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Compare Hemorrhoid Relief Creams to Find the Best for You

A person squeezing cream out of a tube

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, you’re probably familiar with the discomfort they can cause.1 Thankfully, you have a variety of options available when it comes to relieving symptoms from hemorrhoids, including lifestyle changes and over-the-counter creams and topical treatments.2 Finding the best hemorrhoid cream for internal or external hemorrhoids can help provide relief from hemorrhoid symptoms, like itching and irritation.1 However, with so many options on the market, differentiating between every cream can feel like a challenge. Explore our comparison chart to find the right hemorrhoid cream for you and take the first step toward effective relief. 

Brand Symptoms Targeted Active Ingredients How Long Before It Starts Working Dosage
Preparation H Multi-Symptom Cream Provides rapid hemorrhoid pain relief, soothes irritation with aloe, shrinks swollen hemorrhoidal tissue, and relieves external discomfort during bowel movements. Glycerin 14.4% Phenylephrine HCI 0.25% Pramoxine HCI 1.0% White petrolatum 15.0%. Starts to work immediately. Suitable for adults and children ages 12 and over. Apply externally to the affected area up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning or after a bowel movement.
Preparation H Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream Instantly relieves the pain, itching, burning, and swelling from hemorrhoids with maximum strength lidocaine. Shrinks hemorrhoid tissue and adds a protective layer to reduce pain during bowel movements. Glycerin 14.4% Lidocaine 5% Phenylephrine HCl 0.25% White Petrolatum 15%. Starts to work immediately. Suitable for adults and children ages 12 and over. Apply externally to the affected area up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning, or after a bowel movement.
Germoloids Cream Helps numb and soothe pain, itching, and general discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Soothes itching, shrinks hemorrhoids, and protects against infection. Lidocaine hydrochloride 0.7% Zinc oxide 6.6%. Starts to work within one hour. Suitable for adults and children ages 12 and over. Apply at least twice daily with a minimum of three to four hours between applications. Do not exceed four uses in a 24-hour period.
Equate Hemorrhoid Relief Cream Helps relieve the pain, burning, itching, and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Lidocaine 5%. Starts to work within one hour. Suitable for adults and children ages 12 and over. Apply externally to the affected area up to six times per day as needed.
Up & Up Hemorrhoidal Cream Helps shrink swollen hemorrhoid tissues while soothing the pain, soreness, and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Temporarily makes bowel movements less painful. Glycerin 14.4% Phenylephrine HCI 0.25% Pramoxine HCI 1.0% White petrolatum 15.0%. Starts to work immediately. Suitable for adults and children ages 12 and over. Apply externally to the affected area up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning, or after a bowel movement.
CVS Hemorrhoid Cream Helps shrink swollen hemorrhoid tissues while soothing the pain, soreness, and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Temporarily makes bowel movements less painful. Glycerin 14.4% Phenylephrine HCI 0.25% Pramoxine HCI 1.0% White petrolatum 15.0%. Starts to work immediately. Suitable for adults and children ages 12 and over. Apply externally to the affected area up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning, or after a bowel movement.
Walgreens Hemorrhoidal Pain Relief Cream Helps shrink swollen hemorrhoid tissues while soothing the pain, soreness, and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Temporarily makes bowel movements less painful. Glycerin 14.4% Phenylephrine HCI 0.25% Pramoxine HCI 1.0% White petrolatum 15.0%. Starts to work immediately. Suitable for adults and children ages 12 and over. Apply externally to the affected area up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning, or after a bowel movement.

Source Citations:

  1. Hemorrhoids. Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268. Accessed 7/23/24.
  2. Hemorrhoids. Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280. Accessed 7/23/24.
  3. Germoloids Cream. Piles treatment with anesthetic. https://www.germoloids.co.uk/product-range/germoloids-cream. Accessed 7/23/24.
  4. About lidocaine for piles and itchy bottom. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lidocaine-for-piles-and-itchy-bottom/about-lidocaine-for-piles-and-itchy-bottom/. Accessed 7/23/24.
  5. Equate Hemorrhoid Relief Cream with 5% Lidocaine Topical Ointment. Walmart.com. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Hemorrhod-Relief-Cream-with-5-Lidocaine-Topical-Ointment/274227993. Accessed 7/23/24.
  6. Target Corporation Hemorrhoidal Cream Drug Facts. National Institutes of Health. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=c2378e1f-2078-4a54-9ed7-57b862d7478c&type=display. Accessed 7/23/24.
  7. CVS Health Hemorrhoidal Cream. CVS. https://www.cvs.com/shop/cvs-health-hemorrhoidal-cream-1-8-oz-prodid-452277. Accessed 7/23/24.
  8. Walgreens Hemorrhoidal Pain Relief Cream. Walgreens. https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-hemorrhoidal-pain-relief-cream/ID=300410539-product?ext. Accessed 7/23/24.
  9. Multi-Symptom Pain Relief Cream. Preparation H. https://www.preparationh.com/products/multi-symptom-cream/. Accessed 7/23/24.