Can Hemorrhoids be Treated with Zinc Oxide?

Relief for Hemorrhoids: Zinc Oxide Creams and Suppositories

Experiencing pain, burning, irritation, and itching from hemorrhoids can significantly affect your quality of life. Zinc oxide, found in many creams, ointments, and suppositories, can provide relief. In this article, we’ll cover what hemorrhoids are, the properties of zinc oxide, and how to use zinc oxide for hemorrhoids.

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What are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are naturally occurring clusters of smooth muscle and connective and vascular tissue present in the anal canal. They are effective in maintaining stool continence. However, the term hemorrhoid is generally used to characterize symptomatic hemorrhoid disease. Common symptoms include painless rectal bleeding during bowel movements, irritation around the rectal area, anal itching, a feeling of rectal fullness, and anal pain. The self-reported incidence of hemorrhoids in the US is approximately 10 million per year.

How Does Zinc Oxide Work?

Zinc oxide has been utilized for dermatological use for various skin conditions. In particular, it has shown promise for acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis. Zinc oxide works by forming a protective barrier to prevent irritation when defecating. Topical preparations, including zinc oxide, have been used as soothing agents for centuries. Therefore, it’s no surprise that it remains an active ingredient for topical creams used to soothe the irritation and inflammation from hemorrhoids. Health professionals generally recommend anti-inflammatory creams containing zinc for the treatment of hemorrhoids, as they can help with itching and irritations.

How to Use Zinc Oxide for Hemorrhoids

Applying zinc oxide to hemorrhoids will depend on whether you have external or internal hemorrhoids. For internal hemorrhoids, suppositories are a great option. Suppositories that contain zinc oxide, such as Anusol, help form a protective barrier around the affected area. For external hemorrhoids, topical creams and ointments may be beneficial. In particular, research has shown that zinc oxide cream, including Calmoseptine, can be beneficial when applied once or twice a day to the affected area.

Side Effects of Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is generally well-tolerated by most of the population. However, it’s best to let your health professional know what you’re using and ask for their recommendations. It’s also advised to conduct a quick patch test before use in case of an allergic reaction. Common side effects of zinc oxide include skin irritation and redness. Serious side effects are rare but may include serious eye symptoms, serious heart symptoms, and serious cases of headaches, loss of coordination, trouble walking, tremors, or high fever.

Dosage and Other Treatment Options

Topical ointments containing zinc oxide usually range in concentration from 10% to 40%. Zinc oxide suppositories are usually 10% zinc oxide. Most zinc oxide over-the-counter treatments will have a pamphlet that details dosage requirements. This can vary depending on the brand you choose and the concentration, so it’s advisable to have a good read-through before starting. In most cases, you can stop treatment once the hemorrhoids subside. However, for more severe cases or if the treatment doesn’t seem to be working, it’s best to talk to your doctor. They may recommend other treatments, including medications with a different type of active ingredient, lifestyle changes, behavioral therapies, rubber band ligation, or surgery.

The Lowdown

Zinc oxide is an effective treatment for internal and external hemorrhoids. It helps form a protective barrier around the anus, reducing pain, swelling, and itching. Zinc oxide is generally well-tolerated by the general population, but if you experience any side effects, talk to a health professional. They may advise you to change your dosage or try a different treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What causes hemorrhoids around the anus? The cause of hemorrhoids is believed to be multifactorial. Some causes include pregnancy, chronic straining from passing stool, anal sex, diets low in fiber, and constipation.
• What does zinc oxide do for hemorrhoids? Topical application of zinc oxide or zinc oxide in