Piles, commonly known as haemorrhoids, are a painful and uncomfortable condition that affects many people. They can make even simple daily activities—like sitting, walking, or passing stool—difficult. While long-term relief often requires lifestyle changes such as increasing fibre, staying hydrated, and improving toilet habits, ointments remain one of the most effective ways to get quick symptom relief.
The right ointment can reduce pain, itching, swelling, and help the affected tissue heal faster, says Dr Amita Jain, a Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon and one of the best doctors for painless piles treatment in Delhi and India.
What Are Piles?
Piles are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus. Depending on their location, they are classified as internal piles (inside the rectum) or external piles (under the skin around the anus). Internal piles often cause painless bleeding during bowel movements, while external piles can cause significant pain, itching, and swelling.
The condition is usually linked to chronic constipation, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, obesity, and straining while passing stool. Mild to moderate cases can be managed with home care and ointments, whereas advanced cases, such as Grade 3 or Grade 4 piles, may require procedures like laser treatment, banding, or surgery. Some of the best Ointments for Piles Treatment are:
1. Hydrocortisone-Based Ointments
Hydrocortisone creams are commonly used for piles because they reduce itching, swelling, and irritation around the anus. They work by calming the inflamed skin and soothing discomfort. These ointments are ideal for people whose main symptoms include persistent itching or redness.
However, hydrocortisone should not be used for long periods, as prolonged application may thin the skin. Most doctors recommend using it for no more than a week unless advised otherwise.
2. Lidocaine or Lignocaine Ointments (Local Anaesthetics)
Lidocaine-based ointments provide quick relief from severe pain by numbing the affected area. They are especially helpful in cases of painful external haemorrhoids or thrombosed piles where the discomfort is sharp and intense.
Although these ointments do not treat the piles themselves, they help manage symptoms and make bowel movements less painful. They are commonly used during flare-ups for immediate comfort.
3. Combination Ointments
Some ointments contain multiple active ingredients—such as a mild steroid, a local anaesthetic, and soothing agents—to target several symptoms at once. These combination ointments are effective for people dealing with pain, itching, swelling, and slight bleeding simultaneously.
They help reduce inflammation, numb the area, and promote faster healing. Because they offer broad relief, they are among the most frequently recommended options for moderate piles.
4. Herbal and Ayurvedic Ointments
Herbal piles ointments use natural ingredients like aloe vera, neem, haritaki, and yastimadhu to soothe the affected area and reduce inflammation. They are suitable for people who prefer gentle, plant-based remedies or those who need an ointment safe for long-term use.
While herbal ointments may not provide the rapid relief of steroid-based creams, they are effective for mild to moderate symptoms and support gradual healing.
5. Astringent Ointments
Astringent ointments help shrink swollen tissues and reduce bleeding, irritation, or discharge. Ingredients like witch hazel and zinc oxide form a protective barrier over the affected area, helping the skin heal while preventing further irritation. These ointments are especially helpful for patients who experience mild bleeding or moisture around the anal region.
6. Antibiotic Ointments
When piles are associated with infection or when small tears (fissures) develop, doctors may prescribe antibiotic creams. These ointments help control bacterial growth, reduce redness, and prevent complications. They should only be used under medical supervision, as unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics can be harmful.
How to Apply Pile Ointments?
To get the best results, it is essential to apply the ointment correctly. The area should be gently cleaned and dried before application. A small amount is usually enough, and it can be applied two to three times a day or after bowel movements. For internal piles, an applicator may be provided to help deliver the ointment inside the rectum. Steroid creams should never be used for more than a week without medical supervision.
When to Seek Medical Help?
While ointments offer quick and effective symptom relief, they may not be enough for advanced piles. You should consult a doctor if bleeding does not stop, if a painful lump persists, if symptoms last beyond a week, or if you suspect an infection. In such cases, minimally invasive treatments or surgical options may be required.
Dr Amita Jain, one of the most experienced General and Laparoscopic Surgeons in Delhi, is widely recognised for her expertise in hernia, piles, gallbladder, fissure, and fistula surgeries. With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital (Delhi), Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi and Rainbow Children Hospitals (at Malviya Nagar and Panchsheel Park, New Delhi)
Dr Amita Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her medical specialisation includes – Gallbladder surgeries, appendix removal surgeries, hernia repair surgeries, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgeries, fistula surgeries and fissure surgeries.
Dr Amita Jain has also authored some of the key medical journals and publications, like ResearchGate, IJSR
Note: the articles are written with Dr Amita Jain’s professional insights and referring to her medical publications.