What Is Preparation H Used for?
Preparation H is a family of ointments, creams, gels, wipes and suppositories used to treat and relieve the swelling, itching, burning, pain and other symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur in both men and women and are near the anus (external) or lower rectum (internal).
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What are Hemorrhoids?
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Hemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed or varicose. Hemorrhoids are most often associated with straining to remove a stool that is large and/or hard. You are more apt to develop hemorrhoids if you are pregnant, elderly, overweight, have diarrhea, sit for long periods or engage in anal intercourse.
Symptoms and Prevention
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External hemorrhoids symptoms include painful swelling resulting in a lump near the anus. This, in turn, can cause itching, burning and painful burning bowel movements.
Internal hemorrhoids often do not result in symptoms, but they can cause red blood to show on toilet paper, stools or in the toilet bowl. If an internal hemorrhoid becomes a protruding hemorrhoid by moving outside the anus, it can become painful and require medical intervention. Hemorrhoids are best prevented by eating enough fiber, drinking the proper fluids and exercising. -
Treatment
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Preparation H creams, ointments and wipes offer temporary relief of swelling and other symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. In the flagship product, Preparation H Ointment, the ingredients are mineral oil, phenylephrine, petrolatum and shark liver oil. They work together to help soothe the inflammation and put a protective coating over the area. The phenylephrine helps shrink the swollen areas.
Other Preparation H Products
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For internal hemorrhoids, Preparation H Suppositories are made with phenylephrine for the swelling and cocoa butter and shark liver oil to protect and soothe inside the lower rectum.
Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream with Hydrocortisone may offer relief to those with uncomfortable itching.
Preparation H Maximum Pain Formula adds the topical anesthetic pramoxine to the formula to help dull the pain.
Preparation H Cooling Gel is primarily the astringent witch hazel with phenylephrine.
Preparation H Medicated Wipes contain witch hazel as well and allow you to clean the area gently and thoroughly, which is important as it helps reduce other irritations and allows other topical medications to have better contact with the skin.
Other Uses for Preparation H
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Some say that Preparation H Ointment helps reduce bags under the eyes, smoothes the skin and reduces visible wrinkles. According to Prep-H.com, this was due to a yeast-derivative ingredient called "Bio Dyne" (see link in Resources). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked Wyeth, the maker of Preparation H, to back up these claims. The manufacturer chose to remove the ingredient from the U.S. product rather than go through the testing. The Canadian formula of Preparation H does still contain the ingredient.
Also, some tattoo artists recommend putting the ointment on a new tattoo to help speed healing.
Warning
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There are several conditions that have similar symptoms to the ones for hemorrhoids. Please consult a medical professional for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Any rectal bleeding should be brought to the attention of a physician.
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