It is more likely the elasticity is being lost due to the swollen hemorrhoid, but as there will be some lack of feeling, esp in older people, this isn't something to mess with without consultation with an MD.
Cold ice packs are not going to harm you in any way. Neither is using Tucks (witch hazel) or Preparation H, both intended to help with the swelling/itching/discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Anything with witch hazel, and witch hazel alone, is very cooling.
What to Know Before You Shop
Choosing between the various options online or on a pharmacy shelf can be confusing, but here are the essential things you need to know. Ingredients: There are several types of ingredients you may find in hemorrhoid treatments, and they're generally designed to provide different kinds of relief. According to Matthew Bechtold, MD, a University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist, you should consider products containing one or more of the following ingredients: witch hazel or zinc oxide to soothe and protect; hydrocortisone to relieve swelling and itching; pramoxine or lidocaine to numb the affected area; and phenylephrine to narrow blood vessels in the affected area.
Form: Ointments add moisture to the skin and can stay on the skin surface longer, providing intense hydration and skin protection, while creams absorb more quickly into the skin and don't leave any residue behind.
Safety: Most of these products are generally safe for topical use in most people, but Dr. Bechtold says to limit your use of any product with a topical steroid like hydrocortisone to no more than one week at a time. With long-term use, topical steroids can weaken and thin the skin.
Speed: Many hemorrhoids will improve quickly with treatment, at least in terms of pain; often, you’ll notice fewer symptoms in just a few days.1 The actual healing process can take longer, though: anywhere from three to six weeks.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads at Amazon ($8)
Best Fast-Acting: Preparation H Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid Cream at Amazon ($7)
Best Cooling: Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel at Amazon ($8)
Best Suppository: Fleet Laxative Glycerin Suppositories at Amazon ($9)
Best Wipes: Preparation H Flushable Wipes at Amazon ($10)
Best with Lidocaine: Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine at Amazon ($20)
Best for External Hemorrhoids: Anusol Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment at Amazon ($14)
Best Ice Treatment: Hilph Perineal Ice Packs for Postpartum at Amazon ($15)
Best Soak: Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak at Amazon ($27)
What to Know Before You Shop
Choosing between the various options online or on a pharmacy shelf can be confusing, but here are the essential things you need to know.
Ingredients: There are several types of ingredients you may find in hemorrhoid treatments, and they're generally designed to provide different kinds of relief. According to Matthew Bechtold, MD, a University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist, you should consider products containing one or more of the following ingredients: witch hazel or zinc oxide to soothe and protect; hydrocortisone to relieve swelling and itching; pramoxine or lidocaine to numb the affected area; and phenylephrine to narrow blood vessels in the affected area.
Form: Ointments add moisture to the skin and can stay on the skin surface longer, providing intense hydration and skin protection, while creams absorb more quickly into the skin and don't leave any residue behind.
Safety: Most of these products are generally safe for topical use in most people, but Dr. Bechtold says to limit your use of any product with a topical steroid like hydrocortisone to no more than one week at a time. With long-term use, topical steroids can weaken and thin the skin.
Speed: Many hemorrhoids will improve quickly with treatment, at least in terms of pain; often, you’ll notice fewer symptoms in just a few days.1 The actual healing process can take longer, though: anywhere from three to six weeks.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads at Amazon ($8)
Best Fast-Acting: Preparation H Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid Cream at Amazon ($7)
Best Cooling: Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel at Amazon ($8)
Best Suppository: Fleet Laxative Glycerin Suppositories at Amazon ($9)
Best Wipes: Preparation H Flushable Wipes at Amazon ($10)
Best with Lidocaine: Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine at Amazon ($20)
Best for External Hemorrhoids: Anusol Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment at Amazon ($14)
Best Ice Treatment: Hilph Perineal Ice Packs for Postpartum at Amazon ($15)
Best Soak: Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak at Amazon ($27)