Is Vicks VapoRub Viable against Hemorrhoids?

Q. I recently read your column about a hemorrhoid remedy that involved eating a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses twice daily. I know this is a topic most sufferers do not like to discuss, but this condition can be a real pain in the butt, pun intended.
I have been a novice weightlifter and wrestling coach for many years, and when hemorrhoids flare up…ouch! One thing that an older lifter told me one time was to use Vicks VapoRub (externally, of course).
I was very skeptical, but at that particular point I would’ve tried anything. WOW! It was instant relief. There was no more burning, itching or pain. The Vicks even gave a kind of “aahh” feeling!
I’ve shared this with others and couldn’t really give a medical reason for why this works, but I know that it is very effective. Any thoughts?
A. We have heard from a few others that external use of Vicks VapoRub may soothe hemorrhoid pain. But we also heard from one disgruntled reader who complained that Vicks on his hemorrhoids felt like napalm. He described the sensation as “spontaneous combustion that made me feel like I was a jet fighter with afterburners. Mayday!”
Based on that report, we stopped recommending Vicks VapoRub for hemorrhoids. We don’t want anyone else yelling Mayday!