Neosporin for hemorrhoids is one fact that many people are still trying to believe its workability. Neosporin has been known over the years as an antibiotic cream that can treat all kinds of skin problems ranging from minor cuts, scrapes, irritation and burns. It is commonly used as a first aid ointment that can deal with varieties of skin issues. Since neosporin is effective in reliving irritation, itching, and swelling, can it be used to treat the symptoms of hemorrhoids? Is the cream effective? Will there be results?
WHAT IS HEMORRHOID AND ITS SYMPTOMS
Hemorrhoid is a condition that causes swollen veins to develop in the rectum and around the anal area. It causes pain and makes it difficult for the patient to sit down, there is also rectal bleeding especially after bowel movement. Hemorrhoids are not limited to any gender or age group, it can affect anyone but it is most common in older individuals. One has to know for sure that its not herpes or some other ailment so to get the right treatment for the ailment
Hemorrhoid can either be internal or external depending on the location. If it develops in the rectum, it is internal pile or hemorrhoid. But, if it is found under the skin surrounding the anus, it is external. The symptoms of both internal and external are bleeding, itching, irritation, swelling or lumps, pain when sitting or during bowel movement.
Common causes are pregnancy, strain during bowel movement, sitting for a long time, overweight and chronic constipation. Hemorrhoids can be treated with medical procedures and home remedies as well.
NEOSPORIN AND ITS MEDICAL USES
Neosporin is an antibiotic cream, it is used to treat different skin issues. Neosporin contains active ingredients like:
- Bacitracin Zinc
- Neomycin Sulfate
- Pramoxine
- Polymyxin B
These active ingredients are responsible for preventing infection. They work together to protect the area where the cream is applied from being infected by bacteria and germs. The cream also has inactive ingredients like:
- Sodium Pyruvate
- Vitamin E
- White Petrolatum
- Cocoa Butter
- Cottonseed Oil
- Olive Oil
The inactive ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve symptoms of most skin issues. They also have lubricating effects on the skin and can help keep the skin moist. Cocoa butter soothes the skin and moisturizes it while making it softer and smoother. Vitamin E nourishes the skin while cottonseed oil has the ability to treat wounds.
CAN YOU USE NEOSPORIN FOR HEMORRHOIDS
The first thing you should know is that neosporin is not meant or designed to be used in treating hemorrhoids however, many consumers of this product have testified to getting some sort of relief from the pain caused by hemorrhoids.
The reason for this testimony from users may be connected to white petrolatum which is one of the inactive ingredients in neosporin. This ingredient is commonly known as petroleum jelly and it has lubricating effects. This effect is also evident when the product is used on hemorrhoids especially external hemorrhoids. Using a lubricant for external hemorrhoids is one way to help ease the pain and irritation.
Most creams that treat hemorrhoids are made with ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties actively work to shrink hemorrhoids, reduce pain and ease other symptoms. Neosporin has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties that can help with the pain and swelling as well but the effectiveness and healing time cannot be compared to creams that are specifically formulated to treat hemorrhoids.
Neosporin will lubricate your anal area and help you to carry out your daily activities without going through the pains of hemorrhoids. It is safe to say that using neosporin will make moving around with your hemorrhoids less painful and manageable. So, if the only option you have is neosporin, you can use it for the time being till you are able to get other treatment options.
CAN YOU USE NEOSPORIN FOR EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS
External hemorrhoids develop under the skin surrounding the anus. It can be easily irritated and extremely painful as common things like sitting down or even wearing certain clothes can come in contact with them. Neosporin can be used on these swollen veins. Remember the cream has petroleum jelly which has lubricating effects. Do, the cream can keep the skin lubricated and moist while preventing dryness which can cause irritation.
Daily activities can cause extreme pain on the hemorrhoids, the best way to manage the pain is by keeping the area moist and lubricated. Neosporin can help with that, the inactive ingredients which contain oils and butter can reduce irritation while you carry on with your daily activities without much pain.
Some neosporin products have pain relief effects. Although these products are not meant to treat pain caused by hemorrhoids, they can be helpful in reliving the pain especially if you combine them with pain relief medicines.
CAN NEOSPORIN BE USED ON PAINFUL HEMORRHOIDS
There are two categories of neosporin, the original ointment and the pain relief first aid ointment. The original ointment can only treat wounds and prevent them from being infected, it does not have any properties that can help with pain. The pain relief on the other hand, has the properties of relieving pain.
Using the original ointment will not help with the pain, it can I lay lubricate the hemorrhoids to avoid irritation but you will still feel the pain. The best category to use if you want to relieve the pain you feel is the pain relief. Although this may not really be as effective as topical creams that are designed for hemorrhoids, it can provide some sort of relief. You can combine it with over-the-counter pain relief drugs to help you manage the pain.
WILL NEOSPORIN STOP A HEMORRHOID INFECTION
Hemorrhoids can only be infected if it is thrombosed, that is if blood clots have formed inside an external hemorrhoid . This can cause the the clot to turn to purple or blue color. These hemorrhoids are very painful and can rupture anytime. You should never try to rupture or pop them on your own.
Sometimes, these clots can rupture on their own, you can apply neosporin on it. Neosporin is used for wounds so you can apply it on the ruptured hemorrhoid immediately, this will help you to prevent the wound from being infected. Clean the area before applying the cream and wash your hands before and after to avoid contacting bacteria.
IS NEOSPORIN SAFE FOR HEMORRHOIDS
Generally, neosporin cream is safe, it can be used on the skin as it is a topical cream. It is made with ingredients that are harmless and safe for the skin so there is no fear about using it on the skin (www.neosporin.com). The question of the safety of the product when used for an issue other than the intended one may be somehow difficult to answer.
This is because many users have testified to the effectiveness of the cream when used for hemorrhoids even when it is not intended for such. The ingredients are safe but this does not cancel out the probability of getting an adverse reaction if the cream is used on the anal area. Remember that the cream was not formulated for hemorrhoids so the extent of the safety of neosporin for hemorrhoids have not been tested by the manufacturers.
Some users have also reported that their symptoms worsen when they used neosporin for hemorrhoids. Using neosporin for hemorrhoids can worsen the symptoms or cause new reactions on your skin. It is advised that you use the creams designed for hemorrhoids.
HOW MUCH IS NEOSPORIN AND WHERE CAN YOU GET IT
Neosporin is not a rare cream, it can be easily gotten. Numerous stores including pharmacies, hospital, retail supermarkets, grocery stores sell neosporin. The drug is popular so you do not have to waste lots of time looking for it. Online sites like Amazon, Walmart, Kroger and others sell their antibiotic cream. You can get a tube of the cream between $3-$4 for a 5-ounce tube.
SIDE EFFECTS OF NEOSPORIN FOR HEMORRHOIDS
There are some common side effects that can experience when the cream is used for hemorrhoids or other uses, some of these effects are:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Intense burning
- Pain
- Cracked skin
If you notice any of these side effects or any allergic reactions, you should stop using the product and see your doctor. Neosporin is a topical cream, it is not meant to be taken in orally. If the cream comes in contact with your eyes, nose or mouth, wash off immediately and see your doctor. Neosporin is not recommended to be used in children under the age of 2 no matter the skin issue.
CONCLUSION
Neosporin is an antibiotic cream that handles various skin issues, it is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Over the years, the cream is used for minor cuts, burns, scrapes and other injuries. Using the cream for hemorrhoids is somehow becoming known among people. This is because the cream has ingredients that can provide some sort of relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids. It can even help manage the pain and irritation while you go on with your daily activities.
However, some users have reported that their symptoms became worse after using the cream. So, if you are using neosporin for hemorrhoids, you should be on the look out for side effects and if you notice any, discontinue using the product.