Although uncomfortable and sometimes painful, hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids are a very common condition-about 3 out of 4 adults experience them at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids form when the veins in the rectum are under too much pressure, which makes them swell. Hemorrhoids can form inside (interior) or outside (exterior), and luckily you can treat both. Witch hazel is a powerful home remedy that can relieve and soothe swollen and irritated skin. However, if you experience severe pain, bleeding, or the hemorrhoids don't go away, see a doctor for treatment.
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Method 1 of 3: Treating External Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Clean the anal area before you treat hemorrhoids
Bathe every day to keep the anal area clean. Bathing by soaking in the tub is better than using a shower because it provides the added benefit of soaking the hemorrhoids. This can relieve discomfort due to hemorrhoids. Cleanse gently as you may feel pain or discomfort when rubbing the hemorrhoid area.
- You don't have to shower with soap, but you should use warm or hot water.
- Stool left when you have a bowel movement can irritate hemorrhoids. Use a soothing wipe to clean the area after you have a bowel movement. Wipes like these can be found at drugstores, and most products contain soothing witch hazel.
Step 2. Try a sitz witch hazel bath to soothe hemorrhoids
Fill the tub with warm water as high as 8-10 cm, then add 100 grams of Epsom salt and 2 tsp. (30 ml) witch hazel, then stir everything until well blended. Soak in the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, adding hot water if the water starts to cool. After that, dry the body with a soft towel.
You can also purchase a sitz bath that fits snugly over the toilet
About Witch Hazel:
Witch Hazel has long been used to treat inflammation and hemorrhoids. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe sensitive skin. Witch Hazel can also relieve itching and swelling, making it ideal for treating hemorrhoids.
Step 3. Apply a cotton swab soaked in witch hazel on the hemorrhoid as a quick solution
Dip a cotton swab in witch hazel. Next, gently press the cotton on the hemorrhoid area for about 1 minute. Do this up to 6 times a day. Discard cotton after use and wash hands thoroughly.
You can also use factory-made pads that have added witch hazel and are specifically designed to treat hemorrhoids
Step 4. Use witch hazel ointment to relieve itching and swelling
This product can be found in drug stores or online stores. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the packaging. In general, you should apply the ointment directly to the hemorrhoid and the surrounding skin using the applicator.
- Don't forget to wash your hands and applicator after you apply the ointment.
- Ointments are a good option because they provide a protective layer between the skin and clothing, which can prevent further irritation.
- If the ointment causes you to feel uncomfortable during your activity, use a cotton swab soaked in witch hazel.
Method 2 of 3: Using Suppositories to Treat Internal Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Make a suppository (solid rectal medicine) from witch hazel tincture and cocoa butter
Use a small bowl to mix 1 tsp. (5 ml) tincture and 1 tsp. (5 ml) cocoa butter. Both of these ingredients can be found in drugstores or pharmacies, but you may have to buy a tincture at a natural health store.
Tincture is a concentrated form of another ingredient. Witch hazel tinctures are usually sold in drip bottles and are much stronger than regular witch hazel. Suppositories must use a tincture because regular witch hazel is too runny, and makes the resulting suppository not work well
Warning:
If you want to buy ready-made suppositories, don't confuse laxative suppositories with hemorrhoid suppositories. Laxative suppositories will have an effect you don't expect!
Step 2. Print the mixture in a small oblong shape (a rectangle with rounded edges like a capsule)
If you're having trouble forming a suppository, wrap the mixture in plastic wrap and shape it into a pill by twisting it. Place the suppository in a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Suppositories are solid drugs that are inserted into the rectum (the end of the large intestine, before the anus). Witch Hazel will melt and give a calming effect
Step 3. Put the suppository in the freezer for 1-2 hours until completely frozen
Place the bowl that has been covered with plastic wrap in the freezer. Once the suppository feels firm to the touch and doesn't soften when pressed, you can use it.
In order to fully enter the rectum, the suppository must be cold and firm
Step 4. Wash your hands and wear disposable gloves for hygiene
You should wear hand guards so that your fingers are free of germs and bacteria can't stick under your nails or skin folds.
- You can also use a finger cot, which is a glove-like piece of equipment, but worn on each finger.
- If you don't have gloves or mittens, just use your bare hands. However, don't forget to wash your hands before and after inserting the suppository.
Step 5. Lubricate the tip of the suppository so you can insert it easily
Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the tip of the suppository. This will prevent discomfort when you insert it, and allow the suppository to go deeper so that hemorrhoid treatment is more effective.
If the suppository is too large when removed from the freezer, you can cut it in half. This will not reduce its effectiveness
Step 6. Insert the suppository while lying on the left side of the body
While lying down, bend the knee of the leg above and keep the lower leg straight. Use one hand to lift the upper buttocks, then slowly insert the suppository into the anus with the other hand. Make sure the suppository goes into the anus about 2.5 centimeters.
You may have to push the suppository with your finger to get it into the anus. This can feel uncomfortable, but the process is very fast
Step 7. Lie on your side for 5 to 10 minutes for the suppository to work
You may have to squeeze the sphincter (anal muscle) for a few seconds to keep the suppository in your body. Try to stay relaxed, and hope that witch hazel will relieve the hemorrhoids quickly.
- You may feel cold while waiting for the suppository to work. So, you should prepare a blanket to deal with it.
- While waiting, you can enjoy funny videos on your phone to distract yourself and make time go fast.
Step 8. Remove gloves and wash hands again
Use warm water and soap to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before drying them with a clean towel. The suppository should have dissolved, but there may be a small amount of discharge from the rectum when you move. Wear protective padding if this happens to prevent the cocoa butter from staining clothes.
You can use this type of suppository up to 3 times if necessary to relieve hemorrhoids
Method 3 of 3: Getting Medical Help
Step 1. Go to the doctor if hemorrhoids bleed, are painful, or don't go away
Most hemorrhoids will disappear within a week without medical treatment, and this is good news for sufferers. However, hemorrhoids can sometimes bleed or be very painful. If this happens, the doctor can give other treatment to overcome it.
- Tell your doctor that you have used witch hazel to treat hemorrhoids.
- If you are over 40, it is very important to see a doctor if you experience bleeding. While it's most likely from hemorrhoids, bleeding can also be a symptom of another, more serious condition.
Tip:
Feeling embarrassed and awkward about having hemorrhoids is perfectly normal. Try to remember that hemorrhoids are very common and doctors have seen and treated many people with hemorrhoids.
Step 2. Get medical help right away if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
This may be a symptom of an infection or other, more serious condition. Go to the doctor or hospital for a check-up. They will give you the right treatment so you can recover quickly.
Do not drive your own vehicle if you feel dizzy or have a headache. Ask someone to pick you up or order a taxi
Step 3. Let the doctor examine your hemorrhoids and run tests as needed
Your doctor may perform a visual examination to diagnose you. If you have internal hemorrhoids, your doctor can perform a quick examination by palpating the hemorrhoids with your finger. This test may make you feel uncomfortable and awkward, but the procedure is done very quickly.
Although rare, your doctor may perform a colonoscopy (an examination of the inside of the large intestine with a small camera inserted through the anus) if you suspect you have a condition other than hemorrhoids. This procedure is usually painless although it may be uncomfortable
Step 4. Ask your doctor about topical treatments for hemorrhoids
If you can't get rid of hemorrhoids with witch hazel, you can try other over-the-counter ointments, creams, and suppositories. Purchase hemorrhoid cream and hydrocortisone suppositories at pharmacies or online stores. If the hemorrhoids don't go away within a week, go to the doctor again for another remedy.
Read the product packaging and follow the instructions given to use it
Step 5. Ask for another treatment if hemorrhoids have interfered with your life
If all else doesn't work, your doctor may suggest other treatments for your hemorrhoids. There are several procedures to treat hemorrhoids (most are less invasive). The doctor may perform one of the following procedures:
- The doctor will cut off the blood supply by performing a ligation, which is tying a rubber band around the hemorrhoid. This makes the hemorrhoids smaller.
- Doctors can shrink hemorrhoids by injecting chemicals into the hemorrhoids to treat them locally.
- Doctors can use heat from laser or infrared light to harden or shrink hemorrhoids.
- Although this is rare, your doctor may remove or pinch the hemorrhoid to relieve symptoms.
Tips
- Dry the anal area using a hairdryer. Using a towel can make the irritation of hemorrhoids worse. Place the hairdryer about 20 cm from the skin and move it back and forth until the hemorrhoid area is dry.
- Increase fiber consumption and don't sit too long to prevent hemorrhoids.
- Try not to strain when defecating. Straining can cause hemorrhoids or make existing hemorrhoids worse. Take some time and try to relax so the blood vessels don't get too much pressure.
- Hemorrhoids are very common in pregnant women, and will disappear a few weeks after delivery. However, you should consult a doctor if hemorrhoids are very painful.
Warning
- Go to the doctor if you notice blood when wiping the anus (after a bowel movement), or if you have severe pain when you have a bowel movement.
- Check with your doctor to see if you really have hemorrhoids. Although hemorrhoids can usually be treated at home, make sure that you don't suffer from other, more serious problems. In addition, if the hemorrhoids are very severe, the doctor can provide other treatments at the clinic to reduce the discomfort.
- If witch hazel causes itching or irritation, you may be allergic to it. Immediately stop using it.
