How to Use a TUCKS® Medicated Cooling Pad to Relieve Hemorrhoid Pain

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Learn exactly how to use a TUCKS® pad to fix hemorroid discomfort

Co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD

Last Updated: November 14, 2024 Approved

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Preparing to Use a TUCKS® Pad

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Using a TUCKS® Pad

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Using Other Pain Relief Methods

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Expert Q&A

Traditional treatments for hemorrhoids include using an astringent to help reduce swelling. Reducing swelling can help with pain and discomfort as well. The main ingredient in TUCKS® medicated pads is witch hazel, which is an herbal astringent. Before using TUCKS®, you will need to clean the area using a Sitz bath or washcloth. Hemorrhoids should improve within a few days to a week. If not, then make sure to call your doctor.

How to Use a TUCKS® Pad: Quick Steps

Take a warm Sitz bath with Epsom salts.
Gently wipe the affected area with a TUCKS® pad.
Dispose of the used TUCKS® pad.
Wash your hands.
Repeat the above steps up to 5 times per day (for 6 applications per day total).
Use with other pain relief methods, such as hydrocortisone cream or ibuprofen.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Preparing to Use a TUCKS® Pad

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1
Prepare a bath. Before you use a TUCKS® pad, you will need to ensure that the anal area is clean. The best way to clean the anal area is to take a warm Sitz bath. Sitz baths only require a few inches of water to soak the anus but you can take a full bath if you prefer. If you prefer the traditional Sitz bath, just fill the tub with a few inches of water.^{[1]
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- You can also buy a Sitz bath at a pharmacy or medical supply store. These are small basins that you can attach to your toilet seat and use to wash your anal area.^{[2]
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Add about one cup of Epsom salts to a full bathtub or two to three tablespoons of Epsom salts for a few inches of water in the tub. Keep the water warm, but not too hot. Repeat the bath two times per day.^{[3]
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If you cannot take a bath, get a clean, cotton washcloth and soak it in warm water. Apply the compress for about 10–15 minutes, directly on the hemorrhoid three times per day or before each time you use a TUCKS® pad.
Using a clean cotton towel, dry your anus well.^{[4]
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Go to source} Make sure that you pat the area dry. Do not rub the area because this may make the hemorrhoid worse.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a TUCKS® Pad

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Instructions for use may vary by brand and product type, so it is important to read and follow the instructions. Make sure that you read the package instructions before using TUCKS® and use the product as instructed.^{[5]
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2
Wipe the anal area with a TUCKS® pad. After you have cleaned your anal area using a Sitz bath or washcloth, use one TUCKS® medicated pad to gently wipe the anal area. It is important to be gentle as you wipe the hemorrhoid.
- Do not rub the area too hard or you may irritate the hemorrhoid.
- Do not push the wipe into the rectum. Only use the pad on the outer part of your anus and anal region.
3
Dispose of the used TUCKS® pad. After you have finished using the pad, throw it in the garbage or flush it down the toilet. TUCKS® pads are biodegradable, so it is okay to flush them down the toilet.
- Do not reuse the pads.
For best results, you should use TUCKS® pads six times per day. If you have another bowel movement during the day, repeat the cleaning and medicating process. Remember to clean the area gently.
By keeping the area clean and using TUCKS® pads, you should notice some improvement to your hemorrhoids within a few days days. If there is no improvement, then call your physician.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Other Pain Relief Methods

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To deal with itchiness in your anal region, apply some 1% hydrocortisone cream or Preparation H™. Apply a small amount of cream to the outside of your anus. Make sure that you read the package instructions before using.^{[6]
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2
Use an ice pack. Ice packs can help reduce the swelling associated with hemorrhoids. Just make sure that you do not use them for too long. Limit your use to five to 10 minutes at most each time.^{[7]
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- To ice a hemorrhoid, wrap an ice pack in a paper towel and hold it on the anal area for five to 10 minutes.
Wearing cotton underwear may help to ease discomfort by reducing moisture in your anal region. Avoid wearing any synthetic fabrics as these tend to accumulate more moisture.^{[8]
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You may need to avoid sitting or lying on your backside until the hemorrhoid heals. Try laying on your side at night and do not sit for too long. It may also help you to sit on a doughnut pillow or even a regular cushion.^{[9]
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If the pain is distracting, then taking some acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. Follow the package instructions and do not exceed the recommended dosage. If the pain is still present after taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, then call your doctor.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What if a medicated pad is in the anal cavity and stays there?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Never leave a medicated pad in the anal canal. If it gets stuck there then seek the attention of a medical professional immediately.

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Question

Do you leave the pad in your anal area for any period of time?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

No, you just wipe the area with the pad and then dispose of the pad in the trash.

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