Dietary Changes And Self Care
If constipation is thought to be the cause of your haemorrhoids, you need to keep your stools soft and regular, so that you don’t strain when passing stools.
You can do this by increasing the amount of fibre in your diet. Good sources of fibre include wholegrain bread, cereal, fruit and vegetables.
You should also drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine .
When going to the toilet, you should:
- avoid straining to pass stools, because it may make your haemorrhoids worse
- use moist toilet paper, rather than dry toilet paper, or baby wipes to clean your bottom after passing a stool
- pat the area around your bottom, rather than rubbing it
Read more about preventing constipation.
From Salt Soaks To Topical Creams We’ve Rounded Up The Most Effective Over
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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.
Medical Procedures For Hemorrhoids That Wont Go Away
If hemorrhoids dont go away with home treatments, medical procedures may be necessary.
If you visit your doctor with painful external hemorrhoids those located around the outside of the anus that are visible from the outside your doctor may offer to excise them during the office visit. You will be given a shot with a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure.
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.
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How A Doctor Can Help
Doctors can recommend medical treatments and procedures that can reduce or get rid of hemorrhoids. Some of these procedures can be done right in a doctors office and involve very little discomfort.
- Medicated creams/ointments. If an OTC hemorrhoid cream isnt enough, doctors can prescribe stronger creams and ointments.
- Minimally-invasive procedures. There are some minimally-invasive procedures that a doctor can do in their office or in an ambulatory surgery center that typically doesnt require anesthesia or long recovery times. Some of these procedures include rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy injections, and laser/infrared coagulation treatments.
- Thrombectomy. For severe cases that develop blood clots and cause a lot of pain, your doctor can perform an external hemorrhoid thrombectomy to remove the hemorrhoid. Thrombectomies are most effective when performed no more than 72 hours after severe symptoms emerge.
- Surgery. There are several surgical options available when other treatments and procedures havent worked or if you have very large hemorrhoids. If youve struggled to find relief, talk to your doctor to learn if surgery is right for you.
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Hemorrhoids, a painful condition involving swollen veins in the rectum and anus, occur when the veins in your rectum become swollen from too much pressure, like if you sit for a long time, strain during bowel movements, or are pregnant. Hemorrhoids will go away once the pressure is lifted. But they can be painful and itchy, so really what youre treating with over-the-counter remedies are the symptoms, says colon and rectal surgeon Tracey Childs, M.D., chief of surgery at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. But there isnt one treatment or miracle compound thats going to take care of the issue, she says.
Important note: There are a lot of other conditions that have symptoms similar to hemorrhoids. If the pain, swelling, bleeding, or constant need to strain dont get better after a few days, go to the doctor, Dr. Childs adds.
Here are the best over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments on the market.
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Best For Instant Relief: Thena Natural Wellness Organic Sitz Bath Soak
Another Epsom salt-enriched pick, this organic bath soak has the finest grain Epsom and Dead Sea salts that dissolve quickly to offer immediate relief, shrinking hemorrhoids, softening damaged skin, and neutralizing odor. The bath soak also uses magnesium oil to lubricate the perineum to repair damaged tissue to prevent infection. On average, Amazon shoppers give this product a respectable 4.6 stars.
“I would recommend this for postpartum care or hemorrhoid care,” one reviewer says. “It was much better , and all that is needed It helped heal my episiotomy complications within a week.”
How To Decrease Hemorrhoid Inflammation Naturally
In addition to the above mentioned remedies, there are many other plants and natural ingredients which contain anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. These properties can be used to treat and reduce the inflammation of hemorrhoids. You can use them all in the same way, either in the form of a bath or topically, in the form of an infusion. The main products that serve to reduce inflammation of hemorrhoids are:
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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.
What Is An External Hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoids happen when rectal venous structures swell. That can happen if you strain too hard in the bathroom or otherwise place too much pressure on this part of your body.
You can get hemorrhoids inside your rectum or around your anal opening. If you have a hemorrhoid that you can see or feel on the outside of the anus, its an external one.
Medical experts consider the dentate line to be the internal-versus-external transition point. Also known as the pectinate line, this line of demarcation is located about one-third of the way up the anus.
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The Touch Of Coconut Oil On Hemorrhoids
One of the most hushed topics to talk about in the disease related area is hemorrhoids. But, the pain, irritation, inflammation and burning problem hemorrhoids bring is something that cant be hushed or avoided. Try the beauty of coconut oil and you will see the benefits you reap.
Coconut oil is the best natural moisturizer with the presence of medium chain fatty acids in it. It will cure your dysfunctional bowel movements and take care it your itchiness and rash. Dip a clean cotton ball in some coconut oil and apply it on the affected region directly. Keep it for a few minutes and then throw away the used ball.
Do this four to five times every day for best results.
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.
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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.
How Are Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider diagnoses hemorrhoids based on symptoms and a physical exam. You may also have:
- Digital rectal exam: Your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for swollen veins.
- Anoscopy: Your provider uses an anoscope to view the lining of the anus and rectum.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Your provider uses a sigmoidoscope to view inside the lower part of the colon and rectum. Procedure types include flexible sigmoidoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy .
These tests may be uncomfortable but arent painful. They typically take place in a doctors office or outpatient center without anesthesia. You go home the same day.
Your provider may perform a colonoscopy to confirm findings from other tests or check for signs of colon cancer. This outpatient procedure requires anesthesia.
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Ease Pain And Itching
Take warm baths. Soak in a bathtub filled with a few inches of warm water for about 15 minutes at a time. Do it two or three times a day and after every bowel movement. If you want to wash the area, too, use unscented soap and don’t scrub.
Pat gently afterward to dry. You can even use a blow dryer on a cool setting if that feels better.
There are also special “sitz baths” you can put directly on your toilet seat to make soaking easier.
Rub on relief. Over-the-counter wipes or creams with witch hazel can soothe pain and itch with no side effects. Don’t use one with hydrocortisone for more than a week unless your doctor says it’s OK.
Ice it. Put a small cold pack on the trouble spot several times a day. It can dull pain and bring down the swelling for a little while.
Consider painkillers. An over-the-counter medicine, like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, could help with soreness.
Don’t scratch. You could damage the skin and make the irritation — and the itching — worse.
Choose cotton. Wear loose, soft underwear. It keeps the area aired out and stops moisture from building up, which can bother your hemorrhoids.
How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis And Treatments
Most individuals who have hemorrhoids discover them by either
- feeling the lump of an external hemorrhoid when they wipe themselves after a bowel movement,
- noting drops of blood in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper, or
- feeling a prolapsing hemorrhoid after bowel movements.
With a history of symptoms, a physician can begin diagnosis on the basis of a careful examination of the anus and anal area. Although the physician should try his or her best to identify the hemorrhoids, it is perhaps more important to exclude other causes of hemorrhoid-like symptoms that require different treatment such as
- anal fissures,
This is true whether or not hemorrhoids are found during anoscopy.
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Are External Hemorrhoids Dangerous
External hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. They can develop a blood clot that may burst, but although this will cause several minutes of bleeding , it will usually end independently. If it does not, a person should seek emergency medical treatment.
Anyone who experiences regular rectal bleeding should avoid assuming that it is from a hemorrhoid. Rectal bleeding can signify other issues, including colorectal cancer or anal cancer. A person should discuss regular rectal bleeding and any other symptoms with a doctor.
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Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. He is the vice chair for ambulatory services for the department of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, where he is also a professor. He was the founding editor and co-editor in chief of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Christina Oehler is a commerce editor for Verywell Health. She has a degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has work published on sites like Health, Shape, and Brides.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao
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Best Topical Treatments For Hemorrhoids
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Best Cooling: Truremedy Remedy Hemorrhoid Balm
This cooling balm gets to work fast to reduce hemorrhoid-causing burning, swelling, and itchiness with its essential oil-fortified formula, which includes tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary in addition to witch hazel, arnica, and yarrow. Additionally, it helps eliminate bacteria and prevents future flare-ups by keeping the affected area soothed and balanced.
“You can put it in the refrigerator so it’s extra cooling,” . “I actually noticed immediate relief when I put it on, and the next morning everything calmed down. I feel like it goes a long way too, and those other creams I feel like I use so much in the tubes never last.”
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