Hemorrhoids relief

Over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications.

Controversy continues to rage about the effectiveness of hemorrhoid medicines. In the United States , annually are spent around $200 million on creams, ointments, and suppositories that promise to relieve inflammation and pain.

Formation of hemorrhoids Veins in the rectum and anus are under considerable pressure whenever a stool is passed. Pushing or straining may cause veins in the rectal wall to lump, creating clusters of swollen, or dilated, veins called hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids can form anywhere inside the anal canal, while external hemorrhoids are visible, or just below, the opening of the anus.

The basic ingredient in all these medicines is a lubricant such as lanolin, cocoa butter, vegetable oil, or one of many others. Some also include an anesthetic such as benzocaine or lidocaine, or an astringent such as tan-nic acid or zinc compounds, purported to reduce swelling by constricting capillaries. Hemorrhoids, however, are not capillaries; they're veins, and astringents may have no effect on them. Anesthetics may provide short-term relief, but only in cream or ointment form: Suppositories usually go too far up into the anal canal to help the hemorrhoids below.

Before you take any further steps you should gather more information about the causes, diagnostic procedure, treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids.