It is NOT an urban myth that hemorrhoid products function well as facial moisturizers.  **CVS Hemorrhoidal Ointment** and other U.S. kin, however, no longer do.  Why?  Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided that the ingredient *Bio-Dyne* didn't really contribute to the efficacy of this product.***** That means that if you purchase **CVS Hemorrhoidal Ointment**, you'll have to use it to relieve the itching and shrinking of hemorrhoids.  Period.  You can use the accompanying applicator for internal application (replacing the suppositories some folks use) *and/or* you can smooth it on externally to quell the general discomfort of swollen hemorrhoids. **CVS Ointment** is a generic comparable to *Preparation H Ointment* and quite a bit less expensive.  I've used both and find them equally effective.  The **CVS** * **Active Ingredients *include: *Mineral oil 14% *as a Protectant;* Petrolatum 71.9%, *also a Protectant;* Phenylephrine HCI 0.25%, *a Vasoconstrictor;* and Shark liver oil 3.0%, *another Protectant.* * *Inactive Ingredients *are:* Beeswax, Benzoic Acid, BHA, Corn Oil, Glycerin, Lanolin, Lanolin Alcohol, Methylparaben, Microcrystalline Wax, Paraffin, Propylparaben, Purified Water, Thyme Oil, *and* Tocopherol.* **CVS Hemorrhoidal Ointment** may be applied four times a day.  If you anticipate any indiscreet scratching of your itch before the **Ointment** takes hold, I'd recommend applying it at bedtime.  The primary ingredients can leave oil stains if you scratch *or* if you apply **CVS Ointment** too generously! *# # # # #* ****Interested in a hemorrhoid product facia****l moisturizer? *** Here's a site to try:  *http:www.only-in-canada.com.  *The Canadian version of *Preparation H* still contains *Bio-Dyne*.  For further details, you might also want to check *www.peoplespharmacy.com*.**

TunefulGal

Los Angeles, CA