Is It OK to Use Hemorrhoid Cream Under My Eyes and for My Face?
Key takeaways:
It’s possible hemorrhoid creams may tighten blood vessels and improve the appearance of under-eye skin, bags, and dark circles.
But these creams shouldn’t be used on the face. There’s no evidence for whether this practice is safe or effective.
There are other safer, proven ways to care for your skin, including the sensitive skin around your eyes.
If you want to try a product in a way it isn’t approved (like using hemorrhoid cream on the face), talk with a dermatologist first. They can give you their opinion on how safe and effective it might be.
Access savings on related medications
Table of contents
Preparation H, and other over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams are a common and convenient way to treat hemorrhoids. But, some people use these products in a lesser-known way: to reduce face puffiness and treat bags under the eyes.
There are many reasons people can get puffy eyes or dark circles under their eyes. Lifestyle habits, like eating a lot of salt or not getting enough sleep, can lead to puffy eyes.
Age plays a role, too. A loss in skin elasticity around the eyes can move fat into the lower eyelids. This can cause that skin to look puffy (swollen). And, fluid can build up under the eyes, adding to the appearance of puffiness. But your genetics are important, too. Bags and dark circles under your eyes can be something that runs in your family — no matter your age, lifestyle, or skin care routine.
Search and compare options
In theory, hemorrhoid creams contain ingredients that may help improve the appearance of your skin, wrinkles, and under-eye area. But is the practice safe? Does it work? And should you be trying it?
How do hemorrhoid creams work?
Hemorrhoid medications help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, like itching or pain in the anal area. Hemorrhoids happen when veins in the anus and rectum become swollen. This can happen if you’re straining to have a bowel movement, for example, or pregnant.
Common hemorrhoid products include:
Preparation H anti-itch cream (hydrocortisone)
Preparation H cooling gel (phenylephrine/witch hazel)
Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads (witch hazel)
Americaine ointment (benzocaine)
What is in hemorrhoid creams?
Hemorrhoid creams usually contain one or more of the following ingredients:
Steroids: Rectal steroids like hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) can relieve swelling, itchiness, and redness. Rectal hydrocortisone comes as a cream and suppository form, and generally causes fewer side effects than other forms of steroids.
Astringents: These products can relieve the burning sensation that often comes with hemorrhoids. Their effect is only temporary, however. Witch hazel is one example.
Protectants: These products prevent the skin from drying out, which helps with irritation in the anal area. This also helps reduce pain during a bowel movement. Examples include mineral oil, petrolatum, and zinc oxide.
Decongestants: Rectal phenylephrine works by shrinking the swollen vessels in the anal area. Since phenylephrine constricts blood vessels, it may not be safe for everyone, like people with high blood pressure.
Local anesthetics: These products may help relieve pain and soreness from hemorrhoids. These are only for external use, so they can’t be used inside the rectum. Examples include Ana-Lex (lidocaine/hydrocortisone) and benzocaine.
Banish puffy eye bags. Here, three nurses share home remedies that worked for them.
What causes dark under-eye circles? Learn why they happen and what you can do about them.
Tips on how to age gracefully. Eight proven tips to make you look and feel your best at any stage in life.
Does hemorrhoid cream work for eye bags, puffiness, and dark circles?
Because the ingredients in hemorrhoid creams relieve swelling, it’s not inconceivable that they could have the same effect on the face and around the eyes. And they might, but there are no studies to say if this practice is safe or effective.
Creams that contain phenylephrine may help narrow the swollen blood vessels around the eyes, which may improve the appearance of swelling. Creams with steroids may lower inflammation, also improving swelling.
So when it comes to dark circles, hemorrhoid creams may improve some swelling. But they won’t help all causes of puffiness and swelling. And they won’t do anything to improve dark circles caused by increased skin pigmentation.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
There aren’t studies looking at the use of hemorrhoid creams around the eyes. Without this evidence, we can’t say for sure if they’re safe and effective to use in this way. In fact, labels of hemorrhoid creams — like Preparation H — recommend against exposing your eyes to these products.
Can hemorrhoid cream tighten skin or minimize wrinkles?
Again, since hemorrhoid creams narrow swollen blood vessels in the anal area, it’s possible they could do the same on the face, making your skin appear tighter and improving the appearance of wrinkles. But there are a lot of unknowns. And just like with eye circles and bags, there’s no good evidence that using hemorrhoid cream anywhere on the face is safe.
So, what’s the verdict? Should you use hemorrhoid cream for your eyes or face?
No. There’s no evidence to support using hemorrhoid creams like Preparation H for bags under your eyes, dark circles, puffiness, or face wrinkles. In fact, using hemorrhoid cream might be harmful. For example, long-term use of hemorrhoid creams with steroids may cause the following side effects:
Thinning skin
Darkening or lightening of skin (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation)
What can you do to reduce puffiness and improve skin appearance?
Consider instead other ways to improve skin appearance. Try these dermatologist-recommended tips:
Apply soaked and chilled black tea bags to the area (the caffeine helps constrict blood vessels).
Use cold compresses, to lessen swelling and inflammation.
Wear sunscreen.
Use a moisturizer.
Get regular good quality sleep.
If you smoke, quit smoking.
If these at-home remedies aren’t giving you the results you want, talk with your dermatologist. They can recommend in-office procedures that may help, like chemical peels, fillers, and laser resurfacing.
The bottom line
OTC hemorrhoid creams are a common way to treat hemorrhoids. But, they’re not safe for your face. While it’s possible they could help narrow blood vessels and reduce swelling, hemorrhoid creams aren’t safe for use around the eyes, and there are risks to their long-term use on the delicate skin of the face.
There are other safer, proven ways to care for your skin and improve the appearance of tired eyes. Get enough sleep, cut back on salty foods, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and use moisturizer. If you’re concerned, talk with your dermatologist about products or treatments that could help you get better results.
Why trust our experts?
References
Abraham, A., et al. (2014). Topical steroid-damaged skin. Indian Journal of Dermatology.
Blistex, Inc. (2021). Tucks medicated cooling pads [package insert].
Ference, J. D., et al. (2009). Choosing topical corticosteroids. American Family Physician.
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US), LLC. (n.d.). Preparation H cooling gel [package insert].
Haleon US Holdings LLC. (2024). Preparation H soothing relief anti-itch [package insert]. DailyMed.
Insight Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2020). Americaine [package insert].
Mott, T., et al. (2018). Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and treatment options. American Family Physician.
Pray, W. S., et al. (2011). Counseling patients with hemorrhoids. U.S. Pharmacist.
