For many years, people have sworn by the benefits of using hemorrhoid cream to reduce puffiness or swelling under the eyes. This is particularly true of hemorrhoid cream like Preparation H, but not the case with medicated pads for hemorrhoids like those made by Tucks. Medicated pads contain astringents like witch hazel that can quite easily irritate the eyes.

Many people argue that hemorrhoid cream is a great benefit because it works. Actually there are no clinical trials to show that it works. Some people claim to see benefits from the product, while others find minimal reduction of under eye swelling.

There is evidence, however, to suggest that hemorrhoid cream could be a dangerous irritant to the eyes. In fact some companies that manufacture hemorrhoid cream have asked people not to use it for puffy eyes because of potentially harmful effects to the eyes. Further, most US hemorrhoid cream manufacturers have recently eliminated the ingredients thought to reduce puffiness.

The primary ingredients in older formulations of hemorrhoid cream were shark oil, and yeast called Bio-Dyne or live yeast cell derivative (LYCD). LYCD has been shown to accelerate wound healing, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested it be removed from hemorrhoid cream preparations. This has disappointed many who swear by the benefits of hemorrhoid cream, since new formulations do not reduce puffiness and have an astringent that can irritate the eyes even more.

Canadian and European hemorrhoid cream made by companies like Preparation H still do contain both LYCD and shark oil. These can be ordered online, but they still may be unsafe to use. Instead one might want to try alternate remedies for helping to reduce puffiness under the eyes.

For instance, sleeping on the back at night tends to cause less fluid to accumulate under the eyes. Further, drinking eight glasses of water a day can actually help the body shed excess fluid. Eating a low sodium diet can also help the problem. Green tea bags, and cold cucumber slices can both refresh the eyes and are even less expensive than hemorrhoid cream.

One should also evaluate the cause of puffy eyes. Allergic reactions can make fluid accumulate under the eyes. Taking antihistamines and allergy proofing your home might have a positive effect. Where people are retaining water under the eyes and in the feet, hands, wrists, and ankles, this may signify problems with the heart or circulatory system. A person with significant fluid retention should see a doctor to rule out serious health problems.