Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid cream is widely available in store pharmacies in Minnesota, and it’s an effective way to temporarily improve hemorrhoidal symptoms, such as pain, irritation, itching and swelling. However, they do little to actually the hemorrhoid disease itself and prevent it from recurring.

Many patients in Minnesota don’t use hemorrhoid cream correctly, and others are not sure if they should apply hemorrhoid cream around the outside of their anus, or internally.

Here are our instructions for using hemorrhoid cream:

You may use hemorrhoid creams externally or internally, depending on your symptoms.

If you have hemorrhoid symptoms that are more towards the outside of your anus, you may use the cream externally:

• Apply a small amount of cream around the outside of your anus with your finger.
• You may use hemorrhoid cream 2-3 times daily.
• Wash your hands after each application.
• Only use the cream for a short period of time; no more than a week each course. Stop at any time once the symptoms improve or disappear.
• You may use the cream again when hemorrhoid symptoms recur.

If external use does not provide enough relief from your symptoms, you may have swollen hemorrhoidal tissues inside your rectum. In this case, you may apply hemorrhoid cream internally to further reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Try to have a bowel movement prior to using the cream.
• Squeeze the cream tube gently to fill the applicator.
• Lubricate the end of the applicator with KY Jelly or petroleum jelly.
• Gently insert the applicator into your rectum.
• Squeeze the tube of hemorrhoid cream gently
• Remove the applicator and wash it and your hands with soap and warm water.
• Try not to have a bowel movement within two hours after an application.
• Only use the cream for a short period of time; no more than a week each course. Stop at any time once the symptoms improve or disappear.
• You may use the cream again when hemorrhoid symptoms recur.

Please remember, if you suffer from hemorrhoid symptoms repeatedly, you should seek medical attention in a hemorrhoid clinic and have definitive treatments.