a brand that utilizes this active ingredient.

Astringent and Protectant Pads

For soothing and protecting the anal area, especially after a bowel movement, medicated pads are an excellent alternative. They can be used gently to clean the area and provide lasting comfort.

Witch hazel pads: Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help dry and tighten skin, reducing burning and irritation. Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads are a popular witch hazel product.
Zinc oxide paste: Used as a skin protectant, zinc oxide can shield the skin from irritation and provide a soothing effect. Products like Desitin, often used for diaper rash, can sometimes be used off-label for hemorrhoids with a doctor's guidance.

Natural and Home-Based Remedies

For those who prefer a more natural approach or want to supplement their OTC treatments, several home-based strategies can be very effective.

Sitz baths: Soaking the anal area in a shallow basin of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, a few times a day, can help relieve irritation, muscle spasms, and itching. Special sitz baths are available that fit over the toilet bowl for convenience.
Cold compresses or ice packs: Applying a covered ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. It should only be applied for short periods (15-20 minutes) to prevent skin damage.
Aloe vera gel: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, pure aloe vera gel can be gently applied to the area to provide a cooling sensation and reduce inflammation.
Coconut oil: Gently applying virgin coconut oil may also help moisturize the area, reduce itching, and decrease inflammation.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Addressing the root cause of hemorrhoids, often straining from constipation, is crucial for long-term relief and prevention. These changes are vital, regardless of which topical treatment you choose.

Increase fiber intake: Eating more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can soften stool and prevent straining. If diet is not enough, a fiber supplement like psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can help.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps fiber work more effectively and keeps stools soft.
Avoid straining: Do not hold bowel movements and avoid sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods.
Gentle hygiene: Use soft, unscented wipes or a bidet after bowel movements to clean the area gently, rather than rubbing with dry toilet paper.

Comparison of Hemorrhoid Treatments


Treatment Type	Primary Action	Best for	Key Considerations
Hydrocortisone Cream	Reduces inflammation and itching (Steroid)	Inflammation, persistent itching	Do not use for over a week unless advised by a doctor; can thin skin with prolonged use.
Lidocaine Cream	Numbing (Local Anesthetic)	Immediate relief of pain and discomfort	Only for external use unless prescribed differently; temporary relief.
Witch Hazel Pads	Soothes and protects (Astringent)	Burning, minor irritation, post-bowel-movement cleansing	Effective for minor symptoms but can be drying to the skin.
Sitz Bath	Soothes and relaxes muscles (Warm Water)	General discomfort, irritation, spasms	Can be done multiple times daily; gentle and non-chemical.
Fiber Supplements	Softens stool, prevents straining	Constipation prevention, recurrence	Long-term solution; requires ample hydration to be effective and avoid bloating.
Prescription Medications	Stronger anti-inflammatory or vessel-relaxing effects	Severe or persistent symptoms unresponsive to OTCs	Requires doctor's evaluation; may have stronger side effects.

Conclusion

While Preparation H is a common treatment, patients have many effective options for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. For those seeking alternatives, topical creams containing hydrocortisone or lidocaine can provide powerful relief for inflammation and pain, respectively. Natural remedies like sitz baths and witch hazel offer gentle, soothing effects. For long-term prevention, foundational lifestyle changes such as a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and careful hygiene are essential. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific symptoms and severity. If home treatments fail to provide relief after a week or if you experience severe pain or bleeding, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions and discuss more advanced treatments.

How to get help for hemorrhoids

For persistent symptoms, a medical professional can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. You can find more information about diagnosis and treatment options on the Mayo Clinic's website.

When to Seek Medical Help

While many hemorrhoid cases can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant a doctor's visit. If you experience significant or persistent rectal bleeding, severe pain, or have symptoms that last longer than a week with home treatment, it is important to get a medical evaluation. A healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis, prescribe stronger medications if necessary, or discuss procedures for severe or recurrent hemorrhoids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, witch hazel is a common alternative to Preparation H. It is a natural astringent that can be applied with a pad to help soothe minor bleeding, burning, and irritation associated with hemorrhoids.

Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that works by reducing inflammation and itching. It is often found in over-the-counter creams and suppositories for hemorrhoid relief, but should not be used for more than one week without medical advice.

Natural remedies like sitz baths and witch hazel are very effective for mild symptoms and general soothing. However, medicated OTC creams containing ingredients like hydrocortisone or lidocaine may provide faster, more potent relief for inflammation, pain, or swelling.

A sitz bath involves soaking the anal area in a shallow basin of warm (not hot) water. You can use a special basin that fits over your toilet or a standard bathtub. Soaking for 10-15 minutes, two to three times a day, helps relax the anal sphincter and ease discomfort.

Consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a week of using home treatments, or if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection. These could indicate a more serious condition or that stronger treatment is needed.

Diet is crucial for preventing and treating hemorrhoids. A high-fiber diet, along with drinking plenty of water, helps soften stools and prevents straining during bowel movements, which is a major contributor to hemorrhoid irritation.

Yes, for internal hemorrhoids, procedures like rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy can be performed in a doctor's office. Surgery is typically reserved for severe or recurrent hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments.