my midwife recommended witch hazel after i had the baby (cuts, stitches, infection and all the nastiness) - i read the bottle and thought the same as you, but she said to take no notice and go for it - and she was right! just try a tiny bit and have a bath at the ready just in case!? or do like the others suggest and get some prep H or similar - i know how painful it can be (had them after childbirth too actually - and the witch hazel didn't seem to cause a problem that i can remember....