Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen, irritated blood vessels in and around the anus. They’re extremely common and can be internal (usually painless but may bleed) or external (more likely to be painful). Typical symptoms are itching, swelling, burning, irritation, and bright-red bleeding with bowel movements. They’re often triggered by constipation, straining, prolonged sitting on the toilet, heavy lifting, pregnancy, or simply getting older. Most flare-ups settle with self-care aimed at softer, easier bowel movements — but any rectal bleeding is worth confirming with a clinician.
Self-care products available in our shop
- Rectal creams, ointments, and suppositories (e.g., Preparation H, Anusol)
- Fibre supplements (e.g., psyllium/Metamucil) to soften stool and reduce straining
- Stool softeners / gentle laxatives if constipation is a trigger
- Medicated witch hazel pads for soothing after bowel movements
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain
- Self-care that helps: drink 6–8 glasses of water daily, increase dietary fibre gradually, don’t sit on the toilet longer than ~5 minutes, avoid straining, and try a warm sitz bath for 15 minutes a few times a day.
Treatments our pharmacist can prescribe
For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are prescription treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.
Skin & mucous membrane agents: Dibucaine (cinchocaine), Esculin (aesculin), Framycetin (neomycin B), Hydrocortisone, Phenylephrine, Pramoxine, Zinc sulfate
When to seek further care: See a health-care provider if you have rectal bleeding (especially for the first time, or if blood is mixed into the stool), severe or sharp pain, a hemorrhoid that won’t go back in or lasts longer than 7 days, a change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss. Rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be “just hemorrhoids” — it can have other causes that need to be ruled out, particularly over age 50.