Hemorrhoid Cream for Under Eyes: Benefits & Side Effects

Hemorrhoid cream is a household remedy used for reducing puffiness and bags under the eyes. This is a popular trend among models, celebrities, and people seeking to quickly reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness.

While hemorrhoids creams are frequently used for this purpose, there are mixed opinions about the effectiveness and safety of using these over-the-counter creams for an extended time.

Why People Use Hemorrhoid Cream Under Their Eyes

Bags under the eyes are a common problem. Whether eyes are puffy due to crying, lack of sleep, allergies, or another reason, people want a fast fix to improve their appearance. 

People turn to hemorrhoid cream because it promises a fast-acting way to reduce puffiness. Hemorrhoid cream may help to reduce swelling in the area, but the under-eye skin is sensitive, and this cream may create irritation. 

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Risks & Complications With Use

Using a small amount of hemorrhoid cream may be a useful strategy to improve the appearance of undereye bags. But it can be harmful and risky if used for this purpose on a long-term basis. 

If hemorrhoid cream is used on a repeated or daily basis, it can damage the sensitive skin under and around the eyes. Label warnings on hemorrhoid creams note that the creams are not safe to use on many areas of the body, such as around the eyes, lips, or tongue. 

Alternatives to Hemorrhoid Cream

Since hemorrhoid creams are not intended to be used under the eyes and should not be used on a long-term basis, consider both home remedies and medical treatments.

Home Remedies

These home remedies may help to alleviate undereye puffiness over time:

Cold Compresses

Try cooling the undereye area with a cold compress. The compress may be made with cold items, such as a bag of frozen peas, ice, chilled cucumbers, or spoons left in the refrigerator.
Place the cold item in a clean towel, and gently apply it onto closed eyes for several minutes. The cooling effect should reduce inflammation and swelling.

Caffeine

Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which is helpful to reduce swelling. Some cosmetics brands offer caffeinated eye creams and eye pads to reduce puffiness under the eye. 

An alternate home remedy is using chilled black tea bags on closed eyelids. 

Hydration

To prevent bags from appearing, drink more water. Staying hydrated can decrease the appearance of undereye bags.  

Sleep

Bags can appear under the eyes due to lack of sleep. If you’re noticing that insomnia or too little sleep is a common occurrence, work on establishing a sleep ritual. Find ways to disconnect from technology, avoid “doom scrolling” in bed, and create a conducive environment for sleep (one that is cool, dark, and quiet).

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications can help with getting rid of bags under your eyes. You may not even need to use a cream if you gradually and steadily make simple modifications. 

The top recommendations to promote overall skin health in the long term are as follows:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Skip fad diets.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Reduce salt intake.
• Use a moisturizer every day.

Smoking is linked to bags under the eyes. If you smoke, stop for your overall health.

Make eye care part of your daily hygiene and self-care. Simple actions can make a difference in getting rid of problematic bags under your eyes. 

Medical Treatments 

Some medical treatments can help to improve the appearance of undereye bags and lines. Here are some options:

Filler

These are injected by a medical professional, and it is done as an outpatient procedure. A filler is injected into the undereye area, creating smooth skin.
Dermal fillers may work for some time, but they require consistency to maintain a glowing appearance. Results often last 6 to 12 months. 

Laser Resurfacing

This medical treatment removes layers of wrinkly skin under the eye. The treatment encourages new collagen production and creates firmer skin. Results are subtle, and they often last for years, depending on lifestyle, sun exposure, and skin type.

Chemical Peels

This is an in-office procedure that uses a chemical solution to dissolve old skin cells. The result is brighter and tighter skin under the eye. The results can last for years, depending on individual skin type.

Botox

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Botox may also be used to enhance a youthful appearance. It shouldn’t be injected under the eyes, but it is sometimes used on the corners of the eyes, to decrease the appearance of crow’s feet.

Blepharoplasty

This is an outpatient surgery that is also known as a lower eyelid lift. The procedure is designed to get rid of undereye bags permanently. The skin and muscles get a refreshed and smooth appearance. 

According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), eyelid surgery can correct flaws in the undereye area and create a rejuvenated appearance.

Combination Treatments

Patients often need multiple treatments that combine different medical interventions to get the results they want under their eyes. This may include procedures such as laser resurfacing plus filler or laser resurfacing combined with an eyelid lift. 

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to improving the appearance of the undereye area. Results will be very individual, so it’s best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best path forward for you.

Hemorrhoid Cream Under the Eyes FAQs

Is it safe to put hemorrhoid cream under your eyes?

Hemorrhoid cream under the eyes may help in the short term to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Caution is needed as these creams can irritate the delicate undereye skin. Also, these creams are not intended for this purpose.

Does hemorrhoid cream tighten the skin under the eyes?

According to Harvard Health, hemorrhoid cream may tighten the skin under the eyes, acting to narrow blood vessels. The result is temporary, and the cream may cause irritation to this delicate area.

References

1. This Week From HHP: Health Apps, Office Noise, and Hemorrhoid Cream for the Eyes? (November 2010). Harvard Health.

2. How to Get Rid of Bags Under Eyes. John Hopkins Medicine.

3. Hemorrhoids and What to Do About Them. (November 2021). Harvard Health.

4. Bags Under the Eyes. (August 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

5. How to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes. Cleveland Clinic.

6. Assessment of Viscoelasticity and Hydration of Herbal Moisturizers Using Bioengineering Techniques. (October 2010). Pharmacognosy Magazine.

7. Smokefree. National Cancer Institute.

8. Dermal Fillers. John Hopkins Medicine.

9. How Does Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Work? (May 2021). American Academy of Ophthalmology.

10. What Is Blepharoplasty Surgery? Stanford Medicine. Stanford University.

11. Eyelid Surgery: Blepharoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

12. Eyelid Surgery. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.