Can erythromycin ointment treat hemorrhoids?

Jul 01, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

When bacterial infection occurs locally in hemorrhoids, manifesting as redness, swelling, increased pain, or accompanied by purulent discharge, erythromycin ointment, as a topical antibiotic, can inhibit bacterial proliferation and reduce the inflammatory response caused by infection, thereby alleviating some discomfort. In such cases, the use of erythromycin ointment can serve as an adjunctive measure to help control localized infection, but it cannot address the underlying issue of venous plexus dilation in the hemorrhoids themselves.

Generally, erythromycin ointment has no direct therapeutic effect on hemorrhoids, but it can serve as an auxiliary treatment to relieve symptoms when infection is present. If abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:

When local bacterial infection occurs in hemorrhoids, presenting as redness, swelling, increased pain, or purulent discharge, topical erythromycin ointment—an antibiotic—can inhibit bacterial proliferation and reduce the inflammatory response caused by the infection, thereby alleviating some discomfort. In such cases, the use of erythromycin ointment can serve as an adjunctive measure to help control localized infection, but it cannot resolve the underlying problem of venous plexus dilation in hemorrhoids.

If there are no signs of infection in the hemorrhoids, and symptoms are limited to congestion, edema, bleeding, or prolapse of the hemorrhoidal mass, erythromycin ointment cannot improve venous blood circulation or reduce the size of the hemorrhoidal mass, thus offering no therapeutic benefit. In such cases, symptoms may be relieved through dietary adjustments and warm sitz baths, while severe cases may require surgical treatment.

Before using erythromycin ointment, it is important to confirm whether the hemorrhoids are accompanied by infection to avoid indiscriminate use. If symptoms do not improve after using the medication or if adverse reactions such as skin allergies occur, the medication should be discontinued promptly and medical advice sought. Under a physician's guidance, a more appropriate treatment method should be selected. Erythromycin ointment should not be used as a routine treatment for hemorrhoids.

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