Hemorrhoid Medication: When Why And Which Ones To Use
A number of OTC creams, ointments, and pads that contain hydrocortisone or witch hazel are available to help relieve pain, swelling, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for a week. If symptoms persist beyond a week, follow up with your doctor.
Creams and suppositories containing hydrocortisone can cause the skin to weaken and thin, so they should not be used for more than a week. If any of these creams cause a rash or dry skin around the area, contact your healthcare provider.
A fiber supplement, such as Metamucil , or a stool softener, such as Citrucel , can help prevent constipation.
Avoid laxatives, which can lead to diarrhea and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
Clean Your Trash Can And Get Rid Of Odors
As explained earlier, odors of rotting meat and produce will attract flies. So, if you notice flies swarming, its a good sign that you need to do something about the smell of your trash can. The good news is that cleaning trash cans is a relatively simple process and can make use of products you likely have around the house.
Youll just want to fill a spray bottle with a mixture of tap water and white vinegar. Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub everything down thoroughly . Once dry, sprinkle a cup or two of baking soda on the inside of the garbage bin and let it sit overnight to neutralize odors and keep flies away.
Pro tip: To maintain freshness and continue to repel flies, you might want to add baking soda every time you take out the trash. For more odor prevention, dryer sheets and charcoal can also be used.
Is Hemorrhoid Removal Surgery Painful
Minor or minimally invasive hemorrhoid removal surgery is usually not painful. These procedures typically involve the use of a local anesthetic, which numbs the affected area. More severe or persistent hemorrhoids might require removal that is more invasive, such as hemorrhoidectomy, although these are done less often.
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If You Notice Bleeding Before During Or After Bowel Movements
If you notice blood before, during, or after bowel movements, you should seek medical care. Bleeding during bowel movements may be associated with hemorrhoids, but it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as colon or anal cancer. Call your doctor so you can get an accurate diagnosis and rule out anything life-threatening. Your doctor can help you identify and address the cause of your bleeding. And if its hemorrhoids, they can offer treatment, relief, and suggestions to help you prevent hemorrhoids from recurring.
If Discomfort From Hemorrhoids Isnt Resolved Within A Week
When youve had persistent discomfort, pain, or itching for a week, its time to talk to a doctor. While some symptoms of hemorrhoids resolve on their own, others do not and can be treated by a doctor, so you dont have to live with the daily symptoms. Your doctor can recommend treatments that range from the conservative, like dietary and behavioral changes, or in-office procedures, such as rubber band ligation, to more invasive approaches like surgery.
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Using Natural Herbs To Shrink External Hemorrhoids
In spite of the fact that your strength at first of using basic herbs and way of life changes to have any significant effect on hemorrhoid swellings, the reality of the situation is that these basic techniques over the long term fabricated history of undisputed achievement in the prolapsed hemorrhoids treatment.
Natural herbs and a good lifestyle have recorded up to 96 percent cure rate of treating all types of hemorrhoids and these common techniques are natural without any side effects and they are not expensive
Temporary Hemorrhoid Treatment Options
Relief Using Hemorrhoid Creams
Hemorrhoid creams, such as those made by Tucks and Preparation H, are an appealing medicine to many people suffering from hemorrhoids as they can be purchased from the drugstore without a prescription and used in the privacy of the home. These creams typically contain a medicinal ingredient such as hydrocortisone along with a soothing agent to provide quick relief from hemorrhoid symptoms like itching and burning.
Whichever hemorrhoid cream you choose, it will have to be applied several times per day, especially in the morning and at night.
For External use:
Squeeze a small amount of the cream onto your finger and apply to the outside of the anus. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm soap and water before and after application or use a disposable glove or finger cot.
For Internal use:
If you do not see hemorrhoid relief from external application, some creams are able to be applied inside the anus. It is best to have a bowel movement before attempting to apply hemorrhoid cream this way.
Then, after thoroughly washing your hands, attach the rounded applicator tip to the cream tube. Gently squeeze the tube in order to in order to test the applicator to see how much ointment comes out. You want to aim for an amount that is similar to the length of the tip of your index finger.
What You Should Know About Hemorrhoid Creams Like Preparation H
Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids
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How To Cure Hemorrhoids Permanently
With proven home treatments, you can easily relieve the mild pain, swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids. Usually, the following tips are enough to help you treat hemorrhoids, quickly and permanently:
- Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository that contains hydrocortisone. You can also use pads containing numbing agents.
- Using a sitz bath, place your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat this twice to thrice a day. If you cant get a sitz bath, any other suitable container would do.
- Always keep your anal area clean by bathing regularly. Avoid using soap on the area, as this may aggravate the problem. After bathing, gently dry the area with a soft cloth or hair dryer.
- Always use moist towels or tissue paper to clean up after bowel movement. Using dry toilet paper will worsen the problem.
- To relieve swellings, apply ice packs or cold compresses on your anus.
- Take oral pain relievers like acetaminophen , aspirin or ibuprofen. All these will help relieve the discomfort.
With these treatments, your hemorrhoids should disappear within a few days. But if youve tried all these before, and youre still battling with hemorrhoids, any of these two treatment options will help.
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When To Seek Medical Care For Hemorrhoids
When to call the doctor
- Bleeding from the rectum or anus is never normal and although hemorrhoids are the most common reason to have blood in the stool, it should be discussed with your primary health-care professional. Other causes ofrectal bleeding exist and can be serious. Inflammatory bowel disease and cancers of the colon can present with rectal bleeding. Blood in the stool should never be ignored.
- Medical care should be sought urgently if a person is taking anticoagulation medications such as warfarin , dabigatran , rivaroxiban , apixaban , clopidogrel , prasugrel or enoxaparin .
- Individuals who have associated symptoms such as lightheadedness and weakness may have significant blood loss and may require more urgent care.
- Hemorrhoids do not cause abdominal pain should this pain be present with bleeding, medical care should be sought immediately.
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids that cannot be pushed back through the anus require medical care.
- Thrombosed external hemorrhoids may cause significant pain and medical care may be necessary to remove the clot.
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Be Patient When Treating Hemorrhoids
Most hemorrhoids will not interfere with normal daily living and resolve on their own after a few days.
There are conservative, at-home treatments to help with your symptoms like sitz baths, myrtus communis essential oil and stool softeners.
If hemorrhoids persist, more aggressive treatment options are available including prescription medications, rubber band ligation and surgical removal.
Remember that hemorrhoids are not life-threatening. Patience and following appropriate preventative tips are the best ways to manage them.
About Erin Peisach
Erin Peisach, RDN, CLT attended the University of Maryland, College Park for her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. She is now the owner of Nutrition by Erin, a San Diego-based virtual nutrition private practice specializing in gastrointestinal disorders.
Learn more about her on the About page.
Joe Leech, Dietitian
Recent Posts
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, butchers 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.
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The Secret Starts With Your Colon
Now, keep in mind that digestion actually starts with the mouth but realistically, Holy want you to be able to eat your favorite foods and at the same time get all the health benefits she teach.
So the key is to make sure your colon doesnt contribute to the future development of hemorrhoids. Use this and Holy Hayden promise it will get results over time.
WRITE these down in your health notes if you can!
Also Check: How Long To Hemorrhoids Last
Are External Hemorrhoids Painful
External hemorrhoids can be painful. They are usually most painful immediately following a bowel movement or after straining or lifting.
They may be especially painful if they develop a blood clot, which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. If medical professionals can lance and drain the clot within of development, the pain will ease immediately. If not, the clot will likely dissolve on its own, and the pain will ease in time.
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How Long Do External Hemorrhoids Last
It all depends on the type of hemorrhoids youre suffering from. Nevertheless, the condition eases up if you follow at-home and medicated measures. The most common hemorrhoids last about a week, while severe cases might need medical procedures.
If hemorrhoids are caused by pregnancy, then they would disappear soon after childbirth.
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 number two, dont 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.
Recommended Reading: Can Hemorrhoids Cause Colon Cancer
Quick Read Why Do I Get Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoids, also called the piles, are swollen veins in your anus or rectum.
- They can cause pain, irritation and bleeding but sometimes have no symptoms.
- Repeated straining during bowel movements is a common cause.
- Piles usually go away on their own, but over-the-counter creams or sitz baths can help.
- Consume more water and fiber and avoid lingering on the toilet.
By the time you turn 50, more than half of your peers will have experienced hemorrhoids at least once in their lives, proving that misery does indeed love company.
Hemorrhoids are extremely common, says Ashley Schmaing, a physician assistant at the Gastroenterology Clinic at Harborview Medical Center. And even then, the true prevalence is unknown because not everyone reports them to their healthcare provider or can even tell that they have them.
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When To See A Doctor
Doctors from the National Health Service advise that you always see a doctor for signs of rectal bleeding. Even though the majority of cases of pooping bloody stool are benign, you need to rule out more sinister causes for rectal bleeding.26
Also remember that rectal bleeding is one of the warning signs of colon cancer.
Another reason to visit your doctor for hemorrhoids is if home remedies dont help heal symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids quickly. Doctors may recommend treatment to cure hemorrhoids for good and improve your quality of life.
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How To Heal Hemorrhoids Without Surgery With Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be another solution for learning how to cure hemorrhoids without surgery, especially if essential oils such as peppermint or lemon oil are used. These products have calming and soothing effects, helping muscles relax, relieving anxiety and nervousness and improving respiration and blood flow.
A less stressed organism is less likely to develop hemorrhoids as blood pressure is maintained in normal limits and walls of blood vessels are stronger and healthier. Also, the digestive system works as it should, thus constipation and diarrhea are less likely to occur.
Respiration exercises can also help, as they reduce hypertension and relieve stress, relaxing the entire body just like aromatherapy does.
When Do Hemorrhoids Require Medical Intervention
Your hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing topic to discuss with anyone, even your doctor. But hemorrhoids are common and affect 5% of adults in the United States every year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Its estimated, in fact, that as many as three in four adults will experience problems with hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.
Though you can find many treatments for hemorrhoids at your local pharmacy, home remedies dont help everyone. At Rivas Digestive Center, located in Hollywood, Florida, our expert gastroenterologist, Dr. John Rivas, wants you to know when its time to get medical help for your hemorrhoids.
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Hemorrhoid Banding As A Definitive Solution For Hemorrhoids
While natural home remedies for hemorrhoids can provide temporary relief from symptoms, they are not a permanent fix. For long-term hemorrhoid relief, consider a treatment like hemorrhoid banding. Also known as rubber band ligation, hemorrhoid banding is a long-lasting technique for alleviating discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
Specifically, the CRH ORegan System is the leading hemorrhoid banding treatment available. During the CRH ORegan System procedure, a small band is wrapped around the base of the hemorrhoid to restrict the blood flow to the hemorrhoidal mass. After a few days without a blood supply, the hemorrhoid shrinks and eventually falls off, along with the band. Typically, the hemorrhoid and band fall off during a regular bowel movement without the patient even noticing.
Talk to a doctor for more information on the right treatment and relief options for you. To get rid of your hemorrhoids once and for all, find a physician that offers the pain-free CRH ORegan banding procedure and get on the path toward the hemorrhoid-free life you deserve.
Heal Your Hemorrhoids
Advanced Treatment For Hemorrhoids
Even with the treatments listed above, there are some situations that may require medical treatment – especially if your hemorrhoids are recurrent!
Fortunately, even if your doctor determines treatment is necessary, you have many options, as there are several procedures that can be done in an office visit that do not require a separate surgery or anesthesia. Even if your case requires surgical treatment, most options are minimally invasive.
After a physical exam, your doctor will make a decision about what treatment may be necessary based on the location and severity of your hemorrhoids. If you have internal hemorrhoids, a colonoscopy may also be required. There might also be complications and risks to assess, such as whether you are taking a blood thinner or may be at risk for sepsis, which can be a risk with procedures like a hemorrhoidopexy.
In a hemorrhoidopexy or a sclerotherapy, the vein is left in place. Rather than removing it, the vein is fixed in place or sealed, depending on the procedure. Doctors typically only recommend these kinds of operations if your hemorrhoids have not responded to conservative treatment.
In a hemorrhoidectomy, the bulging or prolapsed vein is removed to prevent further bleeding and discomfort. A hemorrhoidectomy can be performed to mitigate both internal and external hemorrhoids. Typically, anesthesia is required for the surgery, though you will typically be released that day.
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Home Remedies For Piles
Try not to strain too much when passing a stool. Afterwards, to reduce any irritation and soreness around your anus, wash and pat dry your bottom using a wet wipe or moistened pad, or using a hairdryer on a low setting. Make sure you do not rub the area dry as this can further irritate your piles.
A daily warm bath or shower can also ease your discomfort. You can additionally try using a sitz bath two to three times a day. This is a small, shallow tub that fits on top of a toilet seat. When seated on a sitz bath filled with warm water your buttocks should be covered with water. Using a sitz bath for 1520 minutes can reduce irritation, soreness and itching. Afterwards, pat dry your bottom do not rub.
Other ways to reduce your discomfort include:
- Applying an ice pack to your bottom for up to 10 minutes, three times a day
- Gently pushing your piles back in if theyve slipped out eg after passing a stool
- Sitting on soft cushions, instead of hard surfaces
Dietary changes
To avoid straining when passing stools, which can worsen and irritate your piles, follow a diet that will reduce your chances of becoming constipated. This means increasing the amount of fibre in your diet by eating high-fibre foods, such as beans, broccoli, fresh fruit and whole grains.
It is also important to stay hydrated to ensure your stools stay soft. Make sure you drink 1.52 litres of fluids every day .
Exercise