Haemorrhoid creams can ease the itching, soreness and swelling of piles while they heal. Most piles get better within a few days with self-care and, if needed, a short course of cream. The right product depends on your symptoms, and steroid creams are for short-term use only. Here's how the different types compare, how to use them and when to see a GP instead.
Start with self-care
- Eat more fibre (fruit, vegetables, wholegrains) and drink plenty of fluids so your poo is soft and easy to pass.
- Don't strain, and don't sit on the toilet for longer than you need to.
- Clean gently with water or unperfumed wipes and pat dry.
- A warm bath can ease itching and pain, and a cold pack wrapped in a towel can help swelling.
- Paracetamol helps with pain. Avoid painkillers containing codeine, which can cause constipation, and don't take ibuprofen if your piles are bleeding.
Types of haemorrhoid treatment
| Type | What it does | When to use it | How long |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soothing or protective creams and ointments | Calm itching and soreness and protect the skin | Mild symptoms; the first thing to try | As needed, following the leaflet |
| Creams with a local anaesthetic | Numb the area to ease pain and itching | Painful piles, for short-term relief | A few days; stop if the skin becomes irritated |
| Steroid and anaesthetic products | The anaesthetic eases pain and itching; the steroid reduces swelling and inflammation | Swollen, inflamed piles that haven't settled with a simpler product | Usually no more than 7 days |
| Suppositories | Deliver medicine just inside the anus | Piles inside the back passage | As the leaflet says; steroid ones usually no more than 7 days |
Some products need a prescription. Proctosedyl ointment contains hydrocortisone with cinchocaine, a local anaesthetic. Scheriproct ointment and Scheriproct suppositories contain prednisolone with cinchocaine. In both, the cinchocaine eases pain and itching and the steroid reduces swelling and inflammation. They're for short-term use: usually no more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as longer use can thin the skin. You can see all the options on our piles treatment page.
Cream, ointment or suppository?
| Format | Texture | What many people prefer it for |
|---|---|---|
| Cream | Light, rubs in quickly | Itching and soreness outside the anus, during the day |
| Ointment | Thicker and greasier, stays on longer | Dry or very sore skin, and at night |
| Suppository | Melts inside the back passage | Piles inside the anus |
If you have piles both inside and outside the anus, a pharmacist or GP may suggest using a suppository and a cream or ointment together.
How to apply haemorrhoid cream
- Wash the area gently with warm water and pat it dry.
- Put a small amount of cream or ointment on a clean fingertip, or use the applicator if one is supplied.
- Apply a thin layer to the sore area around the anus.
- If the product is meant for use inside, attach the nozzle and insert it gently, following the leaflet.
- Wash your hands well afterwards.
Many people find it helps to apply it after a bowel movement and at bedtime. Don't use a steroid product for more than 7 days unless your doctor has told you to.
Piles in pregnancy
Piles are common in pregnancy and after giving birth. Start with fibre, fluids and a soothing cream, and ask a pharmacist, midwife or GP before using a product that contains a steroid or a local anaesthetic.
When to see a GP
See your GP if you have bleeding from your bottom and:
- you're over 50;
- the blood is dark, or mixed in with your poo;
- your bowel habits have changed (looser, more frequent or constipated) for 3 weeks or more;
- you've lost weight without trying, or you feel very tired;
- there's a lump, or pain, that hasn't improved after 7 days of treatment.
These symptoms often have a simple cause, but they can be a sign of something that needs checking, such as bowel cancer. Get urgent help from NHS 111 or A&E if you're bleeding heavily, the bleeding won't stop, or you're in severe pain.
Haemorrhoid cream FAQs
What's the best cream for piles?
It depends on your symptoms. A soothing cream or ointment is often enough for mild itching and soreness. A product with a local anaesthetic helps pain, and one with a steroid helps swelling and inflammation. A pharmacist can help you choose.
How long does haemorrhoid cream take to work?
Anaesthetic creams usually ease pain and itching within minutes. Steroid products take a few days to reduce swelling. If your symptoms aren't better after 7 days of treatment, see a GP.
Can I use haemorrhoid cream inside?
Some creams and ointments come with a nozzle for applying just inside the back passage. Suppositories are made for piles inside the anus. Only use a product inside if the leaflet says you can.
Can I use piles cream while pregnant?
Start with fibre, fluids and a soothing cream. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or GP before using a product that contains a steroid or a local anaesthetic.
Why can I only use steroid cream for 7 days?
Steroids can thin the delicate skin around the anus if they're used for too long. Most steroid piles products are meant for short courses of up to 7 days unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
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