Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids) can happen to anyone at any age. These uncomfortable enlarged veins are usually found inside or outside the anus. Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the pelvic and rectal veins, and are usually associated with constipation, diarrhea, or constipation. In some cases, hemorrhoids can be caused by obesity, lifting heavy objects, or the strain of pregnancy compressing the blood vessels in the lower abdomen. Fortunately, external hemorrhoids can be treated without the help of a doctor. There are several things that need to be done to relieve the pain, discomfort, and itching caused by hemorrhoids.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Relieve Hemorrhoid Pain
Step 1. Take a warm bath
A warm bath can relieve hemorrhoid pain. Take a full bath or sitz (a small bucket that fits over the toilet so it can wet the entire anal area). Keep the water warm and put a cup of Epsom salt in a full bath or 2-3 tablespoons of salt in a sitz bath. You can soak 2-3 times a day.
If you have hemorrhoids, keep the anal area clean. Be careful when showering, bathing, or using the toilet. You don't need to use soap as it will only irritate the area. You can apply Cetaphil lotion to soothe the area without causing further irritation. Pat the towel until your body is dry
Step 2. Use a compress
To relieve pain, place an ice pack or cold compress on the anus. Take a clean washcloth and soak it in cold water. Compress hemorrhoids for 10-15 minutes. You can do this as often as you like throughout the day.
If you are using an ice pack, place a cloth between the ice pack and your exposed skin. Skin tissue can be damaged if ice is applied directly to the skin
Step 3. Use a pain relief gel or lotion
After wetting and drying the hemorrhoids, apply a small amount of aloe vera gel or anti-itch lotion. Look for products that contain petrolatum jelly, mineral oil, shark liver oil, and Phenylephrin. Phenylephrine acts as a decongestant and helps shrink hemorrhoids. You can also use aloe vera gel to relieve hemorrhoids.
- If the hemorrhoids are very painful or uncomfortable, apply a small amount of baby teething gel to the area. The baby teething gel contains a local antiseptic that reduces pain and discomfort.
- Stay away from steroid creams as they can damage the sensitive tissue around the hemorrhoids.
Step 4. Relieve hemorrhoid symptoms with astringents
Take a cotton swab and moisten it with witch hazel. Rub on hemorrhoids after defecation. Repeat as often as needed, at least 4-5 times a day. Otherwise, put cotton in your underwear to make it last longer.
Witch hazel can relieve the itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning sensation caused by hemorrhoids. This method can also reduce swelling
Part 2 of 3: Improving Diet and Lifestyle
Step 1. Increase fiber intake
Add a portion of fiber to your diet little by little and slowly so as not to cause gas or bloating. Although everyone needs a different amount of fiber based on the number of calories consumed, try to get 25 grams of fiber a day for women or 30 grams for men. The fibers will soften the dirt so that it is easier to remove. Different fibers have different effects on the body, so try to include plenty of fiber in wheat bran and other grains in your diet to soften stools.
- Fiber supplements can reduce bleeding, irritation, and inflammation of hemorrhoids.
- If you feel bloated or have frequent bowel movements, it means you are eating too much fiber.
- You can increase your fiber intake by choosing whole grains, skinned fruits, leafy greens, and nuts.
- You can also get fiber from yogurt which contains active cultures and probiotics.
Step 2. Eat less and drink lots of water
Choose smaller, more nutritious foods to eat throughout the day. This step will allow the digestive system to process food and provide the nutrients it needs to heal the hemorrhoids. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
The liquid will continue to soften the stool, making it easier to remove
Step 3. Exercise regularly
Opt for low-impact sports such as swimming, dancing, yoga, and walking, but avoid activities that cause strain, such as lifting weights. Light impact activities have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. It also maintains the body's health system and facilitates bowel movements.
- Try pelvic floor exercises.
- Exercise also reduces pressure on blood vessels that can cause hemorrhoidal pain.
Step 4. Reduce the pressure when sitting
You can buy foam pillows or donut pillows to sit on as they will relieve some of the pressure. Try not to sit directly on a hard surface.
Direct pressure on the hemorrhoids can increase the swelling and trigger new hemorrhoids
Step 5. Use the bathroom regularly
If possible, try to use the bathroom undisturbed at the same time each day. You don't need to push if you can have regular bowel movements. Regular bowel movements are an indicator that the overall health of the body is in good condition.
- Don't push or push too hard. Let gravity help you, but your intestines do most of the work. If nothing happens, wait an hour and try again.
- It may help to put your feet on a small bench seat, as your knees will be higher than your waist.
Part 3 of 3: Treating External Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Choose the right laxative
Regular bowel movements are important when you have hemorrhoids. Therefore, try using a laxative or stool softener for a while. Laxatives can soften stools and reduce the pressure needed to pass stools, helping to shrink hemorrhoids. Although you'll have regular bowel movements thanks to dietary fiber, try one of these laxatives:
- Stool laxative: This product contains fiber (usually psyllium) to increase the mass of stool and help it pass through the intestines.
- Stool softener: This product softens dirt by adding moisture to make it easier to remove. Most stool softeners contain docusate, which is a substance that adds moisture and softens dirt.
- Lubricating laxative: This product lubricates the walls of the intestines and rectum so that stool can pass smoothly. Most lubricating laxatives contain mineral oil. This substance is usually safe for the short term, and should not be used for a long time.
- Stay away from stimulant laxatives that contain senna, cascara, aloe, or bisacodyl. This product works by irritating the inside of the intestines, which complicates the problem for people with hemorrhoids.
Step 2. Look for symptoms of external hemorrhoids
The most common symptoms of external hemorrhoids are bleeding and discomfort during bowel movements. Maybe you first noticed the symptoms of external hemorrhoids when you cleaned yourself up after a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids can be soft swellings around the anus that are usually the size and like grapes when they first appear. Hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. Generally, people notice the presence of blood on the toilet paper or latrine.
If you're not sure you have internal or external hemorrhoids, try to figure out how you feel. You usually don't feel an internal hemorrhoid, but a bulge in the anal opening can be seen. Usually, internal hemorrhoids have few symptoms other than bleeding during bowel movements
Step 3. Know when to visit the doctor
Most external hemorrhoids heal or shrink within 2-3 days. Call your doctor if you still have hemorrhoids after 3-5 days. You should also call your doctor if the anal area feels sore or bleeding. Your doctor will be able to diagnose internal or external hemorrhoids by performing a rectal exam.
If the rectal bleeding is not caused by hemorrhoids, doctors usually recommend a more extensive test called a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy because one of the symptoms of colon cancer is rectal bleeding
Step 4. Give medicine
If hemorrhoids don't respond to basic home treatments or go away on their own, your doctor may suggest minimally invasive surgery options. Some of the common approaches include:
- Ligation: A rubber band is attached to the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow.
- Injection (sclerotherapy): A chemical solution designed to shrink hemorrhoids is injected into the body.
- Cauterization: Burning of hemorrhoids.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoids are surgically removed in this outpatient procedure (although sometimes the patient will need to be hospitalized).
Tips
- Use baby wipes instead of regular wipes to clean yourself after going to the bathroom.
- An ice pack can relieve swelling, but don't use it for too long. We recommend applying a maximum of 5 minutes at a time.
