Try A Drugstore Product
Look for hemorrhoid creams and suppositories that contain hydrocortisone, a medicine that helps reduce swelling, itching, and burning. Wipes and pads containing witch hazel might help reduce discomfort, especially following bowel movement. Using moist wipes can also avoid irritation caused by regular toilet paper.
How A Doctor Can Help
Doctors can recommend medical treatments and procedures that can reduce or get rid of hemorrhoids. Some of these procedures can be done right in a doctors office and involve very little discomfort.
- Medicated creams/ointments. If an OTC hemorrhoid cream isnt enough, doctors can prescribe stronger creams and ointments.
- Minimally-invasive procedures. There are some minimally-invasive procedures that a doctor can do in their office or in an ambulatory surgery center that typically doesnt require anesthesia or long recovery times. Some of these procedures include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy injections, and laser/infrared coagulation treatments.
- Thrombectomy. For severe cases that develop blood clots and cause a lot of pain, your doctor can perform an external hemorrhoid thrombectomy to remove the hemorrhoid. Thrombectomies are most effective when performed no more than 72 hours after severe symptoms emerge.
- Surgery. There are several surgical options available when other treatments and procedures havent worked or if you have very large hemorrhoids. If youve struggled to find relief, talk to your doctor to learn if surgery is right for you.
How Can You Prevent Hemorrhoids From Developing In The First Place
There are a number of ways to prevent hemorrhoids from developing in the first place. One of the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids is to eat a healthy diet. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. You should also drink plenty of water and avoid drinking sodas and other sugary drinks.
Another way to prevent hemorrhoids is to exercise regularly. Exercise helps improve blood circulation and can help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.
Finally, make sure to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes and nose. Germs can cause infection and increase the risk of hemorrhoids.
Contact your doctor today to discuss hemorrhoid surgery and other treatment options. Hemorrhoids are a common problem that can cause significant pain and discomfort. While hemorrhoids often go away on their own, there are a number of treatment options available to help reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process.
Some of the most effective treatments for hemorrhoids include warm baths, topical medications, and hemorrhoid surgery. Hemorrhoids can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, itching, bleeding, and swelling. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment right away.
You May Like: What Should You Do If You Have Hemorrhoids
How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids Fast
This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 247,999 times.
Best Overall: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
Courtesy of Amazon
-
Includes herbs and amino acids
-
May not be effective for fissures
Who else recommends it? BestReviews and Health.com both picked Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment.
What do buyers say? 81% of 17,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
We recommend Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment and it’s 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 Butler’s 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
Recommended Reading: What Should You Do If Your Hemorrhoids Are Bleeding
For Seriously Bad Hemorrhoids Talk To Your Doctor About Surgical Options
If youve tried home remedies and in-office procedures but your hemorrhoids are still making you miserable, it might be time to ask your doctor about surgery. Recovery from the surgical removal of hemorrhoids can be extremely painful, notes Dr. Bernstein, but its one of the most effective ways to get rid of hemorrhoids for good.
Another surgical option is having your hemorrhoids stapled into place. This is a less painful procedure compared to a hemorrhoidectomy, but it does come with a greater risk of relapse and is not recommended if you have , as staples can cause injury, notes Dr. Ky.
When to see a doctor for hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can be a massive pain, but thankfully, symptoms typically go away within a week. If you still have symptoms of hemorrhoids after a week of self-care measures or youre experiencing severe pain or bleeding, seek medical attention immediately, says Dr. Thomas.
Its important to note that sometimes what might seem like symptoms of hemorrhoids could indicate something more serious. Less commonly, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of diseases such as colorectal cancer or . Make sure to get checked out if you notice large amounts of bleeding or other changes in your bowel habits like a different stool color or consistency.
Support from readers like you helps us do our best work. Go here to subscribe to Prevention and get 12 FREE gifts. And sign up for our FREE newsletter here for daily health, nutrition, and fitness advice.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our sources: Sameet Shah, D.O., Kulvir S. Nandra, M.D.
- To make an appointment with Dr. Shah or a doctor near you, call or visit our website.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
Also Check: What’s The Best Stool Softener For Hemorrhoids
Best Sitz Bath: Carex Sitz Bath
Per Dr. Nazarian’s recommendation, this small bowl fits over your toilet seat and offers a convenient way to soak and soothe the affected area. In addition to a sitz bath, this top-selling Amazon basin, which has a contoured design for optimal comfort and vents to prevent overflowing, comes with a solution bag for you to fill with your chosen hemorrhoid relief ingredients.
“This was for my boyfriend since he has hemorrhoid problems often,” one reviewer writes. “Since he refuses to go to spas and saunas, I made him do these baths on the toilet for 20 minutes and they helped a lot. It helps with cuts and swelling and the heat helps shrink hemorrhoids.”
Best Spray: Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray
Boasting witch hazel, lavender, cucumber, and peppermint oil, a few spritzes of this spray can soothe, cleanse, and decrease inflammation in areas where hemorrhoids develop. Its nozzle is designed to work upside-down for a touch-free application, delivering instant soothing in hard-to-reach areas. For extra relief, store the bottle in the fridge for a cooling sensation when you use it.
“Now I am currently 19 days postpartum, I delivered an eight-pound baby boy via the help of a forceps delivery,” . “I had several tears that were second-degree tears, including a brutal episiotomy and severe hemorrhoids More than two weeks postpartum I’m back on my feet and still using this spray which is in fact very cooling and very refreshing. I still have a long way to go in recovering down there, but this product has helped so far.”
Don’t Miss: What Cream Helps With Hemorrhoids
You Can Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids Fast And Naturally
As detailed throughout this article, it is important to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids fast.
Some of the best natural methods include an Epsom salt sitz bath, cold compress, aloe vera, witch hazel, coconut oil, horse chestnut, butcherâs broom, psyllium husk, and essential oils like cypress and helichrysum. It is also helpful to drink plenty of water and eat a high-fiber diet and fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi.
Also, be sure to remember to practice a better toilet routine, including avoiding straining, prolonged sitting on the toilet, and constipation, while also cleaning yourself thoroughly. After all, bowel movements should be smooth and without strain.
Related:
Gradually Increase Your Fiber Intake
Most of us dont get in enough fiber everyday, but adding more high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, whole grains, and fresh fruit to your diet can help you avoid constipation and stay regular. This in turn reduces the chances that youll find yourself straining and further irritating your hemorrhoids, says Dr. Thomas. Aim for 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day, and consider taking a fiber supplement that contains psyllium or methylcellulose to help you hit your daily goal. If youre typically low on fiber-rich foods, though, take your timesuddenly upping your intake may make you gassy.
You May Like: What Foods To Avoid When You Have Hemorrhoids
About Dr David Heiman
Dr. David R. Heiman is Endoscopy Medical Director and a gastroenterologist at Florida Medical Clinics North Tampa location. He specializes in treating patients with conditions like hemorrhoids, IBS, GERD, and hepatitis, as well as performing endoscopies and colon cancer screenings. Dr. Heiman is dedicated to helping patients find treatment plans that work best for them and that address all of their medical concerns.
Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids dont go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
Doctors office procedures for internal hemorrhoids those located inside the rectum may include:
Rubber Band Ligation This is the most commonly performed hemorrhoid procedure in the United States. In this procedure, which can be used for grades 1, 2, and 3 internal hemorrhoids , the doctor places a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, which can be done when your doctor performs an anoscopy examination to better visualize the hemorrhoids. The rubber band cuts off the hemorrhoids blood supply.
The procedure typically causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and fall off within about a week, though several short visits to your doctor may be necessary to completely get rid of the hemorrhoid. Minor bleeding and a feeling of pressure may occur, but this can usually be alleviated with OTC pain relievers. This procedure is not associated with significant recovery time.
Sclerotherapy In this quick, often painless procedure, the doctor injects a chemical into the hemorrhoidal blood vessel, causing scar tissue to form in order to shrink the hemorrhoid. The principle behind this is the same as rubber band ligation, though its not always as effective. This procedure can be used in patients taking blood thinners, for whom rubber band ligation may not be recommended.
RELATED: 4 Signs Your Hemorrhoids Warrant a Doctors Visit
Read Also: Cure For Hemorrhoids Without Surgery
Warm Bath With Epsom Salt
Warm baths can help soothe irritation from hemorrhoids. Try using a sitz bath a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat so you can just immerse the affected area or take a bath in a tub, if you can.
Try a warm bath or a sitz bath for 20 minutes after each bowel movement. Adding Epsom salt to the bath can provide further relief by reducing pain.
Avoid Straining And Go When You Need To
Straining during a bowel movement is never a good thing, and it can be painful and even worsen hemorrhoids. When you need to go ânumber two,â donât delay it. Waiting can back up your stool, make it harder, and lead to increased pressure on the weakened veins.
It is always best to go to the bathroom in a relaxed state. In general, it is recommended to set a time for daily bowel movements to help establish a regular routine. For instance, going first thing in the morning or after breakfast are good times to start a regular bowel habit.
You May Like: What Doctor Do I Go To For Hemorrhoids
Go To The Bathroom When You Need To Go
This sounds like common-sense advice, but too many people ignore it. If you delay using the bathroom, your stool may become hard and dry in your bowel, which makes it harder to pass. If you strain to pass stool, your risk for developing hemorrhoids increases.
Speaking of straining, dont force a bowel movement when you dont need to go. Straining increases the pressure on your venous cushions, which leads to hemorrhoids. In particular, straining can turn internal hemorrhoids into external ones.
Other Ways To Shrink Hemorrhoids
Some of the true and tested techniques for shrinking hemorrhoids include:
There are some foods that you should refrain from eating once you have an onset of hemorrhoids as well.
A list of those foods which should be avoided includes the following:
Recommended Reading: Can External Hemorrhoids Be Removed Without Surgery
Ease Pain And Itching
Take warm baths. Soak in a bathtub filled with a few inches of warm water for about 15 minutes at a time. Do it two or three times a day and after every bowel movement. If you want to wash the area, too, use unscented soap and don’t scrub.
Pat gently afterward to dry. You can even use a blow dryer on a cool setting if that feels better.
There are also special “sitz baths” you can put directly on your toilet seat to make soaking easier.
Rub on relief. Over-the-counter wipes or creams with witch hazel can soothe pain and itch with no side effects. Don’t use one with hydrocortisone for more than a week unless your doctor says it’s OK.
Ice it. Put a small cold pack on the trouble spot several times a day. It can dull pain and bring down the swelling for a little while.
Consider painkillers. An over-the-counter medicine, like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, could help with soreness.
Don’t scratch. You could damage the skin and make the irritation — and the itching — worse.
Choose cotton. Wear loose, soft underwear. It keeps the area aired out and stops moisture from building up, which can bother your hemorrhoids.
What Creams Can Be Used
Anti-inflammatory creams and pastes containing ingredients like zinc and panthenol, or herbal substances like witch hazel and aloe vera, are often recommended for the treatment of hemorrhoids. These aim to relieve skin irritations and itching.
Some doctors also prescribe ointments to numb the skin locally, for example with the drug lidocaine. Steroid creams are sometimes used to reduce the inflammation too. These should only be used for a limited amount of time.
Also Check: How To Stop Bleeding Internal Hemorrhoids
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.
Best Ointment: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
“This really is a miracle ointment,” . “I’ve been suffering from hemorrhoids for years and I knew when I became pregnant I was in for some trouble. I’m now 5 weeks postpartum and a few days ago I developed a thrombosed hemorrhoid. It was excruciating I am on day two with five applications already and I have much improvement.”
Also Check: What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like And Feel Like
Best Way To Reduce Hemorrhoid Swelling
Benefits to the patient of the procedure include less pain, shorter recovery times, and fewer complaints of post-surgery complications.
Drawbacks to the procedure include a higher incidence of recurring hemorrhoids. Also, some patients complain of pain during bowel movements and internal itching from the staple.
Hemorrhoidectomy: A hemorrhoidectomy actually removes the hemorrhoid, including blood clots and blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoid. Its usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Hemorrhoidectomies offer the most success in preventing the return of hemorrhoids, but patients who have them also experience the most significant complications. Complications include incontinence, frequent gas and bloating, and leaking fecal matter.
Other Minimally Invasive Procedures for Hemorrhoid Removal
If you are a candidate for a less serious form of surgery, your doctor may perform what is known as a minimally invasive, or fixative, procedure. These procedures focus on cutting off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid rather than removing the hemorrhoid. The most common forms include:
Excision: In which the blood clot of a thrombosed hemorrhoid is removed Best Way to Reduce Hemorrhoid Swelling
Rubber band ligation: In which rubber bands are placed around internal hemorrhoids, cutting off their blood supply
Sclerotherapy: In which a solution is injected into the hemorrhoid, shutting down entry paths for blood to feed the hemorrhoid
What Type of Doctor Removes Hemorrhoids?