Protects Against Skin Damage
Witch hazel is rich in tannins, a natural plant compound with powerful antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin against damage when applied topically.
One animal study found that tannins can act as a barrier, preventing inflammation-causing substances from entering your skin cells .
Whats more, a test-tube study showed that witch hazel helped neutralize harmful free radicals and prevented the spread of skin cancer cells .
Similarly, another animal study discovered that the tannins in witch hazel were able to slow skin tumor growth in mice exposed to radiation .
However, most research is currently limited to test-tube and animal studies. More studies are needed to evaluate the effects of witch hazel on humans.
Summary
Animal and test-tube studies have found that witch hazel and its components could prevent skin cancer growth and protect against skin damage.
How To Ease Pain After Hemorrhoid Surgery
After hemorrhoid surgery, your doctor will likely prescribe a painkiller to ease the discomfort associated with the expected rectal and anal pain after surgery.
To help the recovery process, you can eat a high fiber diet, stay hydrated, and use a stool softener.
Be sure to avoid activities of lifting or pulling.
Soaking in a few inches of warm salt water can help to temporarily alleviate pain.
As recovery continues, you can use an over-the-counter pain medication for additional pain regulation.
What Are The Symptoms
The main sign that you have a prolapsed hemorrhoid is the presence of one or more lumps around the anus. This will only occur if the prolapse is significant.
In some cases, you can gently push a lump back through the anus. While that changes the hemorrhoids location and may ease some symptoms, the hemorrhoid is still present.
You May Like: How Do You Help Hemorrhoids
Common Home Remedies For Piles
Are you considering home remedies for piles? Home remedies can be effective for piles. You can try a number of them to help keep the symptoms at bay. But you need to choose wisely.
Pile are a common problem that affects millions of people No one likes to talk about them. In fact, most people are afraid to even say the word hemorrhoids. However, there is a simple solution to treat hemorrhoids at home.
In this article we will discuss about 12 home remedies for piles that you can use to get rid of hemorrhoids.
Can Hemorrhoids Cause Sharp Pain
Most hemorrhoids only cause mild pain or discomfort. In some cases, however, you may experience sharp pain. Sharp pain can be absolutely debilitating and in some cases prevent you from being able to even sit down.
There are a few different causes of sharp rectal pain. Hemorrhoid pain may become severe if your hemorrhoids become thrombosed.
This means that the blood in your hemorrhoid has developed a clot. A thrombosis can result in a stabbing, sharp pain that comes on suddenly.
Other causes of sharp pain with hemorrhoids include infection, tearing, and severe cases.
Also Check: Can You Get Hemorrhoids From Stress
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 forcep 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.”
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.”
You May Like: What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids
What Can I Use For Hemorrhoid Pain
Topical treatments such as hemorrhoid cream or suppositories can be used to reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
Our OTC hemorrhoid medicine guide can help you pick out the right OTC treatment for you.
We put together a list of the best hemorrhoid products of 2018.
Some over-the-counter options include pads that contain numbing agents to temporarily reduce the feeling of pain.
Applying ice packs or cold compresses can also help with pain and possibly even reduce and eliminate strangulated prolapsed hemorrhoids .
For more severe pain, you can use over-the-counter acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen products.
If these options do not relieve your pain, contact your doctor.
Check out our hemorrhoid cream reviews guide for more information on creams that can help.
How Do Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids
Doctors treat hemorrhoids with procedures during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital.
Office treatments include the following:
- Rubber band ligation. Rubber band ligation is a procedure that doctors use to treat bleeding or prolapsing internal hemorrhoids. A doctor places a special rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. The band cuts off the blood supply. The banded part of the hemorrhoid shrivels and falls off, most often within a week. Scar tissue forms in the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, often shrinking the hemorrhoid. Only a doctor should perform this procedureyou should never try this treatment yourself.
- Sclerotherapy. A doctor injects a solution into an internal hemorrhoid, which causes scar tissue to form. The scar tissue cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Infrared photocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that directs infrared light at an internal hemorrhoid. Heat created by the infrared light causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
- Electrocoagulation. A doctor uses a tool that sends an electric current into an internal hemorrhoid. The electric current causes scar tissue to form, which cuts off the blood supply, often shrinking the hemorrhoid.
Outpatient center or hospital treatments include the following:
Sometimes complications of hemorrhoids also require treatment.
You May Like: Where To Go For Hemorrhoids
Best Ointment: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
Packed with organic herbs, minerals, and amino acids, this popular ointment reduces pain, itching, and burning protects and soothes irritations reduces swelling and stops bleeding from hemorrhoids and small anal tears. With over 2,000 five-star reviews, you know it’ll provide some relief.
“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.”
Best Treatment During Pregnancy: Motherlove Rhoid Balm
Featuring a blend of witch hazel and yarrow, the Motherlove Rhoid Balm can reduce itchiness and swelling and decrease pain in pregnancy- and childbirth-induced hemorrhoidal tissues. Other key ingredients include calendula flower, plantain leaf, olive oil, and beeswax, which come together to provide additional soothing hydration and relief.
“Third trimester hemorrhoids savior,” dubs the ointment balm. “Definitely a must try if you’re in discomfort and better ingredients than other products. I had instant relief once I applied the cream on. Took away my irritation and burning sensation right away and in three days hemorrhoids began to decrease in size.”
Read Also: Is Vicks Good For Hemorrhoids
Apple Cider Vinegar Only Provides Temporary Relief
Apple cider vinegar works to alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms because the natural agent in unpasteurized vinegar reduces inflammation, providing temporary relief from hemorrhoid symptoms like itchiness and pain.
Apple cider vinegar may provide some relief from your hemorrhoid symptoms. However, the respite is usually temporary, and you may need to use ACV several times per day.
If you have hemorrhoids and are experiencing discomfort due to symptoms, your best option is to speak with your physician to learn more about possible treatment options.
How To Relieve Pain Caused By Hemorrhoids
There a lot of options for treating hemorrhoids. You can choose to have them removed through medical procedures or you can treat the symptoms using home remedies. The medical procedures are quite costly and theres no guarantee that theyll not recur. Conversely, the home remedies are inexpensive and you can try them yourself from the comfort of your home.
You May Like: What To Do For Hemorrhoids That Itch
What Happens During Surgical Removal Of The Thrombosed Hemorrhoid
One procedure creates an incision over the clot, allowing the doctor to squeeze out the clot. Unfortunately, this quick and easy procedure frequently results in blood clots reforming and continuing pain. A more extensive procedure removes the clot and the blood vessels in the hemorrhoid. This procedure is longer and may require sutures to close the wound, but can yield better results. Local anesthesia is used for both procedures.
Read Also: How Do You Treat Hemorrhoids
From Salt Soaks To Topical Creams We’ve Rounded Up The Most Effective Over
Susan Brickell is a senior e-commerce editor at Meredith, covering products in the form of reviews, roundups, and gift guides. She’s been a market editor and writer for nearly a decade with her finger on the pulse of the latest activewear, outdoor gear, skincare, home decor, and more. When she’s not putting a pair of leggings or new eye cream to the test, you can find her hiking U.S. national parks, planning her next surf trip, or curled up with her dog, Ollie.
- Pin
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
When it comes to our butts, down-there problems can be embarrassing or sensitive topics. Even hemorrhoids, as common as they are, can be difficult to understand and talk about. If you’ve gotten a hemorrhoid diagnosis from your doctor, don’t fret: Hemorrhoids affect about one in 20 Americans , and half of adults above age 50 have them, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
“We all have blood vessels in that area, but when they become enlarged, that is a hemorrhoid,” explains Health contributing medical editor Roshini Rajapaksa, MD. Constipation, straining to push out a bowel movement, pregnancy, and even prolonged sitting or cycling can put pressure on veins and cause hemorrhoids to develop, she tells us.
Read Also: How Do You Get Hemorrhoids To Go Down
What Causes Internal And External Hemorrhoids And Simple Ways To Treat Them
Hemorrhoids are usually caused by increased pressure due to pregnancy, being overweight, or straining during bowel movements. By midlife, hemorrhoids often become an ongoing complaint. By age 50, about half the population has experienced one or more of the classic symptoms, which include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse . Although hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous, they can be a recurrent and painful intrusion. Fortunately, theres a lot we can do about hemorrhoids.
How To Get Rid Of Internal Hemorrhoid Pain
Internal hemorrhoids are located in the lower rectal region where we do not have many nerves that can sense pain.
While internal hemorrhoids are typically not painful, protruding hemorrhoids can be.
These protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids form when internal hemorrhoids fall through the anal opening.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can lead to pain, discomfort, and itching.
Another factor of pain associated with protruding hemorrhoids is the occurrence of pruritus ani, or the itching and irritation of the anal opening.
Pruritus ani is when bacteria and mucus collects around the anal opening.
This itching and irritation can also be painful if you are constantly attempting to relieve it by scratching or persistent wiping with toilet paper.
Also Check: What Kind Of Doctor Do You Go To For Hemorrhoids
Treating External Hemorrhoids At Home
There are many methods of alleviating external hemorrhoids symptoms at home, such as:
However, should symptoms persist, or if you are unsure if your symptoms result from external hemorrhoids, it is best to contact a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Although these remedies can provide relief, most at-home treatments merely mask the symptoms caused by hemorrhoids instead of getting rid of the underlying issue. For this reason, you will most likely need to see a professional for long-lasting pain relief.
Interestingly, although you may think your symptoms come from your external hemorrhoids, many times it is the internal hemorrhoid disease causing the problems.
The Most Common Symptom Of Hemorrhoid Distress Is Likely To Be
1. Inflammation and scratchy pain in your anal area.2. Uncomfortable bulge popping out near the anus 3. Fresh red bloodstain in your stool during defecation
The fortunately fact is that that there are NATURAL WAYS that you could possible done to stay away from this horrible, painful and annoying pain in the anus.
Also Check: How Do You Fix Hemorrhoids
What Can I Do To Ease Hemorrhoid Pain
There are many ways to ease the pain of hemorrhoids.
At-home methods include over-the-counter pain medications, creams or wipes, sitz baths, and many lifestyle changes to prevent the worsening of your hemorrhoids.
If at-home treatments are not working, talk to your doctor about non-invasive treatments.
Rubber band ligation is a non-invasive procedure that involves placing one or two rubber bands on the internal hemorrhoids to cut off the circulation.
Injection or sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical solution to shrink the hemorrhoid tissue.
Coagulation is also an option. Lasers, infrared light, or heat can be used to harden and shrivel your hemorrhoids.
If all else fails, you can talk to your doctor about the surgical procedures to alleviate hemorrhoids.
Be careful when trying laser hemorrhoid surgery, as it can be very painful.
How To Ease Hemorrhoid Pain While Pooping
Constipation is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoid pain. For those with external hemorrhoids, bowel movements can be particularly painful.
To ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids, include more fiber in your diet to ensure your stool is soft. Drink plenty of fluids and exercise regularly. Avoid laxatives, as they can make your hemorrhoids worse.
Dont wait too long to use the bathroom. If you need to have a bowel movement, waiting to go will cause your stool to become drier and harder.
Practice proper hygiene, especially after your bowel movement. Rinsing in the shower can be helpful to both hygiene practices and easing the pain of wiping.
Avoid straining during your bowel movements. Elevating your feet can also be very helpful.
Place a step stool at the base of your toilet to change the position of the rectum and allow easier stool passage.
Dealing with hemorrhoids after pregnancy can be very trying. Be sure to take a ganders at our full guide on dealing with hemorrhoids when pregnant.
You May Like: Will Preparation H Heal Hemorrhoids
The Best Hemorrhoid Creams And Treatments
- Best Cooling:TruRemedy Remedy Hemorrhoid Balm
New York-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, agrees. “I prefer having patients do sitz baths daily, which involves having them take warm baths and soaking the area,” she says. Dr. Nazarian also backs over-the-counter products that contain witch hazel, since this ingredient is calming and anti-inflammatory. ” are available in pads and wipes that can be applied directly to the hemorrhoid to help with symptomatic relief.”
Sometimes, external hemorrhoids can shrink to the point that you don’t notice they’re there. But if you do experience bleeding from your rectum, it’s important to see your doctor, especially if you’ve never had hemorrhoids before. Your doctor can do an examination and perform other tests to rule out something more serious. There are also medical procedures to actually remove hemorrhoids in case they don’t disappear.
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to prevent constipation, which in turn will help ward off swollen veins. “Eat a diet high in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly,” says Dr. Rajapaksa. Examples of fiber-rich foods include beans, whole grains, corn, lentils, artichokes, and fresh fruits and veggies. “Taking a fiber supplement daily can help decrease straining,” she adds. While it may not affect hemorrhoids at a local level, it can soften stool and regulate bowel movements, Dr. Rajapaksa explains, therefore allowing hemorrhoids to shrink.
What Are External Hemorrhoids
In their simplest form, external hemorrhoids are bumps or bulges under the skin around the outside of the anus. These bumps and bulges form when too much pressure gets put on the rectal veins, causing the tissue around the anus to become swollen. As time goes on, external hemorrhoids can become more and more irritating, resulting in frequent itching, pain and swelling.
Because external hemorrhoids develop on the outside of the anus, they are often easier to identify than internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside of the anus. Although internal hemorrhoids may prolapse and protrude outside the anus, they can return back inside on their own. Because of this, many people who have internal hemorrhoids think that they have external hemorrhoids. Its best to talk to your doctor to find out which youre experiencing and what treatment option may be right for your hemorrhoids. While external hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, there are plenty of ways to soothe the symptoms, including at-home solutions and medical procedures. At-home external hemorrhoids treatment options may provide temporary relief. A more definitive treatment like the CRH ORegan System will help get rid of internal hemorrhoids, which can relieve symptoms associated with external hemorrhoids.
You May Like: What To Do For Swollen Hemorrhoids
Read Also: What Foods Can Help With Hemorrhoids