Does Preparation H work for under-eye bags?

Author: Dr. Keeley Dietrich  |  Last update: Saturday, May 10, 2025

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: Acne or rosacea.

How long to leave hemorrhoid cream on eye bags?

"As weird as it sounds, it actually works," said Fee, who has worked with Armie Hammer, Billy Eichner and more. "If you have sensitive skin, you might want to use it sparingly and keep it on for only about 10 minutes or so."

What will shrink bags under eyes?

The following tips can help you reduce or eliminate bags under your eyes: Use a cool compress. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. While sitting up, apply the damp washcloth to the skin under and around your eyes for a few minutes using light pressure.

Does hydrocortisone help bags under eyes?

Use a targeted eye cream

Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that can decrease redness and swelling. Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor that can reduce swelling. “These products may provide temporary relief, but I don't recommend their use long term,” stresses Zamborsky.

How long does it take for Preparation H to work?

Preparation H® can provide relief as quickly as just a few hours.

CAUTION! USING PREPARATION H AS AN EYE CREAM | DOCTORLY REVIEWS

Is it OK to use Preparation H daily?

The dispensing cap should be gently inserted partway into the anus to apply the medicine. You can use Preparation H up to 4 times a day. It is especially helpful to use the product in the morning, at night, and after each bowel movement.

Does Preparation H work under eyes?

Preparation H for eye bags

This popular hemorrhoid cream has also become popular for under-eye puffiness. The active ingredient is phenylephrine, which shrinks blood vessels. This effect could temporarily reduce the visibility of prominent eyelid veins, but it won't do much for the puffiness.

What else can Preparation H be used for?

This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching).

Which antihistamine is best for under eye bags?

“Even without having the itchiness that comes with allergies, or if you're using contacts, it can sometimes irritate the eyes and cause fluid to build up under the eyes, creating the appearance of puffiness.” After consulting a doctor, she suggests antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin for those who have seasonal ...

How long does it take for eyebags to disappear?

Eye bags are often caused by fluid retention in the space below the eyes. This happens when you've been laying down for a long time, causing the fluid to build up under the eyes. Typically, this goes away within a few hours.

How to get rid of eye bags quickly?

Cold compresses: Cooling the area lessens inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow. You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes.

What is the new treatment for under eye bags?

The best treatments for under-eye pouches are energy-based tightening devices. These differ in the type of energy they deliver to the skin. High-intensity focused ultrasound, radiofrequency, and radiofrequency microneedling are the most common devices used.

How to get rid of fluid behind the eye?

Medicines called anti-VEGF drugs can slow down or reverse macular edema. Medicines called steroids can also help with swelling in the retina. Your doctor will usually inject these medicines into — or very close to — your eye.

Will Preparation H tighten skin?

It does offer a cosmetic fragrance, but hemorrhoid cream works well to temporarily constrict blood vessels and tighten skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Makeup pros suggest applying it before you put on concealer.

Does witch hazel shrink eye bags?

Witch hazel's astringent and soothing properties can reduce this type of puffiness. However, witch hazel cannot reduce or eliminate under eye bags that occur with age. In either case, it isn't something we recommend doing on a regular basis because the resulting daily irritation will be pro-ageing, not anti-ageing.

How do dermatologists treat under eye bags?

Nonsurgical Eye Bag Treatments
  • CO2 Laser. This treatment removes skin layers by heat vaporization without the use of chemicals. ...
  • Microneedling. ...
  • Injectable Fillers. ...
  • Facial Fat Transfer. ...
  • Eyelid Surgery.

Does Flonase help under eye bags?

Allergy Medications – If you feel that you have puffiness in your lower eyelids, it is usually worth a two-week trial of allergy medications. We recommend an over-the-counter oral medication such as Claritin®, Allegra® or Zyrtec® for swollen eyes. Another option is one of the nasal sprays such as Flonase or Nasacort®.

What is better than Preparation H?

For people who do not respond to over-the-counter products like Preparation H, doctors sometimes prescribe topical nitroglycerine ointment and nifedipine ointment. More potent hydrocortisone products are also available with a doctor's prescription; these products are available as topical creams or suppositories.

Is it safe to use hemorrhoid cream under your eyes?

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.

Is it OK to put Preparation H on your face?

Can I use PREPARATION H on my face for wrinkles and bags under the eyes? We do not recommend the use of PREPARATION H for any condition other than the uses indicated on the label.

Does Preparation H actually work?

This medication is used to temporarily relieve swelling, burning, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. It contains phenylephrine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines. It works by temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the area. This effect decreases swelling and discomfort.

Do tucks pads work for puffy eyes?

Sure, cold helps with puffiness, but you don't need Tucks pads for that. Stick to a cold pack, cooling eye gel, or under-eye patches for safe, effective de-puffing.

How to tighten malar bags naturally?

Apply cold compresses

Cold compresses such as ice packs, cold spoons and cold wet teabags can help reduce irritation and puffiness around the eyes. They function by tightening blood vessels, which can aid in the reduction of swelling and in preventing fluid build-up.

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