What Can You Use To Treat Hemorrhoids

Who Is At Risk For External Hemorrhoids

If your parents have had hemorrhoids, you may be more likely to have them as well. Hemorrhoids may also be caused by pregnancy.

As we age, hemorrhoids can occur due to increased pressure caused by sitting a lot. And anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can lead to external hemorrhoids.

If youre not sure what the cause of your hemorrhoids may be, your doctor might be able to determine why.

Best For External Hemorrhoids: Anusol Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment

Walmart

• Contains zinc for maximum skin healing and protection

• Can be used longer than ointments with hydrocortisone

• 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

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 psyllium , or a stool softener, such as methylcellulose , can help prevent constipation.

Avoid laxatives, which can lead to diarrhea and worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.

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Who Should Not Have Procedures Or Surgery

People who have certain health conditions may not be able to have surgery or procedures for hemorrhoids. These conditions include:

• Bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners.
• HIV infection or AIDS.
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Irritable bowel syndrome or other conditions that cause a person to have frequent diarrhea, severe constipation, or both.

• Apply ice several times a day.
• Apply moist heat several times a day, or sit in a warm bath.
• Eat more fiber. Drink more water.
• Take stool softeners.

• Most people get better using home treatment.
• You avoid the risks that come with nonsurgical procedures or surgery.

• If home treatment doesn’t work, you may have a lot of pain and discomfort.
• If a hemorrhoid keeps bleeding a lot, you could become anemic .

• This is done in the doctor’s office. You go home the same day.
• You will probably be awake during the procedure.
• If you have many hemorrhoids, you may have treatment in a hospital and be asleep during the procedure.

• Symptoms get better in about 8 out of 10 people who have this treatment.

• All procedures may cause pain, bleeding, temporary trouble urinating, and infection.
• Rubber band ligation appears to cause more pain than the other nonsurgical procedures.
• Infrared photocoagulation usually causes fewer side effects. But improvements may not last as long as with ligation.
• You may need more than one treatment.

What Are Home Treatments For Hemorrhoids

You can try the following home treatments:

• Use hemorrhoid ointments, such as Preparation H.
• Don’t strain while you are having a bowel movement.
• Apply ice several times a day. Also try applying moist heat several times a day, or sit in warm water ( sitz bath
• Eat more fiber, and drink more water.
• Take stool softeners.

You can also take nonprescription pain relievers. Acetaminophen can help with pain. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen , can help with pain and swelling. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

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How Long Does It Take To Recover

Having a bowel movement after any hemorrhoid procedure can be uncomfortable. This is especially true after surgery.

Your doctor will probably want you to have a bowel movement within 48 hours. You may be given a stool-softening medication to make it less painful.

It may take up to four weeks or longer before you can resume your usual activities after a hemorrhoidectomy. Recovering from the less-invasive procedures, such as sclerotherapy, coagulation, and rubber band litigation, may take just a few days. Sclerotherapy and coagulation may take a few sessions to be successful.

Gradually Increase Your Fiber Intake

Most of us dont get in enough fiber everyday, but adding more high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, whole grains, and fresh fruit to your diet can help you avoid constipation and stay regular. This in turn reduces the chances that youll find yourself straining and further irritating your hemorrhoids, says Dr. Thomas. Aim for 20 to 30 grams of fiber a day, and consider taking a fiber supplement that contains psyllium or methylcellulose to help you hit your daily goal. If youre typically low on fiber-rich foods, though, take your timesuddenly upping your intake may make you gassy.

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Severe Hemorrhoids Vs Mild Hemorrhoids: Stages

Many physicians use a grading system to categorize hemorrhoids along four stages:

• Third-degree hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids that prolapse and must be pushed back in by a finger.

The following are pictures of the stapled hemorrhoidectomy procedure.

• Picture of Bringing Expanded Hemorrhoidal Supporting Tissue into the Hollow Tube by pulling On Suture

Ronald Hsu Md Facg Facp Dds

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Its impossible to ignore the painful, itchy and sometimes alarming symptoms that accompany hemorrhoids. If you struggle with this common problem, youre not alone. The National Institutes of Health estimates 75 percent of adults ages 45 and older have dealt with hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

Hemorrhoids are rectal veins that become swollen and distended, sometimes turning into an engorged hemorrhoid containing a blood clot. Most of the time, people discover a hemorrhoid by feeling a lump or protrusion when wiping after a bowel movement. Anything that increases pressure inside the abdomen can inflame rectal veins. Straining during a bowel movement, particularly if you constantly strain due to chronic constipation, is a common culprit.

Its aggravating to deal with hemorrhoids, but fortunately, you can often manage the condition with simple home treatments, says Ronald Hsu, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Sutters Sutter Roseville Medical Center.

If you have a sedentary lifestyle and eat a low-fiber diet, its time to make some changes so you wont have to deal with hemorrhoids again, Dr. Hsu says.

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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

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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Ways To Treat Hemorrhoids At Home

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Hemorrhoids are a very common condition especially in America where half the population will experience them by the time they turn 50. So exactly what are hemorrhoids? They are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum, and while they affect men and women, men have an increased risk of developing them.

Hemorrhoids are painful and irritating, and they can make everyday life quite uncomfortable. How long a hemorrhoid takes to heal on its own depends on a few different factors.Thankfully, there are a number of hemorrhoids home remedies you can use to treat them naturally.

When Should You See The Doctor For Hemorrhoids

Before assuming that your condition is hemorrhoids, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for an examination. After all, it’s difficult to take a look for yourself. And please, no “selfies”!

If there is any bleeding, severe pain or fecal incontinence , you should definitely see your doctor. A large amount of bleeding or the sudden onset of severe pain means you should seek medical treatment immediately.

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How Do Foods Influence Hemorrhoids Diet

Diet is believed to have a big impact in causingand preventinghemorrhoids. People who consistently eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to get hemorrhoids, while those people who prefer a diet high in processed foods face a higher hemorrhoid risk.

A low-fiber diet can leave you constipated, which can contribute to hemorrhoids in two way. For one, it promotes straining on the toilet. It also aggravates the hemorrhoids by producing hard stools that further irritate the swollen veins.

Epsom Salts & Glycerin

This home remedy works much like the Sitz Bath, but instead can be done in the bathtub, or at a much more local level by using a gauze pad. To use this remedy, mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salts with 2 tablespoons of Glycerin, then apply the mixture to a gauze pad and place the pad over the hemorrhoid for about 15-20 minutes. You may repeat this process every 4 to 6 hours until the pain subsides.

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Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our sources: Sameet Shah, D.O., Kulvir S. Nandra, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Shah or a doctor near you, call or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Stool Softeners And Fiber

Since hemorrhoids usually develop as a result of constipation and straining to have bowel movements, Dr. Bravo says stool softeners actually play an important role in treatment.

“One of the most important steps in treating hemorrhoids is avoiding constipationhard or infrequent stoolsand stool softeners are a good option if you have chronic constipation,” he says. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables is another good way to soften your stools, he says, adding that the recommended amount of dietary fiber is around 20 to 35 grams per day.

You can try an OTC stool softener like Colace , which doesn’t force you to have a bowel movement but simply makes it easier to pass stool. You can also try a natural stool softener with ingredients like psyllium, which is helpful if you can’t get enough fiber in your diet through the foods you eat.

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What Are Nonsurgical Treatments For Hemorrhoids

These treatments cure most small and some large internal hemorrhoids. They aren’t used for external hemorrhoids. They work by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, which makes the hemorrhoid shrink or go away.

There are different ways to do this:

• Rubber band ligation. This is the most successful nonsurgical procedure. It is the one most often used for small and medium hemorrhoids. It involves tying off hemorrhoids with rubber bands.
• Coagulation. This procedure involves using heat, a laser, or an electrical current to create scar tissue around the hemorrhoids. Infrared photocoagulation uses infrared light to do this.

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.

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How To Treat Internal And External Hemorrhoids

• How to Treat Internal and External Hemorrhoids

There are some medical conditions we go through in life that we dont mind sharing about with our family and friends, like having a cavity, a migraine, or even being a little gassy . There are others, though, where the mere thought of this condition and where it brings the suffering incites enormous amounts of embarrassment and ultimately silence from the afflicted. In reality, though, these painful little guys are much more common than we think. Why would we know that when no one talks about them? Well, thats a great point, and we wouldnt. But, and no pun intended, chances are youve had one , and if you havent, statistics show that youll perform a google search – standing up – at some point in your life in search of how to deal with and treat hemorrhoids.

Enlarged Hemorrhoids: How Can You Relieve The Symptoms Yourself

Theres a lot of advice out there about how to relieve the symptoms of enlarged hemorrhoids yourself including things like avoiding constipation, using special creams or taking warm baths. Even if some of these things can relieve the symptoms, they wont make enlarged hemorrhoids go away again.

If someone has enlarged hemorrhoids , trying to prevent constipation and changing their toilet habits can make an important difference. Various medications and other measures can also be tried out to relieve the symptoms.

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What Are Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half of all people will have hemorrhoids by age 50.

Many women get hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth. The pressure of carrying a baby in your belly puts extra stress on the blood vessels in your pelvic area. Straining to push the baby out when giving birth also puts extra pressure on these blood vessels.

When Is Surgery Used

Surgery for hemorrhoids is called hemorrhoidectomy. It is the most successful way to treat large internal hemorrhoids.

Surgery is used for small internal hemorrhoids when:

• Several hemorrhoids are present.
• Bleeding cannot be controlled with other treatments.
• Both internal and external hemorrhoids are present.

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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.