RectiCare products contain the highest percentage of lidocaine available without a prescription to relieve pain and irritation. The RectiCare Advanced Hemorrhoidal Cream also contains the maximum strength of phenylephrine HCl available over the counter to shrink swollen tissue, with the addition of two protectants.

RectiCare (for use on the skin) is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by skin irritations such as sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and minor cuts, scratches, or burns. This medicine is also used to treat rectal discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.

Preparation H®, Recticare, and lidocaine creams do not cure the underlying condition of hemorrhoids but they can help manage symptoms and provide relief.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that helps to relieve pain by numbing the area. Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor that causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the area to reduce swelling. Mineral oil and white petrolatum are lubricants that form a layer on the skin to provide moisture and protect it from irritation.

Serious side effects of RectiCare

• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin.
• cough.
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin.
• fast heartbeat.
• fever.
• hives or welts, itching, skin rash.
• hoarseness.
• irritation.

Adults and children 12 years and older: apply externally to the affected area up to 6 times a day. Children under 12 years of age: consult a doctor. To use finger cots: Roll one finger cot over finger.

Serious side effects of RectiCare

• Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin.
• cough.
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin.
• fast heartbeat.
• fever.
• hives or welts, itching, skin rash.
• hoarseness.
• irritation.

Adults and children 12 years and older: apply externally to the affected area up to 6 times a day.

Hemorrhoid cream has been used for decades to relieve the temporary symptoms caused by inflamed veins or hemorrhoidal tissue around the anus. It helps treat the symptoms until the flare-up subsides. This normally happens within a few days to a week.

It generally takes a few days for hydrocortisone cream to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids. If your symptoms worsen or don't resolve seven days after regularly applying hydrocortisone, you should contact your doctor. You may need a higher strength of hydrocortisone or a different type of cream.

If you use hydrocortisone for a long time, it can thin the skin around your anus. It's best not to use these treatments for more than 7 days and not to repeat these treatments too often.

For hemorrhoids, hydrocortisone rectal cream usually is used in adults and children 12 years and older up to 3 or 4 times daily. If you obtained hydrocortisone without a prescription (over the counter) and your condition does not improve within 7 days, stop using it and call your doctor.

It's best not to use these treatments for more than 7 days and not to repeat these treatments too often.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Try not to have a bowel movement for at least two hours after an internal application of hemorrhoid cream.

There's a lot of advice out there about how to relieve the symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids yourself – including things like avoiding constipation, using special creams or taking warm baths. Even if some of these things can relieve the symptoms, they won't make enlarged hemorrhoids go away again.

You'll usually use most treatments for piles or itchy bottom several times a day – first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after you've done a poo. Check the leaflet which comes with the product you are using. Some treatments are only used on the skin around your anus – such as creams, ointments and sprays.