You might be able to treat hemorrhoids yourself using a soothing cream or wipe. However, severe hemorrhoids might need medical treatment.
Hemorrhoids (sometimes known as piles) are veins that have swollen in the rectum and your anus. They can trigger itching, pain and bleeding from the rectal. They can be external or internal.
Internal hemorrhoids are found in the rectum, and typically aren't felt or seen. External hemorrhoids are located on the exterior that covers the anus.
Hemorrhoids are prevalent. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about one out of 20 Americans has them at one time.
They usually go away within some weeks by themselves however, they may cause mild or severe discomfort.
Here are some remedies at home and treatments that could aid in making these less disruptive.
Home solutions for hemorrhoids
Here are some typical home remedies that may help reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
A warm bath accompanied by Epsom salt
Warm baths can ease inflammation caused by hemorrhoids. Try a sitz bath — a small, plastic tub that sits over the toilet seat so it is easy to soak the area affected or bathe in a tub should you be able to.
Take a bath in warm water or a sitting bath for 20 minutes after every stool movement. Add Epsom salt in the bath may help further relieve the discomfort.
Cold compresses
Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the anus for relief of swelling for up to 15 minutes at one time. If you have painful, large hemorrhoids cold compresses may be an effective treatment.
Make sure you wrap the it in either a paper towel or cloth. Do not apply anything frozen directly to your skin as it can cause hurt or harm the skin.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a great remedy for itching and discomfort, the two primary external symptoms of external hemorrhoids. It's a natural anti-inflammatory therefore it is able to decrease swelling.
You can purchase it in liquid form, which you can apply directly on external hemorrhoids. It is also available in products such as soaps and anti-itch wipes.
Aloe vera
The gel of aloe vera is commonly utilized to treat hemorrhoids as well as skin issues. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory properties which could aid in reducing irritation.
There is little evidence from clinical studies about the effectiveness of aloe vera gel in treating hemorrhoids. However, the National Center for Complimentary and Integrated Health states that it is extremely suitable for topical use.
Aloe vera gel may be used as a component in other products, such as lotion or sunscreen. However, you should use pure aloe gel for hemorrhoids as various additives and ingredients may cause irritation to hemorrhoids. Aloe vera pure gel could be extracted directly from the aloe plant's leaves.
Certain people are allergic to aloe vera. This is especially true for those who are sensitive to onions or garlic. Examine for reactions to aloe vera using the following procedures:
- Place a dime-sized piece of paper on your forearm.
- Give it 24 to 48 hours.
- If there is no reaction there is no reaction, then it's suitable for use.
Cleansing wipes
Utilizing toilet paper following a bowel movement may irritate hemorrhoids already present. Use clean, moist wipes to keep you clean without causing more irritation.
Also, you can make use of wipes with soft anti-hemorrhoid components like aloe vera or witch hazel.
Make sure the wipes you select are free of perfume, alcohol or any other irritating substances within the wipes. These ingredients could make hemorrhoid symptoms worse instead of relieving them.
Cotton clothing made of loose cotton
Replace the tight, polyester clothing with air-yety fabric like cotton (especially clothing made of cotton) to keep the area around your anal dry and clean. This may help to reduce symptoms and increase the chance of infection in sores that are open or damaged, raw skin.
Avoid using detergents with perfumes or fabric softeners to lessen irritation.
Tea oil from trees
The oil of tea tree is an antiseptic that's natural and can ease itching, pain and discomfort. Tea tree oil can aid in fighting off bacteria that can cause infections in the skin that is damaged or irritated.
There is not lot of research available on the effectiveness of tea tree oil for hemorrhoids, but one 2012 study found that a 2-week hemorrhoid treatment combining tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, and methyl-sulfonyl-methane (often used to treat arthritis) helped significantly reduce pain, bleeding, and inflammation compared with a placebo.
Apply tea tree oil with other natural remedies, such as aloe or witch hzel to provide more relief.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, as per research from 2008 that suggests it can reduce swelling and inflammation. Its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties could assist in relieving the discomfort that is caused by hemorrhoids. The antibacterial properties of this herb allow hemorrhoids to heal more quickly as per research from 2014.
Coconut oil can also assist in easing constipation thanks to its laxative effects. Because constipation and straining in bowel movements is a frequent reason for hemorrhoids, this may help in treating and prevent them from occurring.
Coconut oil can be utilized for hemorrhoids either by eating it regularly or applying it externally. It is possible to cook the oil with it and apply it to your external hemorrhoids using a cotton ball, then add it to your bath, and many more.
The most common over-the-counter treatment for hemorrhoids is the oin
There are several OTC (OTC) remedies you can attempt to alleviate hemorrhoids-related symptoms.
OTC the ointments
OTC creams and ointments such as Preparation H, can be sold in every drugstore, and provide immediate relief. Some may even help reduce swelling and aid in helping your hemorrhoid heal quicker.
If you are using an oil containing hydrocortisone, don't apply it for more than one week at a time.
Softeners for stools
As per the National Institute for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disorders, stool softeners and fiber supplements, such as psyllium, are able to assist in the following ways:
- help reduce constipation
- Make stool more comfortable
- help you have easy comfortable, effortless stool movements.
A lot products for stool softening are available in powder forms, capsules, or liquids which you drink in your mouth between three and one times a every day.
Treatments for hemorrhoids in the medical field
In certain situations the need for additional medical treatments or surgery might be necessary when you experience extreme symptoms or complications as a result of hemorrhoids that are not treated.
Here are some possible options for surgical or medical treatment for hemorrhoids:
- Nifedipine Ointment containing lidocaine. It is used to treat swelling and pain in hemorrhoids which have formed blood clots.
- Creams for prescription corticosteroid or Ointments. These can be used to treat swelling and itching like Analpram (hydrocortisone together with pramoxineor).
- Lingure of the rubber band. It is put around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow and ensure that the hemorrhoid shrinks over a couple of days.
- Sclerotherapy. A chemical is injected into the hemorrhoid to harden the blood vessel walls of hemorrhoid and reduces the hemorrhoid.
- Infrared coagulation. Infrared light breaks down the tissues in the anus, causing it to decrease the flow of blood to the hemorrhoid. This causes it to shrink.
- The procedure is called excisional hemorrhoidectomy. Under general anesthesia, a surgeon utilizes scalpels and other instruments to remove the hemorrhoid of your rectum or anus without causing harm to the sphincter of your anterior. An excisional hemorrhoidectomy could cause severe discomfort for a number of weeks. It is used only in the most severe instances where other treatment options are not working.
- A hemorrhoidopexy with stapling. A surgeon employs the circular stapling device to securing a hemorrhoid to the rectal or anal tissues, so that it doesn't stick out and causes discomfort or pain when you're sitting down or going for a bathroom. It's less painful and less invasive than an excision procedure, however it's not always guaranteed to prevent the hemorrhoid's return.
- Doppler-guided hemorrhoid Ligation of the artery. The surgeon utilizes an ultrasound machine to identify the artery that supplies the hemorrhoid. The surgeon then cuts out the bleeding vessel, and then stitches it to the rectal or anal tissues.
Common questions about treating hemorrhoids at home
Here are some solutions to the most common questions about treating hemorrhoids at home.
What causes hemorrhoids to shrink faster?
Utilizing home remedies as soon as you spot the presence of a hemorrhoid may help to treat it before it becomes damaged.
Try a mixture of warm (or the sitz) baths, witch hazel, and OTC hemorrhoid creams to ease symptoms and treat hemorrhoid symptoms before they become worse.
Do hemorrhoids disappear by themselves?
Hemorrhoids are often cured completely on their own, without prescription, and even with the most basic home remedies.
How long do hemorrhoids need to be healed?
Based on their size, hemorrhoids typically disappear within one to two weeks. However, hemorrhoids with blood clots could take several weeks to heal and may leave a mark due to the damage to the tissue within the region.
See a doctor if the hemorrhoid doesn't improve in several weeks or if you notice that your symptoms worsen.
Do you know of any natural remedies I shouldn't apply to hemorrhoids?
Do not use any products that contain these ingredients:
- artificial fragrances
- alcohol
- Chemicals
How can I stop hemorrhoids?
Lifestyle and diet changes are the most effective way to stop hemorrhoids. Engaging in physical activity and eating healthy, balanced meals helps ensure regular bowel movements.
Consume plenty of high-fiber foods (especially those derived from plants) and plenty of fluids to keep your digestive process functioning properly and avoid constipation. Regular exercise and not being seated for prolonged periods of time may also help prevent hemorrhoids.
The best method of avoiding constipation is to use the bathroom whenever you notice the need to. By putting off bowel movements, you allow the bowel to absorb fluid from stool. This can make stool more difficult to pass to pass when you finally get it.
When should I visit my doctor?
Hemorrhoids are usually simple to treat and resolve by themselves. In rare instances hemorrhoids can lead to complications.
The constant loss of blood from hemorrhoid causes anemia, a lack of blood red cells. Internal hemorrhoids may also be afflicted with a blood loss that is reduced, which can result in hemorrhoids strangulated, which can cause severe pain.
Visit a doctor if the treatment at home hasn't proved effective after more than two weeks. Your primary care physician is able to identify the hemorrhoids and help treat them. They can prescribe medicated creams, ointments and Suppléments.
If none of these methods perform, a doctor might suggest treatments such as the ligation of a rubber band or surgery to eliminate the hemorrhoids.
Schedule an appointment with an urologist right away in the event that you feel you are experiencing rectal bleeding for the first time, or the rectal bleeding becomes more frequent.
Takeaway
Hemorrhoids may be uncomfortable or difficult to treat. Still, they typically disappear on their own within a few weeks when remedies are used at home, which are usually available at the drugstore.
Visit a doctor if hemorrhoid-related pain or other signs like bleeding from the rectal area, becomes more severe despite treatment. The treatment you receive when you see symptoms getting worse can help avoid any complications or prolong the time of a series of disruptive symptoms.