Common Questions About Hydrocortisone
The hydrocortisone in treatments for piles and itchy bottom is a steroid .
Like other steroids, it works by calming your immune system. This reduces inflammation and helps to relieve the pain and itching of piles.
The pain and itching should get better within a few days of starting treatment.
Piles and itchy bottom should get better within 7 days. Talk to your doctor if your piles have not got better or the itching gets worse.
There are other treatments available to buy that do not contain hydrocortisone. These include creams and suppositories containing zinc oxide or other soothing ingredients.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe stronger medicines for piles or itchy bottom.
No, using hydrocortisone treatments for piles does not affect what you can eat and drink.
Its a good idea, though to eat lots of foods which contain fibre so you do not get constipation. Examples of foods with lots of fibre are porridge oats and wholegrain breakfast cereals, wholemeal breads, wholewheat pasta, pulses, potatoes with their skins on and vegetables.
To avoid constipation, try to drink several glasses of water or other non-alcoholic drinks each day. If you can, it may also help to increase your levels of exercise.
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using all hydrocortisone treatments for piles and itchy bottom.
There is no clear evidence that hydrocortisone treatments for piles or itchy bottom affect male or female fertility.
Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
External hemorrhoids affect millions of people and even though not life-threatening can seriously affect the quality of life. Over the years, many treatments have been developed to manage hemorrhoids but none is perfect. Today, the aim of treatment is to prevent hemorrhoids in the first place. Hemorrhoids are best managed by an interprofessional team that includes an emergency department physician, general surgeon, gastroenterologist, and an internist. The primary care provider, pharmacist, and nurse practitioner play a vital role in educating the patient on preventing these lesions.
Conservative therapy is considered first-line treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids. This includes increased dietary fiber, stool softeners, and increased water intake. Rubber band ligation is a minimally invasive treatment option for first, second, and some third-degree internal hemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative therapy. Other minimally invasive options include sclerotherapy and infrared photocoagulation. While surgery is effective, the results are not optimal and recurrences are common. Many patients do have residual anorectal pain after surgery.
Outcomes
The outcomes for most people who do not change lifestyle are not satisfactory. Even those who undergo surgery cannot be guaranteed of a good result. Pain, urinary retention and recurrence are common postoperatively. 12.
Prevention Of External Hemorrhoids
Here are some methods of preventing hemorrhoids:
- Dont strain during bowel movements. Sitting on the toilet for an extended period of time is not recommended.
- Take steps to avoid constipation. Consuming high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and taking fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives are all examples to avoid constipation.
- Dont do any heavy lifting. Try not to overwork yourself.
- Consult a healthcare professional for any risks and complications. If youre pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or are taking blood-clotting drugs, talk to your doctor about your risk of constipation or hemorrhoids.
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Are Your Hemorrhoids Internal External And/or Thrombosed
Some hemorrhoids are internal while others are external .
Also, some hemorrhoids are thrombosed, which means there is a blood clot in the hemorrhoid.
Using a hemorrhoid supplement with a hemorrhoid cream is an excellent way to get long term relief from hemorrhoids.
HemRid Plus is our hemorrhoid supplement that does wonders for hemorrhoids.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are usually external hemorrhoids and are considered extremely painful. There are also prolapsed hemorrhoids.
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Treatment Of External Hemorrhoids
The best treatment for hemorrhoids is reducing the likelihood of them in the first place. For example, eating a healthy, fiber-rich diet and drinking plenty of liquids. Try to avoid sitting for long periods by taking regular stretch breaks, or incorporate exercise into your routine if it isnt already a normal activity for you. Physical activity reduces pressure on the veins in the rectum and prevents constipation.
Unfortunately, once an external hemorrhoid has formed, it most likely will not go away on its own. However, there is still a wide variety of external hemorrhoid treatment options to alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms or take care of the problem altogether.
You can temporarily relieve hemorrhoid symptoms on your own by using over-the-counter topical creams as well as natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar and witch hazel. Keep in mind that at-home treatments and positive lifestyle changes may reduce hemorrhoid flare-ups, but the symptoms likely wont completely go away without professional treatment under the supervision of an experienced physician. Seeing a physician is essential for combating the underlying causes of hemorrhoid flare-ups or treating advanced piles, such as grade IV hemorrhoids.
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Severity Of Ruptured Hemorrhoids
Once the hemorrhoid bursts, an immediate care should be provided as to follow the steps:
- Gentle compression using clean soft cloths or sanitary napkins to stop the bleeding.
- Apply cold compression or cold sitz bath to reduce the inflammation and to stop the bleeding.
If per rectal bleeding persists and the following symptoms develop: palpitation, dizziness, faintness and cold hands and/or feet, an immediate medical attention must be obtained.
Ask A Pharmacist About Treatment For Piles
Talk to a pharmacist to get advice on:
- creams to ease the pain, itching and swelling
- treatment to help constipation and soften poo
- cold packs to ease discomfort
You can ask the pharmacist to talk to you in a private area if you do not want to be overheard.
It can feel embarrassing to talk to your pharmacist or GP about your piles. But piles are very common. Your GP is used to diagnosing and treating piles.
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Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid And Fissure Ointment
This is a United States Food and Drugs Administration approved ointment for piles that contains natural minerals, amino acids, and organic herbs. It helps to heal piles in the initial stages and curbs bleeding, reduces swelling, and gives instant relief from pain.
About Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid and Fissure Ointment:
Manufactured by Doctor Butlers
Discomforting smell
What Are The Risks Of Taking Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is relatively safe.
Side effects. Stomach upset may result from taking witch hazel by mouth. When you apply it to skin, it may, rarely, cause inflammation . But even children tend to tolerate it well on the skin.
Risks. If you use witch hazel in appropriate amounts, your risks are relatively minor. But if you take high doses by mouth, it may cause kidney or liver damage.
Although witch hazel contains a known cancer-causing ingredient, theres likely no need for concern unless you regularly use high concentrations. The amounts are very small.
Because studies are limited, avoid using witch hazel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions. There arent any known interactions with drugs, foods, or other herbs and supplements.
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements youre taking, even if theyre natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements. They can let you know if the supplement might raise your risks.
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How Do I Know If I Have A Chronic Onset Of Hemorrhoids
One of the things you want to keep a watch out for is a severe amount of pain from your rectal area that lasts for more than a week.
If you have hemorrhoids more than a couple times a year you likely have chronic hemorrhoids.
If you have an external thrombosed hemorrhoid or internal prolapsed hemorrhoid that lasts for more than a week, it may be a chronic case. Get in and see your doctor is this is the case.
If your thrombosis or prolapse gets bigger and more painful, make sure you seek help.
Who Removes External Hemorrhoids
In many cases of mild external hemorrhoids, a general practitioner or your family doctor can treat you.
For hemorrhoid removal, however, your regular doctor may refer you to a specialized physician such as a gastroenterologist or a proctologist.
A gastroenterologist has received training in diagnosing and treating intestinal and rectal conditions while a proctologist specializes in surgical procedures for intestinal and rectal disorders.
If you are suffering from severe or chronic external hemorrhoids, ask your doctor about treatment methods best for your condition.
Surgery is often the last tried method in serious cases of hemorrhoids, and there are plenty of treatments that are non-operative.
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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.
Best Prescription Hemorrhoid Cream
On rare occasions, only a prescription treatment will do. If you see your doctor you may be prescribed a treatment which is not available over the counter.
Depending on your experience with hemorrhoids you may find that the treatments we reviewed in this article do not work for you.
For most people over the counter, treatments work just fine. But for others, a prescription treatment may provide better relief.
Treatments are generally issued as prescription-only because they come with the risk of side effects, or because frequent use can be damaging.
Prescription restrictions are there to protect patients and that is why prescription hemorrhoid treatments are not available online or over the counter.
Lets take a look at two of the prescription treatments you may be offered if your doctor believes over the counter treatments are not going to work for you.
First, Anusol HC is often prescribed and is available as both a suppository and a cream. It contains a strong ingredient called hydrocortisone acetate which represses the chemicals in your body that causes swelling and pain.
Another popular product is Proctocort. Proctocort is a cream and it also contains hydrocortisone. It is also very potent but should be used with great care and only if you have a valid prescription.
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Mpff: Diosmin + Hesperidin
While there are home remedies for external hemorrhoids, all these can do is soothe the pain and irritation caused by the condition. Most people also wouldnt want to go through medical procedures unless its the last resort.
If you want a quick and effective way to treat your external hemorrhoids, you can use the MPFF: Diosmin + Hesperidin , which is one of the most recommended medications for hemorrhoids in the Philippines! It is specially formulated to provide potent and long-lasting effects so you can be relieved from the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
MPFF: Diosmin + Hesperidin is effective in protecting your vascular system, helping shrink swollen tissue and stopping bleeding. Due to the micronization process, the micron-sized particles can deliver quick and direct treatment for your condition.
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.
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Best Overall: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
Courtesy of Amazon
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Includes herbs and amino acids
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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
Deterrence And Patient Education
Conservative therapy is considered first-line treatment for symptomatic hemorrhoids. This includes increased dietary fiber, stool softeners, and increased water intake. These modifications can decrease straining and the sheering pressure associated with passing stool. This alleviates congestion and allows hemorrhoid cushions to return to their natural, non-pathologic state.
Increased fiber intake can be helpful with symptomatic hemorrhoids, but must be accompanied by adequate water intake to ensure that stool is not just bulky, but also soft. Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative that softens stool by increasing the water content of stool. Docusate is an anionic surfactant that promotes water and lipid entry into the stool softening it.
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How Can I Treat My Hemorrhoids
You can most often treat your hemorrhoids at home by
- taking a stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium or methylcellulose
- drinking water or other nonalcoholic liquids each day as recommended by your health care professional
- not straining during bowel movements
- not sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
- taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
- sitting in a tub of warm water, called a sitz bath, several times a day to help relieve pain
Applying over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or ointments or using suppositoriesa medicine you insert into your rectummay relieve mild pain, swelling, and itching of external hemorrhoids. Most often, doctors recommend using over-the-counter products for 1 week. You should follow up with your doctor if the products
- do not relieve your symptoms after 1 week
Most prolapsed internal hemorrhoids go away without at-home treatment. However, severely prolapsed or bleeding internal hemorrhoids may need medical treatment.
Best Wipes: Preparation H Flushable Medicated Hemorrhoid Wipes
Formulated with witch hazelper Dr. Nazarians recommendationand aloe, these medicated wipes cool, soothe, and comfort regions where hemorrhoids occur, which is why theyve received 4,200 five-star Amazon ratings. The pouches are convenient to use and travel-friendly, so you can easily pop them in your purse or carry-on. Bonus: Theyre septic-safe for easy disposal.
I had a really bad flare of hemorrhoid pain and bleeding after a series of drives down a dirt road, and the bouncing by ruts and severe dips, . After using these wipes, and the Preparation H extra strength cream, I found immediate relief. After about a week, not only was the inflammation gone, but also noticed a diminished size of the sore itself.
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Best For External Hemorrhoids: Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment
Walmart
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Contains zinc for maximum skin healing and protection
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Can be used longer than ointments with hydrocortisone
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Prescription needed for a formulation with hydrocortisone
Getting your hands on a tube of Anusol Plus is worth every penny. Sergey V. Kantsevoy, MD, director of The Center for Therapeutic Endoscopy at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, says Anusol is the best treatment for external hemorrhoids and the one he recommends to his patients.
Zinc oxide is a powerful mineral often used to treat diaper rash on babies. Zinc goes a long way when it comes to healing and protecting sensitive, damaged skin. Anusol Plus also includes pramoxine, an analgesic, to numb the pain. If you want the version that contains hydrocortisone , your doctor can usually prescribe it.
Active Ingredients: Pramoxine Hydrochloride 1%, Zinc Sulfate 0.5% | Dose: Apply to affected area up to 5 times per day | Uses: Preventing and treating hemorrhoids