10 Simple Tips to Relieve Hemorrhoid Itching
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| 10 Simple Tips And Remedies to Relieve Hemorrhoid Itching. |
Last Updated: June 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research
📋 In This Guide
1. Ditch the Toilet Paper — Use Witch Hazel Pads Instead
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| 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.
T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel Medicated Cooling Pads
100 pads · 3 in diameter · 100% natural witch hazel · Clinical grade · #1 physician recommended witch hazel brand
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon · #1 physician recommended witch hazel brand
T.N. Dickinson's is the #1 physician recommended witch hazel brand — and these clinical grade cooling pads are made with 100% natural witch hazel to treat and soothe inflamed, burning, itching, and irritated hemorrhoidal areas. Larger 3-inch diameter pads provide better coverage than standard wipes. 100 pads per box for a long-lasting supply.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
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.
WowDay Medicated Hemorrhoidal Flushable Wipes
4-pack · 224 wipes total · Witch hazel + aloe + mint · Chemical-free · Hypoallergenic · Plant-based · Physician developed
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon · Physician developed since 1956
The best bulk wipe value on this list — 4 packs of 56 wipes (224 total) at a physician-developed formula trusted since 1956. Made with witch hazel, aloe, and mint for a cooling medicated effect, 100% plant-based, chemical-free, and hypoallergenic. Flushable and safe for intimate use. Includes a bonus travel pack of 12 wipes for on-the-go relief.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
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.
TUCKS® Medicated Cooling Pads
100 pads · Witch hazel formula · Immediate relief · Brand used by hospitals
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon · Hospital trusted brand
TUCKS is the brand used by hospitals — and for good reason. These medicated cooling pads deliver immediate relief from burning and itching caused by hemorrhoids using witch hazel, which soothes and protects irritated tissue on contact. Keep them in the bathroom for instant post-toilet comfort. 100 pads per box means a long-lasting supply at an affordable price.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
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
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| 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
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| 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.
RéVIVOL-XR® Advanced Hemorrhoid & Fissure Cream
When you need fast, serious relief, ReVIVOL-XR delivers. Its 5% Lidocaine formula numbs pain on contact, while Phenylephrine HCl reduces swelling and natural botanical extracts — aloe, witch hazel, and centella — soothe irritated tissue. Maximum strength, no prescription needed.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
4. Soak in a Warm Sitz Bath
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| 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:
- Fill a small sitz bath basin (or just your bathtub) with a few inches of warm — not hot — water
- Soak for 15–20 minutes
- You can add a small handful of plain Epsom salt for extra relief
- 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.
Fivona Sitz Bath for Toilet Seat
Universal fit · Easy to use · 1-Year warranty · Includes care guide
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon
One of the easiest ways to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort at home. Fits most standard toilet seats, requires no tools, and delivers warm water relief right where you need it. Comes with a 1-year Fivona warranty and a care guide for best results.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
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
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| Use a Cold Pack for Sudden Itch Flare-Ups |
HemorrWedge Hemorrhoid Ice Pack Relief
2 reusable silicone gel packs · Wedge shape · Fast relief, no mess · Washable · Shrinks external hemorrhoids
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon · Purpose-built design
Cold therapy is one of the fastest ways to shrink external hemorrhoids, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation — but a regular ice pack doesn't fit the anatomy well. HemorrWedge solves that with a contoured wedge shape designed specifically for the area, made from reusable silicone gel that you simply chill and apply. No melting, no mess, no leaking. Includes 2 packs so one is always ready in the freezer while the other is in use.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
- Wrap a cold gel pack or a bag of ice in a thin cloth — never put ice directly on your skin
- Hold it gently against the area for 10–15 minutes
- 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
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| 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.
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
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| 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
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| 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.
Thes 5 Ergonomic Donut Seat Cushions are 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.
5 Stars United Large Donut Cushion — Memory Foam + Cooling Gel
Memory foam · Cooling gel layer · Tailbone & hemorrhoid comfort · All-day use · Lifetime warranty
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon · Lifetime warranty by 5 Stars United
Sitting for long periods puts direct pressure on hemorrhoids, making pain and swelling worse throughout the day. This large donut cushion takes all that pressure off by suspending the affected area in the center cut-out, while memory foam and a cooling gel layer keep you comfortable for hours. Works at your desk, in the car, or on any chair. Backed by a lifetime warranty.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
9. Watch What You Eat During a hemorrhoid Crisis
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| 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:
- Avoid spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, and citrus temporarily
- Eat more oatmeal, prunes, pears, cooked vegetables, and lentils
- 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
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| 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 5 Stool Softeners help ease constipation by softening stools for a more natural, strain-free experience.
Amazon Basic Care Stool Softener 100mg
100 softgels · Docusate Sodium 100mg · Stimulant-free · Compare to Colace® · Gentle laxative
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon · Dependable gentle effect
Straining during bowel movements is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoids. This stool softener uses Docusate Sodium 100mg — the same active ingredient as Colace® — to gently soften stools and make them easier to pass without straining. Stimulant-free, so it works naturally without cramping or urgency. 100 softgels at a fraction of the brand-name price.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
Why Do Hemorrhoids Even Itch?
Globe Hemorrhoidal Cream Maximum Strength with Aloe
1.8 oz (51g) · Smooth cream with aloe · Applicator included · Compare to Preparation H
⭐ Highly rated on Amazon
Contains the same active ingredients as Preparation H at a fraction of the price. Delivers rapid soothing relief from burning, itching, and discomfort, shrinks swollen hemorrhoidal tissue, and protects irritated skin — all in a smooth aloe-infused cream. Comes with a rectal applicator for internal use.
(*) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability may vary.
Why Scratching Makes Things So Much 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?
- 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)
- Switch to witch hazel pads immediately
- Apply aloe vera gel when the itch flares up
- Use a hydrocortisone hemorrhoid cream twice a day
- Take a warm sitz bath before bed
- Apply petroleum jelly overnight. Stick with this combination consistently for 3–5 days and most people see major improvement.
