Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids
- By Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men’s Health Watch
Hemorrhoids are painful, unpleasant, and, um, well, difficult to talk about. But they actually are quite common: about half of people over age 50 have had them. However, theyre easy to treat and manage.
Hemorrhoids can be troublesome and embarrassing, but they often shrink on their own with simple self-help care and over-the-counter remedies, says Dr. Howard LeWine, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
A Herbal Oral Over The Counter Hemorrhoids Treatment For Relief And Cure
Herbal remedies can both help relieve symptoms and actually heal the hemorrhoids in question.
They work through a variety of means, including increasing circulation to the area, reducing inflammation, toning the vein walls to make them stronger, relieving pain, and soothing inflamed tissues.
The biggest thing to remember with herbal over the counter hemorrhoid treatments is that they are still medications, and can interact badly with other medications you may be taking.
If youre considering adding an herbal over the counter hemorrhoids treatment to your repertoire, study that herb carefully to make sure it wont interact badly with any other health condition you have or medication you take on a regular basis.
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.
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Why Do Hemorrhoids Occur
Sometimes hemorrhoids develop for no reason, but often they are associated with chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting on the toilet. You can reduce your risk by following these three easy steps:
- Get enough fiber in your diet
- Stay well hydrated
- Exercise regularly .
What Makes Hemorrhoid Creams Work So Well
Creams have different combinations of ingredients each ingredient is designed to relieve symptoms and to improve healing. What are these ingredients? Here are some of the types of ingredients typically included in topical hemorrhoid treatments:
- Analgesic. Intended to provide a cooling sensation, analgesics can reduce discomfort and pain by relieving painful itching sensations. Its a great way to reduce symptoms and is often included in creams.
- Anesthetic. Similar to an analgesic in the way it works, but more potent. Anesthetics numbs the area to which it is applied, and thereby provides relief for symptoms, but the relief is temporary.
- Steroidal. Inflammation goes hand in hand with hemorrhoids and reducing inflammation using a steroid is a common method of action for hemorrhoid creams. Horse Chestnut Seed Extract is another ingredient that reduces inflammation.
- Moisturizer. Dryness can cause itching and many people suffering from hemorrhoids complain about experiencing dryness. Creams include moisturizers because it goes a long way in relieve the itching and pain caused by hemorrhoids.
The ingredients in your cream will vary from product to product. Over the counter, treatments tend to have ingredients different from their prescription counterparts.
Prescription treatments may have stronger-acting ingredients that carry the risk of side-effects, which is why only doctors are allowed to prescribe certain hemorrhoid creams.
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Best Treatment During Pregnancy: Motherlove Rhoid Balm
Featuring a blend of witch hazel and yarrow, the Motherlove Rhoid Balm can reduce itchiness and swelling and decrease pain in pregnancy- and childbirth-induced hemorrhoidal tissues. Other key ingredients include calendula flower, plantain leaf, olive oil, and beeswax, which come together to provide additional soothing hydration and relief.
Third trimester hemorrhoids savior, dubs the ointment balm. Definitely a must try if you’re in discomfort and better ingredients than other products. I had instant relief once I applied the cream on. Took away my irritation and burning sensation right away and in three days hemorrhoids began to decrease in size.
Home Remedies For Hemorrhoids
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Benefits And Uses Of Witch Hazel
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Witch hazel is a plant with powerful medicinal properties that can be used in a variety of ways.
There are many species of witch hazel, but Hamamelis virginiana a type of shrub native to North America is most commonly used in folk medicine in the US. The leaves and bark are made into teas and ointments.
Most often applied to the skin and scalp, witch hazel is widely known for its ability to ease inflammation and soothe sensitive skin.
It can also be added to herbal teas and ingested orally in small amounts as a natural treatment for other conditions.
Here are the top 8 benefits and uses of witch hazel.
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: They’re 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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Increasing Your Fibre Intake
You can gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet by eating foods including:
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- nuts and seeds
- pulses
Commercial fibre supplements are also available and can be useful if you think you are not getting enough of the above foods in your diet.
Make sure you increase your fibre gradually so your digestive system has time to adapt.
Its also important to increase your fluid intake at the same time. This is because fibre in the stools acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from the body. Try to drink lots of water. Cutting down on sugary drinks will also help you to cut down on calories that cause weight gain.
Over The Counter Medicine To Shrink Hemorrhoids
When over-the-counter medications or changes in diet fail to relieve the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids it might be time to consider a more targeted treatment. Several highly. Sclerotherapy causes hemorrhoids to shrink by injecting a chemical irritant or scelorosant, into the base of the hemorrhoid. This chemical.
You can try several remedies to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy: Use cold. Alternate. In some cases, you may need to see a specialist for treatment to shrink your hemorrhoids. Rarely.
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Hemorrhoids during pregnancy | BabyCenter Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy. Heres how to prevent them from developing or ease the itching and burning if they do.
This remains one of the holy grails of cosmetic dermatology, says Timothy Flynn, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. there are much better over-the-counter options.
But naltrexone only has the potential to work in patients who are already off the painkillers long enough that the drugs are out of their system. Truth is most of the researchers I have interviewed over the last decade all seem to agree on one.
For Hemorrhoid Symptoms, Try Preparation H® Maximum Strength Relief Cream!
Recommended Reading: What Causes Hemorrhoids Around The Anus
Why Creams Can Be A Good Option
Creams for hemorrhoids are easy to buy, with most products available over the counter or online. Some require a prescription, but theyre all safe.
Patients like creams because they are easy to apply and not invasive, with most creams involving no side effects.
Hemorrhoid creams are also very effective, but you must read hemorrhoids cream reviews to see which product are best for your particular requirements. Also they are rarely as potent as internal remedies, because they only treat symptoms.
Every cream is a little bit different, as the best cream for hemorrhoid pain is not necessarily the best cream for bleeding hemorrhoids. It just depends.
Look at the ingredients in the cream on the one hand and look at user reviews too as this will help you pick a cream.
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.
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Cream For External Hemorrhoids
Lots of the creams weve already reviewed will work just great for both internal and external hemorrhoids, but some people prefer a cream that is really intended for external piles.
Which creams are great for external application, and what is the best cream for bleeding hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are particularly frustrating because they can present in a more painful manner. This is because you have more pain receptors in the area around your anus than you do inside.
For this reason creams for external piles work very well if they contain some kind of anesthetic to provide pain relief.
All-in-all Nupercainal is a solid product that is great if you want fast-acting relief from hemorrhoid pain relief cream.
One of the creams that provide a very effective numbing effect is Nupercainal Hemorrhoid Ointment.
Nupercainal does not contain lidocaine but contains a different ingredient that is excellent at introducing a numbing effect. This ingredient is called dibucaine.
Dibucaine provides an excellent level of topical relief when applied to external areas. It wont actually shrink your hemorrhoids, but if pain relief is what you are after the dibucaine-containing Nupercainal is your friend.
Nupercainal Hemorrhoid Ointment contains other helpful ingredients too, including mineral oils which as previously described can have a soothing effect. Theres petroleum in the ointment too which is useful if you are going to apply the cream internally.
- Allergies can be an issue
Best Overall: Doctor Butler’s Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
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Reapplication may be needed
Itching is a common symptom of hemorrhoids, and an itch in that particular location can be very frustrating. Preparation H’s Soothing Relief Anti-Itch Cream can provide fast, prescription-strength relief.
This treatment can be applied four times daily and comes in an easy-to-carry tube, so you can take it with you wherever you go. It’s made with one percent hydrocortisone cream, and can be gently blotted on the affected area for immediate relief.
Active Ingredients: Hydrocortisone | Dose: Blot on affected area up to 4 times daily | Uses: For hemorrhoid and anal itching relief
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How Are External Hemorrhoids Diagnosed
Because many of the symptoms of external hemorrhoids can also be caused by other conditions, it is necessary to have an in-depth exam. Your doctor may use a series of tests to confirm the presence of external hemorrhoids near the anus. These tests may include:
- proctoscopy
- anoscopy
Your doctor may begin with a physical exam. In cases of external hemorrhoids, they may be able to see the hemorrhoids.
If your doctor suspects that you have internal hemorrhoids instead of external hemorrhoids, they may use an anoscopy to examine the inside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids can also be seen with colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or proctoscopy.
How Are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed
Diagnosis of haemorrhoids usually involves an examination of the anal passage to look for any swollen blood vessels. Your doctor may conduct one of the following tests.
- Digital rectal examination, where your doctor puts on gloves and places a lubricated finger inside the back passage to gently feel for any abnormalities. This is likely to be uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.
- Proctoscopy, where your doctor examines the inside of the rectum using a proctoscope to look for any swelling or other symptoms. Again, this may be uncomfortable but will probably not be painful.
There is no need to feel embarrassed about these tests haemorrhoids are a common problem and your doctor is used to diagnosing and treating them.
In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon who can assess your haemorrhoids and recommend a treatment.
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Related Resources For Hemorrhoids
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
Consider Having A Clot Removed
External hemorrhoids can result in extremely painful blood clots, and while theyre not dangerous, they can take a couple of weeks to resolve on their own. If yours scores high on your personal pain scale, a doctor can remove a thrombosed hemorrhoid with a relatively simple in-office procedure under local anesthetic in about 10 minutes. Keep in mind: The first 24 to 48 hours are typically the most painfuland the best time to have a clot removed, says Dr. Ky.
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Do Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own
Find a physician near you.
Hemorrhoids are a chronic disease, meaning the symptoms persist for a long time and are constantly recurring. If you have experienced recurring bouts of hemorrhoids, your hemorrhoids likely wont go away on their own. Left untreated, hemorrhoids often get worse over time and therefore harder to treat. This means that a hemorrhoid that could easily be treated today could eventually require surgery.
If youre unsure if you have hemorrhoids, consult with your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and see if you should have a colon cancer screening, or a colonoscopy. Typically, adults over the age of 50 should undergo colonoscopy at least every 10 years, or more frequently if your family has a history of GI issues.
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Why Do People Take Witch Hazel
Today, you can find witch hazel in your local drugstore. People often use it as an astringent, which draws tissue together and constricts blood vessels.
People apply witch hazel to the skin for a variety of problems, such as:
Applying witch hazel to the skin is the most common way it is used — and the safest.
People sometimes take witch hazel by mouth. When taken that way it is used to try to treat conditions as varied as:
- Tumors
- Cancer
There is no proof that taking witch hazel by mouth helps with these or any other conditions.
Witch hazel may bring some relief from hemorrhoids or skin irritations and lessen minor bleeding. Witch hazel extracts contain antioxidant compounds that may protect against sunburn and aging from the sun.
But the evidence is thin on its use for other conditions. Researchers have more work to do to demonstrate its effectiveness.
These are typical dosages of witch hazel:
- On the skin: 5 to 10 grams of leaf and bark simmered in 250 milliliters of water or undiluted
- As an alcohol extract : Saturate a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area.
- Rectal area. By suppository,use 0.1 to 1 gram leaf and bark applied one to three times daily. When applied to anal area, witch hazel water may be applied up to six times a day or after bowel movements.
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Best For Hemorrhoid Shrinking: Dr Cole’s Herbal Balm Hemorrhoid Treatment
Chock-full of expert-recommended essential oils and ingredients like witch hazel, beeswax, olive oil, yarrow, and vitamin E, this organic balm numbs and shrinks hemorrhoids gently and effectively. When you open the tin, be sure to stir the contents with a fork, as the beeswax tends to settle on top and needs to be blended into the mixture. Apply a dime-sized amount to the irritated area three to four times a day.
This product has literally saved my life, one reviewer writes. I cant use over the counter or prescription treatments. This is the only product that I dont have a severe allergic reaction to. It soothes and comforts and helps shrink the hemorrhoids.