Medically Reviewed by Dr. Carmen Fong, MD, FACS
If your tube of Bummed-prescribed cream looks suspiciously… normal (read: no long plastic nozzle), breathe easy. Most flares sit on the outside rim or just inside the opening, so you can treat them with a clean fingertip and a little know-how—no gadgets or gymnastics necessary.
Before You Start: Gather the Basics
- Your cream
- Optional: The finger cot included in your Bummed package
- Mild soap + warm water (or a quick sitz bath)
- A soft towel or tissue
- A hand mirror if visibility is tricky
Step-by-Step: The “Clean, Dab, Chill” Method
- Empty, rinse, dry
- Have a bowel movement first.
- Rinse the area with warm water or a peri bottle; pat completely dry. Moisture makes cream slide off and traps bacteria.
- Prep the tube
- Pump the bottle to remove any excess air.
- Aim for a pea-size dab—more is not better (or faster).
- Pick a comfy position
- Lie on your side with knees bent, or stand with one foot on a low stool, or the side of your tub.
- Whatever lets you reach without turning into a yoga pose.
- Dab, don’t rub
- With a washed finger (or gloved fingertip – we recommend our finger cots), gently pat the cream onto each swollen bump and the surrounding skin.
- No scrubbing—friction can tear already tender tissue.
- Hands off for 30 minutes
- Toss the glove, wash hands, and avoid another bathroom run for half an hour.
- Skip tight leggings or sweaty workouts right away; friction wipes off the medicine.
Bummed Tips for Extra Relief
Quick Win →
Why It Helps
Refrigerate the tube →
Cooler cream adds a soothing “ahh” factor.
Swap dry TP for rinse + pat →
Reduces irritation so the cream can work.
Pair with fiber + fluids →
Softer stools mean less pressure, faster healing.
When to Seek In-Person Care
- Pain, swelling, or bleeding gets worse after 3–4 days of good use.
- You feel or see a hard, blue lump (possible thrombosis).
- Bleeding is heavy, persistent, or black/tarry.
The Bummed Bottom Line
Applying hemorrhoid cream is more “dab and relax” than “operation complicated.” Keep it clean, use a pea-size amount, pat—don’t rub—and give the medication time to sink in.