Having hemorrhoids or what in the medical world is better known as hemorrhoids? If so, chances are you will do various ways to treat it, especially because this disease caused by swelling of the lower intestine area and the internal and external blood vessels of the anus can cause itching and pain, or even bleeding which can reduce your comfort. While it may feel uncomfortable and embarrassing, understand that hemorrhoids are a condition that most adults will experience at least once, and one option worth trying to treat it is applying hemorrhoid cream. Besides being useful for relieving pain that appears, hemorrhoid cream can also help relieve swelling in the anal area. Before using it, do not forget to clean the rectal area. Then, apply the cream using a special applicator or clean fingers.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Anus and Washing Hands
Step 1. Take a shower or defecate before applying hemorrhoid cream
Since you shouldn't go to the bathroom for 2-3 hours after applying hemorrhoid cream, it's best to do it beforehand! In particular, make sure you have a bowel movement before applying the cream.
Because hemorrhoid creams take a long time to soak into the lumps, it's best not to shower or defecate until a few hours after applying the cream
Step 2. Take a shower or bath to clean the area around the hemorrhoidal lump, if your free time is not limited
When bathing or bathing, always use warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Clean the area as slowly and carefully as possible so that the hemorrhoidal lump doesn't get more irritated! After that, dry the area well.
Always use warm water because water that is too hot can irritate hemorrhoidal lumps
Step 3. Lightly pat the lump area with a wet tissue if you don't have time to shower
Basically, hemorrhoid cream has to be applied several times a day and chances are, you can't always shower before applying the medicine, right? If you can't take a shower, at least wipe or lightly pat the hemorrhoid affected area with an unscented wet tissue. Generally, these types of wet wipes are specifically intended for owners of sensitive skin.
These types of wet wipes can be found on toilet equipment shelves in major supermarkets. When experiencing hemorrhoids, you are even advised to always clean the anus with a wet tissue after defecating, especially because rubbing with dry tissue can make hemorrhoidal lumps more irritated
Step 4. Wash your hands properly
Use warm, soapy water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to minimize exposure of bacteria to the area affected by hemorrhoids. If necessary, clip nails that are too long so that the hemorrhoidal lump is not accidentally scratched.
- If you want, you can also wear latex or nitrile gloves, which can be purchased at most pharmacies and major supermarkets.
- Don't forget to wash your hands after applying the cream!
Method 2 of 3: Applying Cream Outside the Anus
Step 1. Take a small amount of cream using your fingers
Basically, you just need to take a pea-sized amount of cream with your fingertips, or squirt the cream from the package onto a 5 x 5 cm piece of gauze.
- Most likely, you'll need to pierce the medicine seal with the end of the bottle cap before removing the cream.
- Generally, hemorrhoid creams sold in the market contain anti-inflammatory substances such as phenylephrine HCl or in the form of topical pain relievers such as pramoxine HCl.
Step 2. Apply the medicine to the area affected by hemorrhoids with great care
Use your fingers or gauze to massage the cream into the surface of the lump. If the amount of cream is not enough to cover the entire surface of the lump, please increase the amount. However, make sure your fingers are not in direct contact with the medicine package to prevent transfer of bacteria.
You should be able to locate the lump easily, especially since a hemorrhoidal lump will feel much more sensitive than the surrounding area. Therefore, don't be afraid to move your fingers to find the most appropriate lump location
Step 3. Close the medicine package and wash your hands thoroughly
After applying the cream, close the medicine package and wash your hands for 20-30 seconds using warm water and antibacterial soap. Then, rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel before continuing with your activity.
Step 4. Wait for 1-3 hours before showering or having a bowel movement
For best results, leave the cream on for a few hours and if possible, don't defecate and rub the anal area for 1-3 hours so the cream can seep into the lump.
- If you really want to take a shower or have a bowel movement before 3 hours have passed, it's best to reapply the hemorrhoid cream afterwards.
- Hemorrhoid cream can be applied up to 4 times a day. Ideally, you can apply the cream right after waking up or before going to bed at night. Beyond that, the cream can be used every time you finish a bowel movement.
Method 3 of 3: Applying Cream Inside The Anus
Step 1. Attach the conical applicator cap
If cream needs to be applied inside the anus to treat internal hemorrhoids, attach the conical applicator cap according to the instructions on the package.
- Possibly, the packaging cap needs to be turned until it is firmly in position.
- Don't use the applicator for other creams so you don't hurt your anus!
Step 2. Apply a small amount of cream around the applicator cap
Since the cream acts as a lubricant, make sure you apply a sufficient amount around the applicator cap. If the applicator cap is too dry, you will most likely feel pain when inserting it into your anus.
Step 3. Slowly, push the applicator into the anus
Locate the anus with your finger, then gently push the applicator into it. Most likely, the sensations will feel odd, but as long as there is no pain, then there is nothing to worry about! In particular, make sure the applicator is only inserted 2.5 to 5 cm apart. If it is further than that, it is feared that your anus will feel pain.
If you use this method, there is no need to locate the lump first, as the cream will definitely hit your internal hemorrhoids
Step 4. Remove more cream if needed
At this stage, you may need to remove more cream from the package, depending on the type of applicator used. However, always remember that ideally, you should only apply a pea-sized amount of cream to the hemorrhoidal area. If the cream pack comes with an applicator that resembles a pump, feel free to use it to insert the cream into the anus.
Make sure you have read the instructions listed in order to use the applicator properly
Step 5. Clean the tip of the applicator and your hands
Remove the applicator from its packaging and wash it thoroughly immediately. Also clean your hands with soapy water. For really clean hands, try scrubbing them for at least 20 seconds before rinsing them off.
Keep washing your hands even if you wear gloves when applying the cream
Step 6. Do not shower or defecate for 3 hours after applying hemorrhoid cream
In order for the cream to be well absorbed into the lump, make sure you don't "disturb" it for a few hours, such as by taking a shower or a bowel movement, which risks causing the cream to be washed away by water.
Tips
- Do sitz baths several times a day to relieve pain and itching that appears. Specifically, a sitz bath is the process of soaking the itchy or painful area in warm water. If possible, use a tub or bucket that is not too large so that the sitz bath can be done in your home bathroom.
- Compress the painful area with ice cubes. In addition to relieving pain, this method is also able to reduce swelling due to hemorrhoids. However, make sure the ice has been wrapped first with a cloth or towel so that it doesn't directly touch your skin, yes.
