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Vicks VapoRub for Hemorrhoid Relief

Vicks VapoRub for Hemorrhoid Relief

Though three out of four adults in the U.S. experience hemorrhoid problems, many find them embarrassing to talk about. As a result, most patients prefer discreet treatment remedies to limit any need for discussing hemorrhoid problems.

Vicks VapoRub is a temporary remedy you can use to discreetly deal with hemorrhoids. Though it is not a hemorrhoid cream, some have reported temporary relief by using this over-the-counter remedy to treat hemorrhoid symptoms.

How Can Vicks VapoRub Relieve Hemorrhoids?

Even though Vicks VapoRub is a cough suppressant, some patients have also reported it can temporarily relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. You can minimize hemorrhoid symptoms like pain and itchiness if you apply a generous amount of Vicks directly to the problem area. For many patients, this easy-to-find, at-home treatment makes it possible for them to get through the day with reduced discomfort.

A Natural Hemorrhoid Remedy for Short-Term Soothing

Vicks VapoRub contains three active ingredients.

These three ingredients combine to reduce inflammation and temporarily soothe hemorrhoid pain. Moreover, the increased circulation ensures that the soothing effects of Vicks VapoRub last several hours.

Vicks may cause momentary stinging once applied, followed by its well-known cooling sensation and several hours of pain relief. 

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Vicks VapoRub for Hemorrhoid Relief

When to Use Vicks for Hemorrhoids

Like most other at-home hemorrhoid treatments, Vicks is a temporary solution to treat your hemorrhoid symptoms. The only way to eliminate hemorrhoid symptoms is through treatment from a physician. 

Luckily, some procedures provide more permanent relief. However, before we get into those treatment options, we will first discuss when you should use Vicks for hemorrhoid relief. 

A Temporary Solution

You should not rely on Vicks for prolonged hemorrhoid relief. Like other home remedies for hemorrhoids, Vicks works best when you use it as a complementary treatment to longer-term solutions. You should also avoid using Vicks VapoRub on broken skin. Here are some situations when Vicks VapoRub serves as a temporary option for hemorrhoid relief. 

1. Before Your Appointment

You may experience hemorrhoid problems on the weekend, after hours or at a time when you can’t see a doctor right away. Even if you schedule an appointment to see a doctor at the first sign of hemorrhoid problems, you may be unable to get immediate medical attention. In these situations, Vicks VapoRub can relieve hemorrhoid symptoms as you wait to see your doctor. 

2. While You Are Waiting for Treatment to Relieve Pain

Some hemorrhoid treatments may take a while before you experience all the benefits. Others may even cause some irritation in the area before the effects kick in. If you do not experience pain relief shortly after treatment, Vicks VapoRub could be a stopgap solution. However, make sure you speak with your doctor after treatment to ensure Vicks is a safe option for pain relief after your procedure. 

3. To Supplement Treatment Effects

Depending on what you are dealing with, hemorrhoid treatments may only provide partial relief from your symptoms. Moreover, many treatment options need multiple sessions before you experience the full effect. Thus, in cases when a doctor-prescribed remedy does not offer full relief, Vicks VapoRub can be a beneficial add-on to get through your day.  Make sure you speak with your doctor after treatment to ensure Vicks will not interfere with your existing treatment.

Long Term Solutions for Hemorrhoids

Several hemorrhoid treatments provide long-lasting relief from hemorrhoid issues.

Hemorrhoid Banding

Hemorrhoid banding is non-invasive and one of the most effective hemorrhoid treatments.  The process of hemorrhoid banding involves placing a rubber band around the affected tissue to cutoff the blood supply.  The methods of hemorrhoid banding have consistently improved since the introduction of rubber ligation banding in the 1950s. Today, the most successful form of hemorrhoid banding is modern suction banding.

Modern suction hemorrhoid banding, such as with The CRH O’Regan System, is the least invasive process for hemorrhoid banding. Instead of using metal forceps to place the rubber band, doctors use a small, disposable suction device known as a ligator to attach the rubber band. After easy insertion into the anus, doctors can place a rubber band on the affected hemorrhoid without using clamps. This process is painless and only takes  30-60 seconds to complete. 

The CRH O’Regan System is the first of this kind and boasts a 99% success rate. Furthermore, over 95% of patients with internal hemorrhoid problems can receive treatment with the CRH O’Regan System. 

Hemorrhoid Surgery

In rare cases, hemorrhoids are severe enough to require surgery. We often see this with hemorrhoids that extend outside the anus, or prolapse, but do not retract despite manual efforts. These hemorrhoids are also known as Grade IV hemorrhoids. Severe external hemorrhoids — those that occur outside of the anus — may also require surgery.

Hemorrhoid surgery, which is available in various forms, is highly effective, but it is also invasive. As such, it is generally a last resort for hemorrhoids that will not sufficiently respond to any other treatment option. 

Infrared Coagulation for Hemorrhoids

With infrared coagulation, doctors expose enlarged hemorrhoids to infrared light. This exposure forms blood clots in the affected veins and creates scar tissue. The scar tissue and blood clots cause the hemorrhoid to shrink and excess tissue to die off.

IRC is effective on small internal hemorrhoids — generally Grade I, II and some III hemorrhoids. In contrast, hemorrhoid banding can treat Grade I, II, III and IV hemorrhoids. The distinctions are as follows:

  • Grade I hemorrhoids do not prolapse.
  • Grade II hemorrhoids prolapse but retract on their own.
  • Grade III hemorrhoids prolapse but require manual assistance to retract.
  • Grade IV hemorrhoids prolapse and do not retract with manual efforts.

Vicks VapoRub for Hemorrhoid Relief

Find a Clinic Near You

If you would like to learn more, talk to your doctor about Vicks VapoRub and other home remedies for hemorrhoids, as well as physician-administered banding procedures. For the most effective and least invasive hemorrhoid treatment, find a clinic near you that uses the CRH O’Regan System.