Q. I  have a friend who says that Preparation H can smooth wrinkles on your face. She  has lovely skin, but I am dubious. Could a hemorrhoid product really do any good  against wrinkles, or is this an urban legend?

A. Preparation  H has a reputation for unique uses beyond the obvious one. For decades people  told us that they used this ointment on bed sores, surgical scars (to reduce  itching and inflammation), burns, cracked dry finger tips as well as wrinkles.  One woman told us that Preparation H rescued her plum tree after she scraped the  bark with her lawn mower.

All of these unorthodox uses were with the original Preparation H formulation,  which included live yeast cell derivative (LYCD) in addition to shark liver oil.  But the FDA made the manufacturer remove the LYCD because the studies supporting  its effectiveness for hemorrhoids did not convince the agency it worked. We  think that might have been short-sighted. NOTE: Shark Liver Oil was used as a  lubricant, it is no longer used.

We suspect the LYCD, also known as BioDyne, may have been responsible in part  for the positive results people reported. Scientific studies show this  ingredient can hasten wound healing.

A study published in the Journal  of Burn Care & Rehabilitation tested  an extract of LYCD in a diabetic mouse model. These animals (like their human  counterparts) have a hard time healing after wounds. The mice receiving the  topical LYCD extract experienced 100% wound closure 24 days after their wounds.  Less than one-third of the mice receiving the placebo treatment had wound  closure within that time.

 

'Question: I was astonished when my best friend told  me that she used Preparation H on her face. She said it helped smooth the  wrinkles around her eyes.'

'Answer: Preparation H has been used for lots of things  besides hemorrhoids. We have heard of it being employed for bed sores, itchy  surgical scars, burns, dry cracked finger, and yes, even wrinkles. The most  familiar store-bought hemorrhoid preparation is Preparation-H.'

'But it isn't what it used to be. For decades Prep H contained two natural  ingredients, live yeast cell derivative (LYCD) and shark liver oil. No more. The  Food and Drug Administration reviewed the ingredients of hundreds of over the  counter medications. When they were done, a number of products were  reformulated, and many others simply disappeared. Preparation H was one of those  brands the FDA said had to be reformulated.'

'Forget the fact that millions of people loved it and made it the best selling  hemorrhoidal product on the market. We used to make fun of shark liver oil and  LYCD, but not anymore. We discovered data that suggested LYCD accelerated wound  healing. People told us there was nothing better for their dry, cracked,  irritated skin or their hemorrhoids. We received countless testimonials from  folks who swore it was the only thing that relieved the itching of their  surgical scars. Many women even used Prep H for wrinkles.'

'Now in the USA Prep-H contains an astringent called phenylepherine instead of  Bio-Dyne. We wish the FDA had not meddled with a perfectly fine product. We have  never been impressed with the notion of using a vasoconstrictor on hemorrhoids,  though the FDA seems to think this makes sense. When phenylepherin wears off it  causes rebound dilation and congestion.'

So why do those most concerned (some might even say vain) about their  appearances put Prep-H on their face and body?

The answer is that it works and you see the results immediately. That is why  make-up professionals recommend their clients such as Conan O'Brien and Miss  USA, use Canadian Prep-H.