Causes And Risk Factors Of Hemorrhoids
You may be more likely to get hemorrhoids if other family members, like your parents, had them.
Pressure building up in your lower rectum can affect blood flow and make the veins there swell. That may happen from:
- Pushing during bowel movements
People who stand or sit for long stretches of time are at greater risk, too.
You may get them when you have constipation or diarrhea that doesnt clear up. Coughing, sneezing, and vomiting could make them worse.
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Hemorrhoid Treatments You Should Avoid
Doctor Butlers was started by Dr. Robert Cutler, a board certified anorectal practitioner, whos treated patients with hemorrhoids for more than 30 years. His advice about home treatment?:
Ive had many patients come to me after trying home remedies and failing. Unfortunately whats happened in recent years is theres a lot of information put online that isnt medically accurate or doesnt fully explain best practices for use says Dr. Cutler.
The truth is that something as simple as a sitz bath can be incredibly effective in reducing symptoms temporarily and should be used while treating hemorrhoids, but it cant be the only thing you do if you want your relief for hemorrhoid pain to last. And whats worse is if a home remedy is concocted incorrectly and hurts someone more than it helps.
Dr. Cutler notes that the following two treatments are ones that have caused the most recurring patient problems. For that reason we can not recommend them:
One Of The Most Embarrassing Conditions Also Can Be One Of The Easiest To Treat And Manage
Hemorrhoids are without doubt among the most unpleasant of health topics. But if you have suffered from them, you may find comfort in knowing that you are not alone.
More than 75% of people ages 45 and older have had hemorrhoids, with symptoms like rectal pain, itching, and bleeding after a bowel movement.
“Hemorrhoids can be painful and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help and over-the-counter remedies,” says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
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Best For Hemorrhoid Shrinking: Dr Cole’s Herbal Balm Hemorrhoid Treatment
Chock-full of expert-recommended essential oils and ingredients like witch hazel, beeswax, olive oil, yarrow, and vitamin E, this organic balm numbs and shrinks hemorrhoids gently and effectively. When you open the tin, be sure to stir the contents with a fork, as the beeswax tends to settle on top and needs to be blended into the mixture. Apply a dime-sized amount to the irritated area three to four times a day.
“This product has literally saved my life,” one reviewer writes. “I can’t use over the counter or prescription treatments. This is the only product that I don’t have a severe allergic reaction to. It soothes and comforts and helps shrink the hemorrhoids.”
Best Overall: Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
Courtesy of Amazon
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Includes herbs and amino acids
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May not be effective for fissures
Who else recommends it? BestReviews and Health.com both picked Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment.
What do buyers say? 81% of 17,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
We recommend Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment and its our top overall choice because it treats a variety of symptoms. It contains lidocaine to numb the pain, phenylephrine to shrink the enlarged veins, and a handful of soothing ingredients like aloe vera and horse chestnut to calm itching and inflammation.
We also like that Doctor Butlers is formulated as an ointment to help moisturize and protect the painful fissures that often occur with hemorrhoids. Plus, the package includes finger cots for easy and mess-free applications.
Active Ingredients: Lidocaine USP , Phenylephrine HCl | Dose: Apply to affected area up to three times daily | Uses: Treats hemorrhoids and fissures while offering pain and itching relief
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What Is Recticare Cream What Is Recticare Anorectal Cream
Recticare is a local anesthetic over-the-counter topical cream that includes lidocaine 5% as the main active ingredient. A local anesthetic reduces pain or sensation in the area where it is applied to. Recticare works by blocking nerve conduction under the skin. It blocks sodium ions from entering nerve cells which are necessary for nerve conduction and for the sensation of pain.
For the treatment of hemorrhoids, lidocaine cream or ointment is often applied topically. Curist Lidocaine 5% cream is the strongest lidocaine formulation available without a doctors prescription, which treats the pain, itching, and burning caused by hemorrhoids or other rectal/anal inflammatory conditions. It is important to keep in mind that lidocaine does not treat the underlying condition, but instead only provides symptom relief from hemorrhoids.
Dont Make Things Worse
Bump up the fiber. It softens your stools and makes them move through your body more easily. Youll find it in beans, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and veggies. You may also want to try a supplement if you cant get enough from foods. Add fiber slowly to help avoid gas and bloating.
Drink lots of fluids. Stay well hydrated to keep stools soft so theyre easier to pass. Water is the best choice. Drink plenty throughout the day. Prune juice is a natural laxative and can help you go.
Exercise regularly. Even brisk walking 20-30 minutes every day can help keep you from getting stopped up.
Breathe! Keep the air moving in and out when youre working hard. Its common to hold your breath as youre pushing, pulling, or making an effort and that can lead to hemorrhoid pain and bleeding.
Use a pillow. Sit on a cushion instead of a hard surface. It will ease swelling for any hemorrhoids you have. It may also help prevent new ones from forming.
Take breaks. If you must sit for a long time, get up every hour and move around for at least 5 minutes.
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What Can I Take To Treat Hemorrhoids
There are many options when it comes to treating hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter options for treating hemorrhoids include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin to help alleviate discomfort. Additional options include gels, sprays, pads, wipes, creams and numbing ointments containing lidocaine, and hydrocortisone creams to relieve itching and pain. Some people may choose to use suppositories that are inserted into the rectum. If your symptoms do not go away within a 1-2 weeks of treatment, speak with your healthcare provider.
Who Can And Cannot Use Hydrocortisone For Piles And Itchy Bottom
Hydrocortisone treatments for piles and itchy bottom can be used by most adults .
Young people aged 16 to 17 years can only use some products. Do not use these treatments on children under the age of 16 unless a doctor prescribes them.
Hydrocortisone treatments are not suitable for some people. To make sure they are safe for you, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you:
- are allergic to hydrocortisone or any other medicine
- have a skin infection
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or you’re breastfeeding
- are taking other medicines, such as codeine, which might be making you constipated. Being constipated means you’re more likely to get piles.
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Home Options For Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment
Thrombosed, prolapsed or bleeding external hemorrhoids are all a living nightmare for anyone experiencing them. However, it seems that prolapsing hemorrhoids get more attention when it comes to natural treatments or surgery than internal ones.
While internal hemorrhoids treatment over the counter solutions might be tempting for those who want fast relief, you should know that there are plenty of ways to achieve internal hemorrhoids treatment at home. Factors such as diet and exercise are critical for keeping internal hemorrhoids under control, but there are also remedies that can be found in your pantry or fridge almost at any given time.
Before spending lots of money on store-bought creams and pills, take these 10 home options for internal hemorrhoids treatment into consideration.
Please note that these home remedies for internal hemorrhoids treatment are not a cure for a serious medical condition that might or might not require surgery. If your internal hemorrhoids issue persists, immediately reach out to your personal doctor for treatment options.
Preparation H Vs Recticare Vs Lidocaine 5% Cream: Dosage
Preparation H®, Recticare, and lidocaine 5% creams should be administered similarly. For hemorrhoids, Preparation H® and Recticare are for rectal use only. For these products, it is important to wash hands before and after use. Before applying either product, clean the affected area and make sure to dry the area well. Avoid application to open wounds, burns, or broken skin. Preparation H® should be applied to clean, dry areas up to 4 times daily. Recticare and other lidocaine 5% creams can be applied to affected areas up to 6 times daily. It is recommended specifically for lidocaine to only be used in small amounts and should be applied as a thin film on the affected area.
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Do Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own
Find a physician near you.
Hemorrhoids are a chronic disease, meaning the symptoms persist for a long time and are constantly recurring. If you have experienced recurring bouts of hemorrhoids, your hemorrhoids likely wont go away on their own. Left untreated, hemorrhoids often get worse over time and therefore harder to treat. This means that a hemorrhoid that could easily be treated today could eventually require surgery.
If youre unsure if you have hemorrhoids, consult with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and see if you should have a colon cancer screening, or a colonoscopy. Typically, adults over the age of 50 should undergo colonoscopy at least every 10 years, or more frequently if your family has a history of GI issues.
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What Is The Best Over
Home treatments for hemorrhoids usually contain one or more ingredients that soothe irritation from the condition. Many products, such as Preparation H and CVS Health Hemorrhoidal Cream, include a numbing agent that can help reduce pain temporarily to keep you comfortable throughout healing. Combining these ointments with a high-fiber diet and other pain-relief medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin, may help mild hemorrhoids heal quickly at home.
Soaking the affected area in warm water for 10 to15 minutes, up to three times a day, is another way to aid the healing process. You can combine regular soaks with external hemorrhoid treatment creams and other medications as recommended by your doctor.
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Ayurvedic And Natural Medicines For Piles
Ayurvedic or natural medicines are sometimes quite effective for hemorrhoids. Ayurveda says that a human body is free from disease until his three doshas are balanced. Any imbalance in any one of these doshas can lead to health problems. For example, an imbalance in Pitta dosha can create digestive disorders which in turn lead to vata dosha & causes inflammation of haemorrhoidal venous cushions.
Haemorrhoidal venous cushions are normal structures of anorectal region. They are highly sensitive and rich in vascular supply. Any type of pressure or stress can make these cushions inflamed. This condition is known as piles or hemorrhoids. Ayurvedic medicines which help in the treatment of hemorrhoids are given below:
Some medicines are specially designed with ayurvedic formulation that can cure bleeding piles along with non-bleeding internal & external piles lumps also. The basic mechanism of such medicines is to cure the varicose veins inflammation in anorectal region. This helps the venous cushions to regain their normal state and thus cure hemorrhoids. They help in many ways:
- Creates venous sufficiency.
- Normalises the swelling of varicose veins.
- Acts as a cooling agent on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Acts as an anti-infective agent.
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Acts as a digestive aid.
- Acts as a stool softener.
Does Hemorrhoid Cream Work For Internal Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoid creams are generally intended to reduce the symptoms of external hemorrhoids.
Using a suppository may help relieve internal hemorrhoids, but most creams cannot be applied to internal hemorrhoids.
Because internal hemorrhoids dont often have symptoms that cause pain and discomfort, you might not even realize you have them.
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How Are The Hemorrhoids Issue Tested And Diagnosed
SIGMOIDOSCOPY, which looks at your lower colon, or sigmoid and colonoscopy that determines the complete colon. And both use flexible, lighted viewing tube that goes into the rectum.
Barium X-Ray can also show the outer of the complete inside of your colon. First, you will get a barium enema, and then an expert will take x-rays of your lower part gastrointestinal tract.
A few questions your doctor might ask during medication for oral Hemorrhoids treatments include:
Have you experienced Hemorrhoid before?
When did your Hemorrhoid symptoms start?
Are you taking any sort of medication?
Does anything look to trigger your discomfort?
You might also want to ask your doctor some questions such as:
Do I have got a Hemorrhoids problem?
What are my Hemorrhoid treatment options?
Will there be a bodily examination?
What caused this problem?
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Do Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own To Achieve Self
If it is the slight hemorrhoids or the initial hemorrhoids , through the elimination of the reasons that cause hemorrhoids, and strengthen self-care, finally hemorrhoids go away on their own. For example, some people suffer constipation just because of an impatient mood or diet reason, and eventually cause hemorrhoids.
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A Pharmacists Tips For Self Treating Hemorrhoids
What are hemorrhoids?
Are there any OTC products that provide relief from hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoid flare-ups are very normal, especially with increased stress. Luckily, there are many OTC products available at your local pharmacy. Be sure to talk to your pharmacist to help direct you to the appropriate product, provide education, and answer any questions regarding the following products.
- Soothing agents: Soothing agents relieve discomfort by directly numbing the nerve signals located in the irritated area. OTC products include lidocaine or pramoxine .
- Steroid rectal cream/suppositories: Steroid products prevent chemicals that cause inflammation throughout the entire body. This is a good option if symptoms continue with soothing agents. Soothing agents and steroid creams should only be used on external hemorrhoids. OTC products include hydrocortisone cream or suppositories .
- Softening stools: A balanced, healthy diet focusing on plenty of liquids and fiber can prevent constipation. Examples of fiber include whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, or nuts. Talk to your pharmacist about OTC fiber supplements or OTC products that can soften stools. Be careful not to overuse these products because diarrhea can worsen hemorrhoids.
How can I treat hemorrhoids without medication?
The following lifestyle DOs and DONTs are helpful tips that can provide relief of hemorrhoid symptoms and may be used in combination with medication therapy.
Summary
What Are The Best Treatments For Hemorrhoids
There are a number of treatments available for hemorrhoids, including warm baths, topical medications, and hemorrhoid surgery. Warm baths are a great way to soothe hemorrhoid symptoms, while topical medications can help relieve symptoms.
If hemorrhoids are causing significant pain and discomfort, hemorrhoid surgery may be the best option. Hemorrhoid surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can quickly remove the hemorrhoids and help you return to your normal activities. Contact your doctor today to discuss hemorrhoid surgery and other treatment options.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on which type you have:
With external hemorrhoids, you may have:
With internal hemorrhoids, you may have:
- Bleeding from your rectum you would see bright red blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement
Internal hemorrhoids are usually not painful unless they are prolapsed. Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids may cause pain and discomfort.
What Is The Best Hemorrhoid Cream
No hemorrhoid cream is perfect for everyone. The cream that will work for you will depend on several factors. Consider the following when you are picking a cream:
- Seriousness of symptoms. Hemorrhoids can vary from a nuisance to a very serious problem. A quick and easy over the counter treatment may not be sufficient for more serious cases. Consider consulting with a doctor and getting a prescription instead.
- Consistency of product. Treatments can come in the shape of creams, oils, and ointments. You may not like the physical feel and consistency of some products, so consider your preferences for oils vs. cream, say, before you buy.
- Access to a doctor. If you can afford a doctors visit you may not be able to get a hold of treatment only available on prescription. That does not mean you cannot get hemorrhoid cream, but carefully research your over the counter options to find the most suitable product.
- Internal or external hemorrhoids. You cant apply all creams internally. If you are suffering from internal hemorrhoids you must pick a product which is suitable treatment. Likewise, if you have external hemorrhoids you should pick a cream intended to treat external hemorrhoids.
Its always worth looking at plenty of options before you make a decision about which cream is best for you.
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Taking A Sitz Bath In The Bathtub
If youre taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub.
A plastic sitz bath kit fits over the toilet. Rinse the bath kit with clean water before using it. Then, add very warm but not hot water along with any medications or solutions recommended by your doctor.
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