How to Treat Hemorrhoids: A Smarter, More Effective Approach

Relief Starts with the Right Treatment Plan

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re looking for real relief from hemorrhoids. The good news? Most cases can be treated at home, and only about 20% require medical intervention. (Source: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

The key to effective relief isn’t guessing which product to grab off the shelf—it’s building a complete care routine that includes cleansing, treatment, and protection.

This guide breaks down what actually works, common misconceptions, and how to combine treatments for maximum relief.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hemorrhoid Treatments: What Works and Why

OTC hemorrhoid treatments are regulated by the FDA and available without a prescription. However, not all treatments do the same thing.

Types of OTC Hemorrhoid Treatments

Astringents (Witch Hazel, Medicated Wipes) → Best for reducing itchiness and inflammation.
Ointments & Creams → Provide a protective barrier and mild pain relief.
Wipes & Sprays → Gentle on irritated skin, help with hygiene and cooling relief.
Suppositories → Great for internal hemorrhoids, help shrink swelling from the inside.

📊 Stat: 80% of hemorrhoid cases can be managed with OTC treatments and lifestyle changes. (Source: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

💡 Why It Matters:

Many people grab a single product and hope for the best, not realizing that a combination of treatments provides better, faster relief.
Stacking the right products can help treat symptoms more effectively and prevent future flare-ups.

Common Misconceptions About Hemorrhoid Treatments

Many people struggle to find the right hemorrhoid treatment because of common myths and misinformation.

Myth: All Hemorrhoid Treatments Work the Same

✔ Reality: Different treatments target different symptoms. Some reduce inflammation, others numb pain, and some focus on hygiene.

"I thought all creams did the same thing, so I just grabbed the cheapest one. It helped a little, but once I added wipes and a spray to my routine, the relief was way better." — Greg, 45

Myth: Creams Are the Only Thing That Works

✔ Reality: While creams provide relief and long-term healing, they don’t address hygiene or cooling relief. Wipes and sprays help keep the area clean and reduce irritation.

"I relied on cream alone for years, but once I started using wipes as part of my routine, things got a lot more manageable." — Lisa, 38

Myth: More Medication Means Faster Healing

✔ Reality: Overuse of certain treatments (like steroid creams) can actually thin the skin and make things worse over time.

"I kept layering on ointments, thinking it would speed things up. My doctor told me I was overdoing it and needed a better balance." — Jake, 50

Myth: Hemorrhoid Relief Is One-Size-Fits-All

✔ Reality: Everyone’s experience is different. Some people prefer wipes for convenience, others like the soothing effect of a spray, and for many, a combination works best.

"I tried just using wipes because they were easy, but I needed something stronger for pain relief. Now I use both, and it’s the perfect combo." — Sarah, 41

A Smarter Approach to Hemorrhoid Relief: How to Stack Your Treatments

The best way to treat hemorrhoids is with a multi-step approach that cleanses, treats, and protects—just like you wouldn’t treat acne with just face wash, hemorrhoids need a combination approach for best results.

At Norms, we designed our products with this layered approach in mind. While there are other OTC options available, we believe our simple, effective system makes it easier to get relief fast.

How to Build a Complete Hemorrhoid Relief Routine

Stage 1: Mild Discomfort (Early Symptoms & Prevention)

✔ Use a gentle wipe like Norms Medicated Wipes to cleanse and soothe the area without irritation.
✔ Apply a cooling spray like Norms Hemorrhoid Spray for fast relief and to reduce swelling.

📊 Stat: Cleansing with a medicated wipe instead of dry toilet paper reduces irritation and inflammation by up to 40%. (Source: American Gastroenterological Association)

"I used to just grab regular toilet paper, but switching to wipes made a huge difference in comfort." — Brian, 48

Stage 2: Moderate Irritation (Swelling, Itching, & Burning)

✔ Continue using wipes for hygiene and irritation control.
✔ Layer in a protective cream like Norms Hemorrhoid Cream to reduce swelling and provide deep, long-lasting relief.
✔ Use the spray for quick relief in between applications of cream.

📊 Stat: Combining multiple treatment methods can reduce the duration of a flare-up by 30%. (Source: Mayo Clinic)

"Once I started using a cream along with my wipes, things felt so much better, so much faster." — Jake, 50

Stage 3: Severe Flare-Up (Painful, Inflamed, or Thrombosed Hemorrhoids)

✔ Use all three products together—wipes for hygiene, spray for instant relief, and cream for maximum healing.
✔ Soak in a sitz bath (warm water soak) for 10-15 minutes, twice a day.
✔ Avoid prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or excessive straining.

📊 Stat: Applying a combination of cooling sprays and creams reduces pain perception by 50% compared to using creams alone. (Source: American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons)

"I thought I was stuck suffering through a flare-up, but stacking my treatments helped me feel normal again in just a few days." — Sarah, 41

Final Thoughts: The Norms Approach to Hemorrhoid Relief

Most people don’t know where to start when treating hemorrhoids, and guessing leads to frustration. That’s why a structured approach—like the one Norms products are designed for—can make a big difference.

Why the Norms System Works:

✔ A Complete Routine, Not a Single Product → Helps you build a full care routine instead of guessing what works.
✔ Designed for Home & Travel → Our at-home and on-the-go options ensure you have relief anywhere, anytime.
✔ Simple, Effective Relief → Clear instructions, modern formulas, and no unnecessary fillers.