10 Simple Tips And Remedies to Relieve Hemorrhoid Itching.

Published: April 2025  ·  8 min read  ·  Medically referenced

Let's be honest — hemorrhoid itching is miserable. And the worst part? The more you scratch, the worse it gets. Scratching irritates the skin, which causes more inflammation, which makes you want to scratch again. It's a vicious cycle.

The good news is that most people feel a lot better within 24–48 hours once they start the right treatments. Here's exactly what works and how to use it — in plain, simple language.

Surprised woman pointing at 10 simple tips and remedies to relieve hemorrhoid itching fast and naturally
10 Simple Tips And Remedies to Relieve Hemorrhoid Itching.

📋 In This Guide 

→ The 10 Best Tips and Remedies 
→ Why Hemorrhoids Cause Itching 
→ Why Scratching Makes Everything Worse 
→ Other Causes of Anal Itching 
→ When to See a Doctor 
→ Fastest Way to Get Relief (Quick Summary) 

10 Remedies That Actually Relieve Hemorrhoid Itching 

1. Ditch the Toilet Paper — Use Witch Hazel Pads Instead 

Ditch toilet paper and use witch hazel pads for gentle hemorrhoids relief and soothing hygiene
Ditch the Toilet Paper — Use Witch Hazel Pads Instead 

This one change alone can make a huge difference, and fast. Regular toilet paper is rough and dry, and many brands contain fragrances and bleaching chemicals that irritate already-sore skin. 

Every wipe is basically scrubbing an open wound. 

Alcohol-free witch hazel pads are so much gentler. They clean more thoroughly, and witch hazel itself is a natural plant-based ingredient that calms inflammation, reduces swelling, and can even stop minor bleeding. 

How to use it: After every bathroom visit, clean with a witch hazel pad instead of toilet paper. Pat gently — don't wipe back and forth. You'll notice the difference immediately. 

The 2 Witch Hazel Products Worth Having on Hand

Two products on Amazon are worth grabbing. If you want something simple and mess-free, the Wowday Flushable Wipes↗ are great — big, soft wipes with organic witch hazel and aloe that you just use and flush. Done. No jar, no fuss. 

If you prefer something a little more traditional, go with TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads↗ — these are the ones hospitals actually use, and for good reason. They cool things down fast and you can even fold one up and press it against the area for a few minutes if you really need relief. Honestly, either one will feel like a revelation compared to dry toilet paper.

Important: Always use alcohol-free witch hazel pads. The ones with alcohol sting and dry out your skin, making things worse. 

2. Put Aloe Vera Gel on for Fast, Cooling Relief 

Apply aloe vera gel for fast cooling relief to soothe hemorrhoids naturally
 Put Aloe Vera Gel on for Fast, Cooling Relief 

Pure aloe vera gel cools irritated skin almost instantly, calms inflammation, and creates a thin soothing layer over the skin that dials down the itch signal within minutes. 

How to use it: Dab a small amount of plain, fragrance-free aloe vera gel onto the itchy area up to 3–4 times a day. 

It's also a great "instead of scratching" move — when the itch is driving you crazy, reach for the aloe gel instead. Keep a tube in the bathroom so it's right there when you need it most. 

Don't Forget This One — Your Skin Will Thank You

And if you really want to speed up the healing, grab the Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel↗ while you're at it. It's 100% pure aloe from freshly cut plants, absorbs instantly with zero sticky residue, and feels incredibly soothing on irritated skin. Just dab a little on after your witch hazel pad and you'll feel the difference right away. Nearly 75,000 Amazon reviews don't lie — this stuff is the real deal.

3. Try an Anti-Itch Hemorrhoid Cream 

Applying anti-itch hemorrhoid cream to soothe irritation and reduce swelling.
Try an Anti-Itch Hemorrhoid Cream 

Over-the-counter creams go a step further than aloe or witch hazel — they actually suppress the inflammation causing the itch. Two main ingredients to look for: 

  •  Hydrocortisone (0.5–1%) — a mild steroid that reduces redness, swelling, and itching in inflamed tissue. Don't use it for more than 7–10 days in a row, as it can thin the skin with prolonged use. 
  • Lidocaine — a topical numbing agent that kills the itch and pain signals on contact. Works faster than hydrocortisone but doesn't treat the underlying inflammation. Many products combine both. 

How to use it: Apply a thin layer to the outside of the anal area after cleaning, up to 3–4 times a day. Using it before bed is especially helpful, since itching often gets worse at night. 

Dealing with internal hemorrhoid pain or irritation? These Hemorrhoid Soothing Suppositories↗ work directly at the source to relieve burning, itching, and discomfort while helping reduce swelling.

4. Soak in a Warm Sitz Bath 

Warm sitz bath for hemorrhoid relief helping reduce pain, itching, and inflammation.
Soak in a Warm Sitz Bath 

A sitz bath rinses away irritants on the skin, relaxes the muscles around the area (which tighten up when hemorrhoids are inflamed), and boosts blood flow to help the tissue heal. Most people find the itching calms down noticeably for several hours afterward. 

How to do it: 

  1. Fill a small sitz bath basin (or just your bathtub) with a few inches of warm — not hot — water 
  2. Soak for 15–20 minutes 
  3. You can add a small handful of plain Epsom salt for extra relief 
  4. Pat the area completely dry afterward — leaving moisture on the skin makes itching worse 

Doing one before bed and one in the morning is ideal during a flare-up. 

No Bathtub Needed 

Portable Sitz Bath Basin: Fits over any standard toilet. Most reviewed sitz bath on Amazon. Add Epsom salt for extra anti-inflammatory benefit. 

This $15 Trick Gives You Instant Relief — Doctors Have Recommended It for Years

If you really want to feel better fast, a sitz bath is one of the oldest and most effective remedies out there — and the Fivona Sitz Bath Seat↗ makes it dead simple. It fits right over your toilet, no bathtub needed. Just fill it with warm water, sit for 10-15 minutes, and let the heat do its thing — reducing inflammation, soothing pain, and actually promoting healing. It's BPA-free, ergonomic, and fits pretty much any toilet. Thousands of people swear by it, and once you try it you'll understand why.

(Warm sitz baths are commonly recommended to soothe irritation and inflammation )

5. Use a Cold Pack for Sudden Itch Flare-Ups 

Using a cold pack to relieve hemorrhoid itching and reduce swelling instantly.
 Use a Cold Pack for Sudden Itch Flare-Ups 
Cold is one of the quickest ways to shut down an intense itch. It tightens blood vessels, numbs the nerve endings in the skin, and reduces swelling. 

1. Wrap a cold gel pack or a bag of ice in a thin cloth — never put ice directly on your skin 
2. Hold it gently against the area for 10–15 minutes 
3. Repeat every few hours during a bad flare-up — works especially well at night when itching spikes.

6. Apply a Thin Layer of Petroleum Jelly 

Applying petroleum jelly to protect skin and reduce irritation from hemorrhoids.
Apply a Thin Layer of Petroleum Jelly 

Simple petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) is one of the most underrated remedies out there. 

It creates a protective barrier between your sensitive skin and the moisture, friction, and irritants that keep triggering the itch. 

It doesn't treat the hemorrhoid itself, but it protects the damaged skin while it heals — which breaks the irritation cycle. 

How to use it: Apply a thin layer after your sitz bath and after each bathroom visit. Especially helpful at bedtime — protects the skin all night while you sleep. 

A Protective Barrier That Stops the Pain Between Bathroom Visits

Most people don't think about this one, but it's a game changer. The Amazon Basics Petroleum Jelly↗ is just pure, unscented petrolatum — the same stuff doctors have been recommending for decades. Hemorrhoid Relief Products Comparison

Hemorrhoid Relief Products Comparison

4 top Amazon picks for complete hemorrhoid & digestive care

Fivona Sitz Bath for Toilet Seat
Fivona
Sitz Bath for Toilet Seat
TypeFoldable basin
UseSoak · Steam · Bidet
FitUniversal toilet fit
MaterialBPA-free · Temp resistant
CertsNon-toxic testedUnisex
IncludesBasin · guide booklet
Rating★★★★★ #1 Sitz Baths
Best for postpartum care, hemorrhoid soaking & yoni steaming
Check Price on Amazon Free shipping with Prime
Squatty Potty Original Toilet Stool
Squatty Potty
Original Toilet Stool — Curve 7"
TypeToilet stool / footrest
Height7 inches
DesignCurve · sleek · modern
ColorBlack
BenefitNatural squat posture
FitMost standard toilets
Rating★★★★★ 4.7 · 100k+ reviews
Best for easier elimination & reducing straining
Check Price Here Free shipping with Prime
Dr. Seymour Butts Hemorrhoid Wipes
Dr. Seymour Butts
Soothing Botanical Hemorrhoid Wipes
TypeMedicated wipes
Key ingredient45% Witch Hazel
Also containsCalendula · Aloe · Chamomile · Vitamin E
AlcoholAlcohol-free
Quantity3-pack set
UseExternal only
Rating★★★★★ #109 Feminine Wipes
Best for instant on-the-go soothing & gentle daily cleansing
Grab Yours Now Free shipping with Prime
NOW Foods Psyllium Husk Caps 500mg
NOW Foods
Psyllium Husk Caps 500 mg
TypeFiber supplement (caps)
Potency500 mg per capsule
Quantity500 veg capsules
Dose3 caps · 2–3x daily
CertsNon-GMO VerifiedVeganKosher
Free ofGluten · Soy · Corn
Rating★★★★★ 4.6 · 22k+ reviews
Best for softening stools & long-term digestive regularity
Discover it Now Free shipping with Prime
Feature Fivona Sitz Bath Sitz Bath Seat Fivona Squatty Potty Original Toilet Stool Squatty Potty Dr. Seymour Butts Wipes Soothing Wipes Dr. Seymour Butts NOW Psyllium Husk Psyllium Husk 500mg NOW Foods
TypeFoldable sitz basinToilet footstoolMedicated wipesFiber supplement
Primary benefitSoaking & steamingNatural squat postureInstant relief & cleansingDigestive regularity
Key featureBPA-free · foldable7" curve design45% Witch Hazel500 mg psyllium fiber
Quantity1 basin1 stool3-pack wipes500 veg caps
Non-GMON/AN/AN/AVerified
Vegan / plant-basedYesYesYesYes
Alcohol-freeN/AN/AYesN/A
Gluten-freeYesYesYesYes
Fits all toiletsUniversalMost standardN/AN/A
Internal useNoNoExternal onlyYes
Made in USANoYesNot statedYes
Amazon rating★★★★★ #1 Sitz Baths★★★★★ 4.7★★★★★ #109 Wipes★★★★★ 4.6 · 22k+
Grab Yours View it Now Explore it Here Grab Yours
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue creating free content. Thank you for your support!

Prices and availability may vary. Always read labels and consult a healthcare professional before use.

After you clean with your witch hazel pad, just apply a tiny amount to the irritated area and it creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture, reduces friction, and stops that constant raw, burning feeling throughout the day. No fancy ingredients, no gimmicks — just something that genuinely works. And at around $5 a jar, it's probably the cheapest relief you'll find on this entire list.

7. Keep the Area Clean and Dry 

Keep the Area Clean and Dry 

Moisture is one of the main reasons hemorrhoid itching sticks around. 

The area naturally stays warm and damp, which is perfect for irritation to keep going. 

  • After cleaning with witch hazel pads, pat the area completely dry with a soft cloth or unscented tissue 
  • Give it a minute of air drying before putting your clothes back on if you can 
  • Skip talcum powder on inflamed skin — it can actually be abrasive 
  • Wear loose cotton underwear — synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture against the skin all day long 

8. Sit on a Donut Cushion 

Person sitting on a donut cushion to relieve hemorrhoid pressure and reduce pain while seated.
Sit on a Donut Cushion 

When you sit on a hard surface, you're putting constant pressure on swollen tissue, squeezing it against the surrounding skin all day. 

That steady compression is a major driver of that nagging, persistent itch that gets worse the longer you sit. 

A donut cushion has a hole in the middle that takes all the pressure off the area completely. If you work at a desk or spend a lot of time sitting, this is a simple game-changer. 

This Ergonomic Donut Seat Cushion↗ on amazon is designed to relieve pressure on the tailbone and rectal area, helping reduce pain and discomfort while sitting—perfect for hemorrhoids, coccyx pain, or long hours at a desk.

9. Watch What You Eat During a Flare-Up 

Surprised person pointing to text about watching diet during hemorrhoids flare-up with healthy food elements in background
Watch What You Eat During a Flare-Up 

Certain foods pass through your digestive system and end up in your stool, where they then irritate sensitive skin. It sounds strange, but it's a well-established pattern. 

Biggest culprits: Spicy food (capsaicin survives digestion almost intact), caffeine, alcohol, citrus juices, and heavily processed foods. 

During a flare-up, try to: 

  1. Avoid spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, and citrus temporarily 
  2. Eat more oatmeal, prunes, pears, cooked vegetables, and lentils 
  3. Drink 8–10 glasses of water a day — fiber only works properly when you're well hydrated 

10. Use a Stool Softener for a Few Days 

Person holding stool softener medication with surprised expression pointing to text about short-term relief for hemorrhoids
Use a Stool Softener for a Few Days 

Every difficult bowel movement re-injures already swollen, sensitive tissue and restarts the itch cycle. 

A gentle stool softener during a flare-up makes each bathroom visit less damaging. 

This isn't meant to be a long-term fix — just short-term support while your other treatments do the heavy lifting. 

Look for docusate sodium (100mg) — it's non-stimulant, which means it softens the stool without causing cramping or urgency. 

Struggling with hard or uncomfortable bowel movements? These Gentle Stool Softener Capsules↗ help ease constipation by softening stools for a more natural, strain-free experience.

Why Do Hemorrhoids Even Itch? 

Before we jump into the fixes, it helps to understand why hemorrhoids itch in the first place. There are three main reasons: 

1 — Moisture and mucus: When hemorrhoids swell up, they can leak a little mucus onto the skin around your bottom. Over time, this breaks down the skin's natural protective layer and makes it super sensitive. 

2 — Swelling pressing: on the skin Swollen hemorrhoids push against the surrounding skin from the inside. Your body reads that pressure as an itch rather than pain. Once the swelling goes down, the itching usually goes with it. 

3 — Difficult cleaning: When hemorrhoids are swollen, it's harder to clean yourself properly after using the bathroom. Any leftover residue on already-sensitive skin causes burning and itching. 

Why Scratching Makes Things So Much Worse 

We all know scratching feels amazing for about two seconds. 

But here's what's actually happening when you do it:  Scratching breaks tiny holes in the skin 

→ Bacteria get in 
→ Your immune system fires up 
→ More inflammation 
→ More swelling 
→ More itching. 

You also strip away the natural oils protecting your skin, leaving it even more exposed. So every time you scratch, you're making tomorrow worse. 

The goal of every tip in this article is simple: break that itch-scratch cycle. 

Could Something Else Be Causing the Itch? 

Hemorrhoids aren't the only cause of anal itching. If things don't improve after a week or two of the treatments above, it might be worth considering: 

  • Contact dermatitis — a reaction to soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper fragrances, or other products. The fix is identifying and removing the irritant. 
  • Psoriasis or eczema — both can affect the perianal area and look a lot like hemorrhoid itch, but they need different treatments. 
  • Fungal infection — Candida overgrowth in the area is more common than most people think, especially after antibiotics. It needs an antifungal cream to clear up. 
  • Pinworms — especially worth considering if you have young kids at home. Pinworm itching is typically worst at night, and it's treated with a single pill.
  • Diet irritation — coffee, citrus, tomatoes, and spicy foods can irritate the perianal skin even in people without hemorrhoids. 

🩺When Should You See a Doctor? 

Home remedies clear up most cases of hemorrhoid itching within 1–2 weeks. 

But see a doctor if: 
  • The itching hasn't improved after 2 weeks of consistent treatment 
  • You notice skin discoloration, thickening, or open sores 
  • There's any unusual discharge 
  • There's bleeding that doesn't seem connected to bowel movements 
  • The itching comes with significant pain that doesn't improve with sitz baths 

The Fastest Way to Get Relief (Quick Summary) 

For the fastest results, combine several of these approaches at once: 
  1. Switch to witch hazel pads immediately 
  2. Apply aloe vera gel when the itch flares up 
  3. Use a hydrocortisone hemorrhoid cream twice a day 
  4. Take a warm sitz bath before bed 
  5. Apply petroleum jelly overnight Stick with this combination consistently for 3–5 days and most people see major improvement. 

Conclusion 

Hemorrhoid itching is uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to last long. With the right combination of witch hazel pads, aloe vera gel, warm sitz baths, and a good hemorrhoid cream, most people feel significantly better within just a few days. 

The key is consistency and tackling it from multiple angles at once. 

Remember: don't scratch, keep the area clean and dry, protect your skin, and be gentle with yourself. Small habits — like switching to witch hazel pads or sleeping with a thin layer of petroleum jelly — can make a surprisingly big difference. You've got this — relief is closer than you think. 

📑 Related Articles 

1. How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Fast: Complete Treatment Guide Everything you need to know about treating hemorrhoids at home — from sitz baths to over-the-counter creams — and when it's time to call your doctor. 

2. The Best Foods to Eat (and Avoid) When You Have Hemorrhoids: What you eat has a huge impact on hemorrhoid flare-ups. A simple breakdown of what helps, what hurts, and easy swaps to make. 

3. Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoids How to Do It Right Step-by-step instructions for getting the most out of a sitz bath — including what to add to the water and how often to do it. 

4. Internal vs External Hemorrhoids: What's the Difference? Internal and external hemorrhoids cause different symptoms and need slightly different treatments. Here's how to tell which one you're dealing with. 

📚Medical Sources 

1. Mayo ClinicHemorrhoids: Symptoms & Causes
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Hemorrhoids
3. American Society of Colon and Rectal SurgeonsHemorrhoids Expanded Information
5. PubMed / National Library of MedicineWitch Hazel and Its Anti-Inflammatory Properties
6. Healthline How to Use fresh Aloe Vera

Medical Disclaimer:  This article provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. 
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