Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment Review - Is Preparation H The Best?

This is the full and complete Preparation H Ointment Review. In 1935, a company called American Home Products was lucky enough to buy a company that produced a popular sunburn cream.

The company, however, saw a better use for it and retooled the sunburn remedy into Preparation H, a treatment for the pain, itch and burning associated with hemorrhoids.

How To Apply Preparation H Ointment - Youtube Video

Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment has since become one of the most familiar over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments in the world.  Plus, it counts Bryan Cranston (“Malcolm in the Middle” and “Breaking Bad”) as one its earlier product spokespersons in one of his first onscreen roles.

For sufferers of hemorrhoids – essentially varicose veins that are found in the anus and rectum and are irritated by normal daily functions, especially bowel movements – the discovery was a monumental moment in the treatment of the embarrassing, painful condition.

How Do I Know If I Have Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids reveal themselves through pain or itching around the anus or inside the rectum, and can also result in swollen blood vessels or bumps, inflamed tissue that protrudes from the anus (known as prolapsed hemorrhoids), blood in a bowel movement or incontinence.

There are myriad treatment options for hemorrhoids, but Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment has been a popular go-to for the 75 percent of adults who are at risk of developing hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, and it is the top-selling brand for treating hemorrhoid symptoms in the United States.

Hemorrhoids are caused by a variety of different things including pregnancy, which can put pressure on the intestines as the uterus grows; obesity, which also puts pressure on intestines; liver disease, which can cause constipation; weakened muscles around the anus, caused by aging, rectal surgery or anal intercourse; a lack of physical activity, which can cause weakened muscles throughout the body; and a low-fiber diet, which inhibits healthy bowel movements and can lead to straining and constipation.

If you are one of the unlucky people who are suffering from hemorrhoids, reaching for a time-tested product such as Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment might be a viable option before seeing a doctor about the embarrassing condition. To that end, Preparation H is also the top doctor recommended over-the-counter brand, so you may be able to skip a step if you follow other tips for helping hemorrhoids heal. (One smart suggestion is to apply ice packs following a warm sitz bath, which causes blood vessels to dilate and constrict, strengthening them over time. Weakened blood vessels are more susceptible to hemorrhoids.)

Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment Ingredients

While the formula has changed a bit over the years – the proprietary blend Bio-Dyne, a live yeast that is also believed to help treat under-eye bags after burning the candle at both ends, is now only available in Canadian versions of the product – it still offers plenty of soothing ingredients to help relieve the pain, itching and burning of hemorrhoids and create a hydrated environment that can help inflamed skin heal.

The U.S. formula includes:

• Phenylephrine HCI, which helps constrict blood vessels, reducing the size of hemorrhoids and lessening the risk of irritation.
• Mineral oil, which helps soothe irritated tissue while offering welcome hydration.
• Petrolatum, a semi-solid ointment that helps thicken the product, allowing active ingredients to stay in place.
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole, an antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage while promoting healing.
• Corn oil, glycern, and lanolin, all of which offer soothing moisture.
• Vitamin E, a skin-friendly antioxidant that also offers soothing hydration.
• Thyme leaf oil, an anti-inflammatory that contains the compound carvacrol, which according to research has the potential to reduce the enzymes associated with inflammation by as much as 75 percent.

Is Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment Safe?

While there are some ingredients – mineral oil and petrolatum among them – that may not be ideal options for those who prefer all-natural products to treat hemorrhoids and other skin conditions – overall, the formula is safe, although pregnant women should check with their doctors before using the product.

And while you might wonder if Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment is a scam – many products make promises on which they cannot deliver – the product has an 80-year history and an 87 percent approval rating on Amazon.

Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment Reviews

Of the 87 percent of Amazon users who gave Preparation H an approval rating of four stars and above, most said the product worked exactly as promised, resulting in less pain, less itching and less swelling.

Of the 13 percent who were unhappy with their purchase, most complained about formula changes – witch hazel is also no longer included in the Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment – and said that it didn’t provide the relief they expected.

Where Can I Buy Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment?

Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment is available virtually anywhere you shop – your local grocery store, convenience stores, department stores, etc. – but if you’re embarrassed to buy hemorrhoid treatments in person, you can order them online through a wide range of vendors, including Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, eVitamins, Jet, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Vitality Medical.

Alternative Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment contains phenylephrine HCI, which helps constrict swollen blood vessels, along with soothing emollients to help moisturize damaged tissue.

It could be more effective paired with a natural alternative such as HemRid Hemorrhoid Wipes, which contain witch hazel and aloe, both of which are excellent options for cooling the burning, pain and itching of hemorrhoid symptoms. HemRid Hemorrhoid Wipes are completely biodegradable and can be flushed after use. They can be used six times a day, and would be ideal to cleanse and soothe skin before applying Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Ointment.