How To Help Hemorrhoids At Home

Are There Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids

6 Home Hemorrhoid Treatment Tips – How Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are one of the most common problems in the general population. It is estimated that hemorrhoids will affect 75% of American adults at some point in their lifetime. They represent swollen veins in the area of the anus and rectum and can develop inside the rectum or below the skin of the anus . Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may include pain/discomfort, itching/irritation, rectal bleeding, and a swelling or lump near the anus. Embarrassment, fear of pain, and long recovery times are all common worries that prevent many individuals from seeking the treatment they need. As a result, many people with hemorrhoids opt for self-treatment with home remedies. Though the below remedies can help treat hemorrhoids, if you are suffering from this condition it is always better to first make an appointment with your physician!

When Should I Call My Doctor About Hemorrhoids

If symptoms of hemorrhoids continue for more than a week despite using home remedies, or if you dont get relief or if you have severe pain or bleeding, call your doctor. Once hemorrhoids reach a certain size, prescription medicine, physician office procedures or surgical treatment may be necessary.

While it may be an embarrassing topic for patients to bring up, I tell them, theres no shame in admitting to discomfort, Dr. Broderick said.

Medication or an outpatient procedure may be recommended, including banding/ ligation or an infrared procedure to treat internal hemorrhoids. In severe cases, surgery will be recommended for external hemorrhoids.

For most patients, hemorrhoids are easy to manage and rarely require surgery, said Frederick R. Lane, MD, with Indiana Colon & Rectal Specialists, a Franciscan Physician Network practice. Its important to remember, however, that bleeding should never be ignored and needs to be evaluated by a specialist.

Taking A Sitz Bath In The Bathtub

If youre taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub.

Clean the tub by mixing 2 tablespoons of bleach with 1/2 gallon of water. Scrub the bathtub and rinse thoroughly.

Next, fill the tub with 3 to 4 inches of water. The water should be warm, but not hot enough to cause burns or discomfort. You can test the temperature of the water by placing a drop or two on your wrist. When youve found a comfortable temperature, add any substances your doctor recommended to the bath.

Now, step into the tub and soak your perineum for 15 to 20 minutes. Bend your knees or, if possible, dangle your legs over the sides of the tub to keep them out of the water altogether.

When you get out of the bathtub, gently pat yourself dry with a clean cotton towel. Dont rub or scrub the perineum, as this may cause pain and irritation.

Finish by rinsing the bathtub thoroughly.

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.

Place the sitz bath into the open toilet.

Test it by trying to move it from side to side to ensure it will stay in place and wont shift.

You can pour warm water in before you sit down, or you can use the plastic bag and tubing to fill the tub with water after youve sat down. The water should be deep enough so that it covers your perineum.

Also Check: How To Treat Hemorrhoids After Giving Birth

How Can I Treat Hemorrhoids At Home

You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by:

Eating foods that are high in fiber
Taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement
Drinking enough fluids every day
Not straining during bowel movements
Not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
Taking warm baths several times a day to help relieve pain. This could be a regular bath or a sitz bath. With a sitz bath, you use a special plastic tub that allows you to sit in a few inches of warm water.
Using over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, ointments, or suppositories to relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids

Identify The Cause Of Your Hemorrhoids

Many people get hemorrhoids for different reasons. By identifying the cause of your hemorrhoids, you will be able to understand why you have them and what you can do to get rid of them. After every cause, we list the steps you can take to get rid of your hemorrhoids permanently.

Most Common Causes of Hemorrhoids

Pregnancy

Prolonged Sitting On Toilet

Drinking too much alcohol

Go through this list and decide what is the cause of your hemorrhoids. Once you have it figured out, move on to step #3 where we talk about what you can do to get rid of your hemorrhoids and prevent them from coming back.

Don’t Miss: Hemorrhoids Rash Treatment

How Long Do Hemorrhoid Suppositories Take To Work

Hemorrhoid suppositories usually take about 15 to 60 minutes for it to activate bowel movement. Using it concurrently with a topical ointment will help ease the Hemorrhoid symptoms faster. However, if the Hemorrhoids still doesnt go away after a few weeks, kindly seek professional medical assistance for advice.

Simple Ways To Prevent Hemorrhoid Issues

While there’s no 100% certifiable way to prevent all hemorrhoid issues, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help lessen the chances of having a flare-up. First, try not to delay bowel movements. This can cause unneeded pressure and straining. Also, try not to sit on the toilet for long periods of time. Then, make sure to keep everything clean after bowel movements. After you’re finished wiping, gently clean your anal area with a cleansing wipe or simple cloth soaked in warm water. 2 Another good tip is to continue your high-fiber diet even when you’re not having hemorrhoid issues, as this diet can help make bowel movements easier and more frequent. 2

If you’re still not sure what to do about your hemorrhoids or certain lifestyle changes you want to make, reach out to your doctor or healthcare provider. They’ll be able to assess your condition and help you make a plan!

1. Hemorrhoids: symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. . Accessed 3/19/2021. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

2. Natural remedies for hemorrhoids. Harvard Medical School Publishing. . Accessed 3/19/2021. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.

Don’t Miss: Does Emuaid Work For Hemorrhoids

Get Help For Hemorrhoids Quickly And Affordably

Hemorrhoids, although they are common, can be a bit embarrassing for many. Too many people needlessly suffer in silence with this condition because they dont know how to get help for their hemorrhoids. But today, many treatments offer help for hemorrhoids. Talking to a physician is the best place to start. A doctor can determine the cause and type of hemorrhoids you have and put together a treatment plan based on your specific condition.

How Long Does It Take For A Hemorrhoid To Shrink

Is There a Way to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids for Good?

Most Hemorrhoids shrink within a week. However, some may take a few weeks to go away completely depending on the severity and your lifestyle. To shrink Hemorrhoids quickly, one method is to apply medication on the affected area regularly. Find a medication that is able to penetrate deep into the skin to ease the symptoms.

You May Like: Ice Cube For Hemorrhoids

Address And Fix The Cause Of Your Hemorrhoids

How to Stop Hemorrhoids In their Tracks

There are several things you can do to get fight back against your hemorrhoids.

Do not sit or stand for too long – When you are at home, instead of sitting you can lay down on your side. Many jobs also require prolonged standing or sitting. Every 20 minutes or so, get up and walk around or sit down and relax if you can. This will get your blood flow going and prevent blood from pooling in your anus.

Go to the bathroom when youre ready – Waiting to use the bathroom can be a bad idea. Conversely, trying to go when you are not ready is a bad idea too. Do your best to go to the bathroom when you are ready to. This will prevent excess straining or sitting on the toilet, which is a big hemorrhoid contributor. In addition, make sure you cleanse yourself properly! Leaving excess stool in your anus area can make things worse, so be sure to clean yourself well, and use hemorrhoid wipes or wet wipes when wiping!

Avoid constipation or diarrhea – The best way to avoid constipation is to make sure you are eating healthy and drinking 6-8 full glasses of water daily. This will prevent constipation and diarrhea. If you have chronic constipation or diarrhea, you will want to see a doctor. If your diarrhea or constipation is a result of a medication you are taking then get in and see your doctor!

Anal intercourse – Do your best to get a rest when your anus is inflamed. This will help you get rid of hemorrhoids.

Quick Recap:

When To See Your Doctor

If you arent feeling better within one week of active at-home treatment, make an appointment with your doctor.

Houston recommends talking to your doctor immediately if there is blood when you have a bowel movement either in the toilet or when you wipe, especially if you are older than 40. Your doctor will want to rule out other conditions such as an anal fissure, colon cancer or a bowel disease like ulcerative colitis.

Hemorrhoids can be very disruptive to quality of life but they react well to treatment, said Houston. Its not anything to be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about.

Learn more about whole foods and probiotics. Both are helpful in regulating bowel movements and lessening your chance of getting a hemorrhoid.

Samaritan Medical Supplies offer a wide variety of helpful advice and medical supplies including sitz bath kits.

You May Like: Brazilian Wax With Hemorrhoids

How To Heal Hemorrhoids: Over

Products used to treat hemorrhoids are available as

ointments,
foams, and
pads.

When used around the anus, ointments, creams, and gels should be applied as a thin covering. When applied to the anal canal, these products should be inserted with a finger or a “pile pipe.” Pile pipes are most efficient when they have holes on the sides as well as at the end. Pile pipes should be lubricated with ointment prior to insertion. Suppositories or foams do not have advantages over ointments, creams, and gels.

Treating Hemorrhoids At Home

For the best results, follow these simple recommendations:

Take over the counter ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.

Apply witch hazel or Preparation H for swelling and itching.

Sit in a warm bath or sitz bath.

Apply cold compresses or ice packs to reduce swelling.

Use stool softeners to ease bowel movements.

Add fiber to your diet with supplements and dietary choices such as fibrous fruits and vegetables and whole-grain cereals.

Don’t sit on the toilet for long periods of time.

Stay active.

Maintain proper body weight.

If home measures for your hemorrhoids prove ineffective, your physician may advise injection therapy to shrink the swollen tissues or in-office rubber band ligation.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids After Giving Birth

How To Poop With A Hemorrhoid

Releasing your stools with Hemorrhoids can be painful depending on the severity. There are different ways to reduce the pain during bowel movement. Some of these methods are filling the rectum with warm water, using a cold compress and having a diet rich in fiber. A quick alternative to reduce the swelling is applying medication that can penetrate deep into the skin on the affected areas to relieve the Hemorrhoids pain, itching and swelling.

Use Simple Toilet Paper

Scented and coloured toilet paper contain extra chemicals that could irritate sensitive areas. Dampen plain, white, unscented toilet paper or use a moist towelette when you need to wipe. Follow up by applying an unscented moisturizer with a facial tissue.

Here are seven tips for healthy bowel movements.

Read Also: Hemorrhoid Rash Treatment

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.

How To Stop Internal Hemorrhoid Bleeding

Treat Hemorrhoids Naturally at Home Effectively at Once and For All NEW VIDEO

The bleeding normally ends within seconds to minutes depending on the size of the lump. It usually doesn’t last more than 10 minutes.

To prevent further bleeding, watching your diet or eating certain medication to loosen your stools can help. However, you may want to do in-depth research or seek professional assistance for further information.

Also Check: Heating Pad For Thrombosed Hemorrhoid

How To Tell If You Have A Hemorrhoid

You can tell if you have Hemorrhoids through these symptoms such as extreme itching around the anus, painful lump or swelling near the anus, bowel leakage, painful bowel movements and bleeding after bowel movement. One quick way to ease your Hemorrhoids is to use a medication that can penetrate deep into your skin and soothe the pain, itching and swelling.

How Would You Know If You Have Hemorrhoids

The appearance of bright red blood after having a bowel movement.
The anus area feeling itchy.
The feeling or urge to have another bowel movement even after you have just been to the toilet.
The appearance of slimy mucus when wiping with toilet paper.
The appearance of lumps and bumps around the anus.
Pain from these hemorrhoids.

Be gentle when wiping with toilet paper after a bowel movement.
Avoid pushing too hard when having a bowel movement.
Avoid taking painkillers as they can cause constipation.
Never take ibuprofen when you have bleeding hemorrhoids.
Avoid spending too long sitting on the toilet.

Read Also: Ice Cube On Hemorrhoids

What Should I Eat If I Have Hemorrhoids Diet

Individuals with hemorrhoids should soften their stools by increasing the fiber in their diets.

Fiber is found in numerous foods, including

fresh and dried fruits,
whole grains, and
cereals.

In general, 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day is recommended, whereas the average American diet contains less than 15 grams of fiber. Fiber supplements, like psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil, also may be used to increase the intake of fiber.

Stool softeners and increased drinking of liquids also may be recommended, as well as bulk-forming laxatives. Nevertheless, the benefits of fiber, liquids, and stool softeners have not been well-tested with respect to hemorrhoidal control in scientific studies.

How To Stop Bleeding Hemorrhoids Fast At Home 10 Tips

5. Be Clean

It is always important for a hemorrhoid sufferer stays clean if he/she wants to heal hemorrhoids at home. This problem is strongly emphasized by many experts.To stay clean, you need to soak regularly in a warm bath and then wipe out thoroughly using moistened toilet Tuck pads or toilet pads. However, it is not necessary to use soap for washing your anal area, according to doctors, as it might irritate external hemorrhoids. Use a cloth to dry the problematic area and prevent moisture from forming in the area.

6. Take More Fiber

It is said that the most important thing for a diet of hemorrhoids sufferers is fiber. It is best absorbed in the form of food, yet some people find they need to take a fiber supplement in order to get enough 20-30 grams of fiber each day.Add more fiber-rich foods to your diet like whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans, etc. In case you want to take fiber supplements, then think of Benefiber or Metamucil as they could help soften the stool and also facilitate your bowel movements more easily. In addition, this helps prevent excessive straining during your bowel movements, which might lead to bleeding hemorrhoids. It is recommended to take 25-30 grams of fiber a day for adults suffering from piles or hemorrhoids.

7. No More Delay

When feeling an urge, you should go to the bathroom instantly. Absolutely do not wait for convenience. Delaying your bowel movements could worsen constipation, aggravating hemorrhoids.

Are There Natural Treatments For Hemorrhoids

First, some very good news: Neither type of hemorrhoid is dangerous, and severe complications that require medical care are rare. Symptoms often can be relieved by trying a few natural and self-care treatments.

Draw a sitz bath. To relieve itching and irritation, fill a tub with three to four inches of warm water and sit in it with your knees bent for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel, but dont rub the area.
Take fiber supplements.These draw water into your stool and make it easier to pass, helping to reduce hemorrhoid bleeding and inflammation. A psyllium husk fiber supplement, like Metamucil or a generic version, is a good choice. If psyllium causes gas or bloating, try a supplement with wheat dextrin or methylcellulose .
Ease discomfort. Apply over-the-counter products that shrink the inflamed tissue and relieve itching. Try pads infused with witch hazel , or soothing creams that contain lidocaine, hydrocortisone, or phenylephrine .

You can also take steps to prevent flare-ups.

Other Ways To Shrink Hemorrhoids

Some of the true and tested techniques for shrinking hemorrhoids include:

Warm Bath – sitting in a warm bath for 15 minutes several times a day, especially after a bowel movement

Psyllium Husk – This seems to make you more regular and may result in hemorrhoid shrinkage.

Epsom Salts – Epsom salts are thought to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids and may cause shrinkage when used in a bath or sitz bath.

Over-the-counter Medications – These contain ingredients like witch hazel and phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor that can help shrink your hemorrhoids.

Proper Diet – Eating healthy can shrink hemorrhoids down pretty quick, especially if your hemorrhoids are bowel movement related .

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:

Dairy products

Don’t Miss: Can Ice Cubes Help Hemorrhoids