RectiCare (for use on the skin) is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by skin irritations such as sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and minor cuts, scratches, or burns. This medicine is also used to treat rectal discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.

Preparation H®, Recticare, and lidocaine creams do not cure the underlying condition of hemorrhoids but they can help manage symptoms and provide relief.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that helps to relieve pain by numbing the area. Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor that causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the area to reduce swelling. Mineral oil and white petrolatum are lubricants that form a layer on the skin to provide moisture and protect it from irritation.

It contains both 5% Lidocaine and 0.25% Phenylephrine HCL, the strongest formula available without a prescription. Lidocaine deadens the nerve-endings in the skin and surrounding tissue for a numbing effect, while the Phenylephrine HCL shrinks the swollen hemorrhoidal tissue.

Adults and children 12 years and older: apply externally to the affected area up to 6 times a day. Children under 12 years of age: consult a doctor. To use finger cots: Roll one finger cot over finger.

You'll usually use most treatments for piles or itchy bottom several times a day – first thing in the morning, last thing at night and after you've done a poo. Check the leaflet which comes with the product you are using. Some treatments are only used on the skin around your anus – such as creams, ointments and sprays.

With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week. See your health care provider within a week if you don't get relief. Contact your provider sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding.

There is no set duration for hemorrhoids. Small hemorrhoids may clear up without any treatment within a few days. Large external hemorrhoids may take longer to heal and cause significant pain and discomfort. If hemorrhoids have not resolved within a few days, it is best to see a doctor for treatment.

It's best not to use these treatments for more than 7 days and not to repeat these treatments too often.

Hemorrhoid cream has been used for decades to relieve the temporary symptoms caused by inflamed veins or hemorrhoidal tissue around the anus. It helps treat the symptoms until the flare-up subsides. This normally happens within a few days to a week.

With these treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms often go away within a week. See your health care provider within a week if you don't get relief. Contact your provider sooner if you have severe pain or bleeding.

For hemorrhoids, hydrocortisone rectal cream usually is used in adults and children 12 years and older up to 3 or 4 times daily. If you obtained hydrocortisone without a prescription (over the counter) and your condition does not improve within 7 days, stop using it and call your doctor.