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Zinc Oxide for Hemorrhoids: Benefits and Application

| Modified on Oct 11, 2024
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Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in topical ointments and creams, widely used for its protective, soothing, and healing properties. Known primarily for its use in treating diaper rash and skin irritations, zinc oxide can also be effective in managing hemorrhoid symptoms. This article explores how zinc oxide can provide relief from hemorrhoid discomfort, reduce irritation, and promote healing.

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is a white, powdery mineral that has been used for centuries in various medicinal and cosmetic products. It acts as a skin protectant, creating a barrier on the skin's surface that helps protect against irritants and moisture. In addition to its protective properties, zinc oxide has mild astringent and antiseptic effects, making it useful for a range of skin conditions, including hemorrhoids.

Benefits of Zinc Oxide for Hemorrhoids

Zinc oxide offers several benefits for individuals suffering from hemorrhoids:

Reduces Irritation: Zinc oxide forms a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from moisture and irritants that can exacerbate hemorrhoid symptoms. This barrier helps soothe irritation and reduce itching.

Soothes and Heals: The astringent properties of zinc oxide help reduce swelling and inflammation, promoting the healing of irritated tissues. It also helps keep the area dry, which can prevent further irritation and discomfort.

Antiseptic Properties: Zinc oxide has mild antiseptic effects that can help prevent infection, particularly in cases where hemorrhoids are bleeding or sore.

How to Use Zinc Oxide for Hemorrhoids

Zinc oxide is commonly available in the form of creams, ointments, or pastes. To use zinc oxide for hemorrhoid relief, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the Area: Gently clean the affected area with warm water and mild soap, then pat dry with a soft towel.
  2. Apply the Ointment: Apply a thin layer of zinc oxide ointment or cream to the external hemorrhoidal area. Use clean hands or a cotton swab to apply the product.
  3. Reapply as Needed: Reapply the zinc oxide treatment after bowel movements or as directed on the product label. Regular use can help maintain a protective barrier and promote healing.

Precautions and Considerations

Zinc oxide is generally safe for most people when used topically. However, it is essential to avoid using it on broken skin or open wounds. Some individuals may experience minor skin irritation or an allergic reaction to zinc oxide. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, itching, or rash, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. Zinc oxide should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for hemorrhoids, including dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent constipation and reduce straining.

In conclusion, zinc oxide is an effective and gentle option for managing hemorrhoid symptoms. Its protective, soothing, and healing properties make it a valuable addition to your hemorrhoid care routine.

Continue reading for feedback from our readers who have tried this remedy!

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3 User Reviews

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Posted by Itchytex (Dallas, Tx) on 05/13/2015
 ★★★★★

Zinc oxide had me better in a day. Up to this point I had tried hydrocortisone (rx brand for hems), vicks, acv, sitz baths, even ice. vicks and Apple Cider Vinegar seemed to help some, but the Apple Cider Vinegar left the area raw and ITCHY! I have had them cut out before in the doc's office, but was trying to avoid that this time.

Last night was constantly awakened by pain and itching. This morning after a BM that had me yelling in pain and then was so itchy, I started googling and came across zinc oxide. We had some in the form of a diaper rash cream "paste" and I put it on. By the time I got to work it was much better and I was not itchy all day. It was still tender and the bump was still physically there, but I would say 80% better.

Zinc Oxide
Posted by Otabek (Namangan, Uzbekistan) on 02/23/2010
 ★★★★★

IMPORTANT FOR INTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS.

First time my hemorrhoids started 2 months ago, because of constipation. Constipation resulted in fissure and blood. Then perhaps because of baktery invasion, constantly I had lots of mucus, it itched badly. I washed with soap very often, but it became worse by time(a month). I found your site and applied apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball at first. It became better, mucus and itching reduced by half, 1 week passed, but it stopped at that point and never improved. I thought my hem was an internal one and cotton ball was shallow. So I found a nose spray which is smooth, emptied it and filled with ACV, applied a zinc oxide cream to the tip, injected it to my hole and sprayed it 3 times. I repeated it 3 times a day first days. Result was very effective, after 2 days there was no mucus and itching any more. Now after 2 weeks I am almost completely cured, external part has almost disappeared, now still I am applying it once a day, especially after stooling.

IMPORTANT: apply some zinc oxide cream (baby cream) to the tip of your nose spray before inserting, otherwise you may hurt your hemorrhoids further.

Also, it is important to stool at least once in 24 hours even if you don't feel the urge, when you go to toilet and sit as muslim way (foots on toilet, and knees almost touching your chest) and wait a little, stool comes by itself easily.

Zinc Oxide
Posted by Ken (Santa Cruz, CA) on 02/14/2009
 ★★★★★

Thanks for the great website! I will certainly try some of the suggested remedies. I would also like to share some of my experiences.

First of all, I'm NOT constipated. My bowel movements are remarkably predictable (daily, usually early morning) and strain-free. However, afterward, the hemorrhoids usually appear and will remain distended for hours UNLESS I perform my post-BM "ritual", which consists of lying face down on a flat surface and relaxing completely. I remain in this position for 5 or 10 minutes and during that time I can usually feel the hemorrhoids retract, after which I'm good to go.

This doesn't always work. When it doesn't, I apply a small blob of a product called Desitin. Sorry, I know I'm not supposed to submit product names, but this one is not widely known and is God's gift to hemorrhoid sufferers. It comes in a tube and is a white ointment containing zinc oxide. It won't cure the hemorrhoids, but it makes them a lot easier to live with. Don't confuse it with your toothpaste!

Another thing that has helped a lot: several years ago I visited a friend in Thailand. In that country and, I assume, many other Asian countries, most of the bathrooms are equipped with hoses that are used to clean the rectal area after a bowel movement. They are similar to the sprayers found on many kitchen sinks in the US, and those can probably be adapted for this purpose by a competent plumber or do-it-yourselfer. I brought one back with me from Thailand and I use it to clean up after a BM, followed by lightly patting the area dry with toilet paper. This is MUCH better than wiping with dry toilet paper, which just causes irritation and bleeding. You can also buy toilets with built-in bidets which serve the same purpose.

Replied by Aloha Granny
(Maui, Hawaii)
07/09/2020

Also, the best thing ever for me was purchasing a toilet seat bidet. Remove your existing toilet seat and replace with bidet toilet seat to your existing toilet. Search online for one that suits your budget and needs.



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