Is There Anything That Will Shrink Hemorrhoids

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.

Price at time of publication: $35

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

What To Eat In This Condition

Foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, work really well to alleviate hemorrhoids symptoms, including pain and inflammation. The best thing about this form of diet is its ability to prevent hemorrhoids. Since eating fiber-rich foods make the stool soft and bulky, this lowers the chances of hemorrhoids formation. But remember to add fibrous foods gradually, or you might end up with gastric issues.

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.

Also Check: Best Way To Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids

What Are Some Common Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids

There are plenty of home remedies that can help treat hemorrhoids, but they might not all work for you equally well. These home remedies for hemorrhoids may help soothe your discomfort and pain.

Some home remedies include:

How Long Does It Take For A Hemorrhoid To Shrink

If you or someone you know is having hemorrhoids, theres one common question: how long does it take for hemorrhoids to shrink?

Regular hemorrhoids can clear up in a few days with or without specific treatment. Thrombosed hemorrhoids should shrink within 10 days. But for more severe cases, the patients will need to see their doctor solve the problem in no time.

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How To Use A Hemorrhoid Wipe

Hemorrhoid wipes with witch hazel may be used when the area needs to be cleansed, such as after a bowel movement, and can be used before applying other topical treatments like creams and ointments. To use a hemorrhoid wipe, follow these steps*:

*Use as directed on the product label.

You can also keep a folded wipe in place as a moist compress for up to 15 minutes to soothe the irritated area.

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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:

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How Are Bleeding Hemorrhoids Treated At Home

A bleeding hemorrhoid is usually a sign of irritation or damage to the wall of the hemorrhoid. This should resolve on its own over time, but there are several things you can do at home to speed up the process and soothe any discomfort.

However, if theres no clear source of bleeding or if the bleeding doesnt go away within a week, see your doctor.

Experts note that hemorrhoids are often self-diagnosed, which can be dangerous. Many medical conditions, including cancer and inflammatory bowel disease , can have similar symptoms. For this reason, its important to receive a proper diagnosis from your doctor.

If you have been diagnosed with a hemorrhoid thats itchy or painful, start by gently cleaning the area and reducing inflammation. These strategies can help:

Next, try to soften your stools to keep your digestive system in good working order and reduce your risk of further irritation or damage to a bleeding hemorrhoid. Here are some tips:

If youre still noticing blood or a lot of discomfort after a week of home treatments, you may need to revisit your doctor for additional treatment.

If home treatments arent providing any relief, there are several surgical treatments that can help. Many of them can be done in the office and dont require general anesthesia.

These include:

If your bleeding hemorrhoids are larger or more severe, your doctor may recommend more advanced treatment, such as more extensive surgery.

Analgesics Can Be Used As A Hemorrhoid Shrinking Treatment

Analgesics are painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and you can buy many creams that contain something to soothe the painful area of your hemorrhoids. They will provide relief from the pain and itching, for a start. Some analgesics, particularly ibuprofen, also reduce inflammation in swollen areas of tissue. But they wont actually cure the hemorrhoids, more likely just stop you noticing them while they go away of their own accord.

Recommended Reading: How Do I Stop Bleeding Hemorrhoids

How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids

Home remedies

• Sitz bath: One tried and true remedy for killing hemorrhoids fast is taking sitz baths, which involves sitting in 3 inches of warm water for 15 minutes several times a day. Warm water reduces the swelling and relaxes the clenched sphincter muscles.
• Ice packs or cold compresses: Applying cold compresses to the affected region helps ease pain and swelling.
• Fibersupplements: Consuming supplements such as psyllium and methylcellulose reduces constipation and helps relieve the pain of hemorrhoids.
• Topical ointments: Over-the-counter topical ointments can help reduce swelling, discomfort, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. Other ointments such as petroleum jelly can lubricate the area and make passing stools less painful, and 1% hydrocortisone cream can relieve itching.
• Analgesics: Analgesics such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can alleviate pain caused by hemorrhoids.
• Loose clothing: Wearing loose clothing allows air to circulate in the affected regions and can prevent further irritation.
• Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for reducing the risk of hemorrhoids in the future.

Medications

If home remedies fail to provide relief, medications may be prescribed.

Topical medications that include zinc oxide, witch hazel, corticosteroids, or lidocaine are commonly prescribed to treat hemorrhoids. These medications help relieve itching and reduce inflammation and can act as a local anesthetic, alleviating pain.

Procedures

Procedures For Hemorrhoids Treatment

Some hemorrhoids can’t be managed with conservative treatments alone, either because symptoms persist or because an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed. Fortunately, a number of minimally invasive hemorrhoid treatments are available that are less painful than traditional hemorrhoid removal and allow a quicker recovery. These procedures are generally performed in a surgeon’s office or as outpatient surgery in a hospital.

Band it. The most commonly used hemorrhoid treatment in the United States is rubber band ligation, in which a small elastic band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid . The band causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and the surrounding tissue to scar as it heals, holding the hemorrhoid in place. It takes two to four procedures, done six to eight weeks apart, to completely eliminate the hemorrhoid. Complications, which are rare, include mild pain or tightness , bleeding, and infection. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery. They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about what’s best for your situation.

Image: LuisPortugal/Getty Images

Recommended Reading: I Ve Had Hemorrhoids For Years

How Do I Use These Products

Directions: Application is simple. Apply directly to the condition with a Q-Tip or with your finger. Always thoroughly wash your hands before and after each application. Only a few drops per application are necessary.*

Full instructions are included with your product. The products are very gentle and can be used on children over the age 4. These homeopathic formulas are applied topically and are not ingested.*

H-Bl Hemorrhoids Formula is for minor bleeding associated with hemorrhoids only. Consult your medical professional if you have extensive or prolonged bleeding or are unsure of the cause of your bleeding.*

If you are pregnant or nursing H-Hemorrhoids Formula is perfect for use during and after pregnancy. If you have any bleeding due to hemorrhoids, do not use H-BL Hemorrhoids Formula. Instead, use H-Fissures Formula for the bleeding and once bleeding has stopped, switch to H-Hemorrhoids Formula. Please consult your physician before using these products.*

What To Wear How To Sleep And Other Practical Tips For Hemorrhoid Sufferers

From chronic itching to excruciating pain, your hemorrhoids may cause a lot of discomfort that can affect your day-to-day activities, as well as your sleep.

At Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Creve Coeur, Missouri, our experienced physician, Dr. Betsy Clemens, has more than two decades of experience helping those suffering with hemorrhoids get relief. We want to share with you some of our best at-home treatments to help you manage your hemorrhoid symptoms.

Recommended Reading: How To Treat Hemorrhoids After Giving Birth

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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, there’s a lot we can do about hemorrhoids.

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.

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B Shrink Hemorrhoids With Medication

There are some medicines to shrink hemorrhoids

And also other recommended medication for hemorrhoids. These creams contain hydrocortisone or witch hazel. It will reduce the inflammation as well as help relieve the itching or pain temporarily. But it has side effects when you use it often. It can cause skin damage.

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Best Soak: Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak

Courtesy of Amazon

• Made with soothing, natural oils

• Safe to use during pregnancy

• May irritate sensitive skin

A sitz bath can be an incredibly soothing treatment for hemorrhoids and postpartum care, with both the warm water and the Epsom salts content working wonders for irritated, delicate skin.

This sitz bath made by Thena, which includes Epsom salts and dead sea salt as well as nourishing coconut and magnesium oils, is both soothing and healing, reducing inflammation while repairing tissue damage. It can be dissolved into a special sitz device or simply blended into a warm bath within your tub.

Price at time of publication: $33

Active Ingredients: 100% pure natural Epsom salts, 100% pure natural dead sea salt, organic coconut oil, and other natural oils | Dose: 1/2 cup for a sitz bath | Uses: Hemorrhoid relief during a sitz bath

• Offers itch and pain relief

• Can stain clothing

While the first line of defense for most people with hemorrhoids is medicated creams and ointments, pregnant women have to take a pause before running to the pharmacy for an OTC drug.

The topical hemorrhoidal agents have not been fully assessed for safety in pregnancy, says Matthew Bechtold, MD, a University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist. Even though its unlikely that the ingredients in topical hemorrhoidal agents will harm the third-trimester infant, a discussion needs to be had between you and your obstetrician regarding therapy.

Price at time of publication: $12

Also Check: Best Otc Meds For Hemorrhoids

If You’re Pregnant Lie On Your Left Side

Pregnant women are particularly prone to hemorrhoids, in part because the uterus sits directly on the blood vessels that drain the hemorrhoidal veins, says Lewis R. Townsend, MD. A special hemorrhoid remedy if you are pregnant is to lie on your left side for about 20 minutes every 4 to 6 hours, he says. This helps decrease pressure on the main vein, draining the lower half of the body.

When Hemorrhoid Surgery May Be Necessary

Very few people fewer than 10 percent of all adults who see a doctor because of symptomatic hemorrhoids will require a surgical operation.

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy.

Your doctor may recommend a hemorrhoidectomy if:

• You have large external hemorrhoids
• You have both internal and external hemorrhoids
• An internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed
• You have excessive bleeding

In a hemorrhoidectomy, the doctor makes a small incision to remove the hemorrhoid and surrounding tissue before closing the wound with stitches.

A hemorrhoidectomy is performed in an operating room and can be done under general anesthesia, in which you are unconscious and unable to feel pain.

Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with postoperative pain, but the procedure is successful for 95 percent of cases.

More recently, another option aimed at avoiding the postoperative pain of a hemorrhoidectomy has become available, called a stapled hemorrhoidopexy. A circular stapling device pulls the hemorrhoidal tissue upward and to its normal position, stapling it in place. The staples eventually fall out over time.

According to a study published in the journal Techniques in Coloproctology, in the long term, patient satisfaction, resolution of symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcome appeared similar among patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and hemorrhoidectomy. But other sources note that stapling has been associated with a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.

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A How To Shrink Hemorrhoids Fast Naturally With Home Treatment

There are some popular tips on how to get rid of hemorrhoids by shrinking it. It is right that asking a doctor immediately is a good idea.

But, before you apply medicine treatmenteven do surgeryyou need to ask a doctor about shrinking hemorrhoids quickly with home treatment.

It is because there are some shrinking hemorrhoids home treatments that can work effectively even can cure it.

It is indeed much better than you ask a surgery where it is thousand times can be more painful than the following treatments. But this natural remedies for hemorrhoids at-home treatment is more suitable for small piles of in grade 1 or 2.

1. Natural Treatment With Tea Tree Oil

First of how to shrink piles fast naturally is by using tea tree oil for hemorrhoids. Tea tree oil is the most powerful home treatment essential oil that can be used for curing hemorrhoids.

Research shows that it is eleven times more powerful compared with medical treatment. As long as this is natural treatment, it will not have side effects.

It is said that tea tree oil is like magic. It works magically in curing hemorrhoids. There are several ways to use tea tree oil like topical application, massage, and sitz bath. This must works.

Find more benefits of tea tree oil for other uses than just hemorrhoids in this video :

2. How to Shrink Hemorrhoids with Ice Pack

3. Hemorrhoids Treatment by Taking a Sitz Bath

5. Change Your Diet