Suffering from hemorrhoids, it is estimated, will likely affect 50% of all adults at some time in their lives.
As a result, I can definitively state that you are not alone in your struggles with hemorrhoids.
Although the number of sufferers is staggering, most people are still embarrassed or ashamed to bring the issue to their general practitioner.
This is just not a topic that individuals are comfortable discussing openly, even with their doctors.
Because of this, most hemorrhoid sufferers continue to buy over the counter medicines, treatments, and lotions that simply mask the actual problem and allows you to deal with the symptoms you have that include burning, itching, bleeding and in some cases, intense pain when walking or sitting.
The over the counter market is extremely lucrative, as you could imagine with nearly half of the adult population in this country being affected by hemorrhoids.
But some hemorrhoid remedies can actually be damaging to you and your skin if used incorrectly.
Hydrocortisone is probably the most common ingredient in over the counter medicines for hemorrhoid treatment.
It is found in numerous products primarily to alleviate itchiness, dry skin, help heal small wounds, improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and, certainly, in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Simply, hydrocortisone reduces minor inflammation, pain and swelling in the soft tissue of the body.
It actually mimics the inflammation reducing hormone produced naturally by your body and is very effective in this role.
Because of that, hydrocortisone is considered an effective treatment for the swelling, burning and itchiness caused by inflamed hemorrhoids.
On the surface, hydrocortisone looks like it must be an effective remedy for hemorrhoid symptoms and, by in large, it can be if not used in excess.
However, a side affect of hydrocortisone that is not widely known is that excessive use leads to thinning of the skin.
This does not generally create an issue when administered to areas like the arms or legs, where skin is thicker and not overly sensitive.
But, in a place of significant sensitivity and thin tissue, such as the anus, the excessive use of hydrocortisone is often damaging.
This is especially true in cases of constipation where hard stools get forced alongside thin tissue.
The thinned tissue is then more prone to tearing, bleeding and rupture which may lead to fissures and other more serious problems in addition to the hemorrhoids.
Thinned tissue does not heal rapidly.
Skin which does not heal properly or rapidly is at risk of infection, which in extreme cases can lead to septicemia.
Should you be using ointments that have hydrocortisone, use them sparingly and infrequently.
Check with your physician if the problem does not improve and, consider using natural methods of treatment that truly cures hemorrhoids rather than masking the symptoms with over the counter medication.
Now, it is possible to cure hemorrhoids with modern medicine and always consult your doctor before trying a new regimen.
But permanent relief is rarely found in the drug store and you may find an inexpensive, permanent cure is just a few clicks of the mouse from the comfort of your own computer.
Stop living with the pain of hemorrhoids.
Most over the counter medications simply mask the problem.
Do your homework.
You can discover proven hemorrhoid cures online.
Begin your path to finding a permanent cure today.