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By Hemorrhoid.com | July 18, 2024
Did you know almost three-fourths of adults will face hemorrhoids at some point1? Such a fact shows how widespread the issue is. It makes finding good hemorrhoid treatments at home crucial. Hemorrhoids, or piles, happen when veins in the rectum or anus swell. This can cause discomfort and pain. For severe cases, a doctor’s help is needed. But many people manage their symptoms at home. They use baths, creams, and changes in their life to feel better.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus and rectum. There are two types: internal and external. Understanding their causes and symptoms is key to getting quick relief.
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum or anus. They bring discomfort, bleeding, and can lead to worse conditions. External hemorrhoids, which are more common, cause severe itching, swelling, and pain3. Internal ones are usually not seen but still hurt a lot.
Several factors contribute to hemorrhoids. These include chronic constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movements, and sitting long, especially on the toilet4. Pregnancy, obesity, and aging also increase the risk as they add pressure or weaken tissues43. Heavy lifting and anal intercourse are additional causes4.
Spotting symptoms early helps in finding the right home treatment. Look out for pain, severe itching, and swelling around the anus3. Rectal bleeding during bowel movements is another sign3. Lifestyle changes and home remedies can ease mild symptoms in 2-7 days5. Over-the-counter products and remedies like witch hazel or fiber supplements are beneficial5.
| Factor | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Age (over 50) | High |
| Pregnancy | Moderate |
| Chronic Constipation/Diarrhea | High |
| Obesity | High |
| Prolonged Sitting | Moderate |
Warm baths, including sitz baths, help with hemorrhoid treatment. Soaking in warm water lessens pain and irritation. Experts suggest soaking for 20 minutes after going to the bathroom, doing this two to three times a day. This helps with symptoms and healing6. Keeping up with this routine makes the inflamed area calmer and less irritated.
A sitz bath is great because it focuses on just the hips and buttocks. Adding Epsom salt may make it even better, even though not all studies prove this. Still, many people find it gives temporary relief.
Using warm and sitz baths is key for home care. Warm water soothes right away. For the best results, also drink plenty of water, eat foods high in fiber, and avoid straining during bowel movements.
People often use natural creams and soothing wipes to help with hemorrhoid relief. Witch hazel, aloe vera, and coconut oil are popular for easing hemorrhoid discomfort. Let’s look at the benefits of each.
Witch hazel is known for reducing inflammation, a key benefit in treating hemorrhoids. CVS Health Hemorrhoidal Medicated Wipes, with 50% witch hazel7, can be used six times a day for best results7. It soothes and cools, easing itching and pain.
Aloe vera for hemorrhoid relief is chosen for its soothing abilities. Though not fully proven, many say aloe vera eases irritated skin. Just apply the gel directly for natural comfort and healing. It’s a great choice for care at home.
Coconut oil is praised for easing pain and reducing swelling. Using it as a suppository can help thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects8. Direct application relieves swelling and pain, making it a soft, natural remedy.
Looking for a hemorrhoid cure? Start with what you eat and how you care for yourself. Home remedies for hemorrhoids can be soothing. It helps to eat more fruits, vegetables, and grains. They soften your stool, which makes it easier to go without straining9.
Try creams or suppositories with hydrocortisone or witch hazel for soothing hemorrhoid relief. But don’t use hydrocortisone too much, as it can thin your skin9. Products like Preparation-H and Rectogesic ointment are also good options10.
Sitz baths help soothe itchiness and pain from hemorrhoids. You can find them at any pharmacy and they’re pretty effective11. Stool softeners are useful too. They make it easier to pass stool, reducing the need to strain10.
For pain, NSAIDs like naproxen or ibuprofen work well. They ease both pain and swelling10. Applying ice packs can also give quick relief by numbing the area and lowering inflammation.
Changing how you use the bathroom can prevent hemorrhoids from getting worse. Don’t strain or sit too long. Choose unscented bathroom products to avoid irritation. Drinking water and regular exercise keep your gut healthy, stopping hemorrhoids from coming back.
If home treatments don’t help much, see a doctor. They might suggest medicines, home treatments, or even surgery for relief910.
Many options are available over-the-counter for hemorrhoid relief. You can find ointments, stool softeners, fiber supplements, and suppositories easily.
For external hemorrhoids, OTC ointments are quite beneficial. Dr. Kantsevoy suggests using ANUSOL Plus Hemorrhoidal Ointment for treatment12. Products with lidocaine, like Preparation H, relieve pain and itching12. Preparation H Soothing Relief Anti-Itch Cream also contains 1% hydrocortisone for extra itch relief12. These creams work by reducing inflammation and soothing the area.
Stool softeners, such as Fleet Laxative, make bowel movements less painful12. It’s advised to drink 12-16 cups of water a day for softer stools13. Fiber supplements like psyllium and flaxseeds ensure regular, less straining bowel movements14. Adults should eat 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories for bulkier, softer stools13. Foods high in fiber, like whole grains and fruits, also help ease hemorrhoid symptoms14.
Hemorrhoidal suppositories offer targeted and effective treatment for internal hemorrhoids. Products like Revivol-XR provide fast improvement directly to the problem area. Fleet Laxative suppositories also help soften stool, preventing the problem from getting worse12. Many users report quick relief using these treatments.
To stop hemorrhoids, you must make some key lifestyle changes. More than 50 Americans should pay extra attention, as 1 in 20 in this age group gets hemorrhoids15. A vital step is to eat more fiber. The American Heart Association says we should eat 25-30 grams of fiber each day to avoid constipation and straining. But, most Americans only eat about 15 grams a day15. If you find it hard to eat enough fiber, talking to a doctor about fiber supplements is a smart idea16.
Exercising can also help with hemorrhoids. Try gentle activities like yoga, pilates, swimming, and water aerobics15. These can control symptoms without making them worse. Check out these exercises to manage hemorrhoids for tips on staying active17. It’s best to avoid heavy lifting and situps if you have hemorrhoids17.
Staying hydrated is key to preventing hemorrhoids16. Drinking plenty of water keeps stools soft, which helps avoid constipation. Try to take regular breaks to go to the bathroom instead of sitting for too long, as this can make symptoms worse15. Also, try not to sit for long periods – whether you’re at work or home. Using a sit-stand desk can help, especially if you sit a lot for work15. For more advice on lifestyle adjustments, check out these lifestyle changes for managing hemorrhoids15.
Some good home treatments for hemorrhoids include taking warm baths, like sitz baths. You can also try over-the-counter ointments. Plus, natural remedies such as witch hazel, aloe vera, and coconut oil can help. Don’t forget about lifestyle changes like eating more fiber and drinking plenty of water.
Hemorrhoids are often caused by straining during bowel movements. They can also result from chronic constipation or diarrhea and sitting too long. Other reasons include anything that raises pressure in the rectal and anal veins.
If you think you might have hemorrhoids, watch out for pain, itching, and swelling. Rectal bleeding is another common symptom. These signs suggest it might be time to start home treatments to ease the discomfort and prevent complications.
Warm baths are great for easing hemorrhoid symptoms. Just soaking the area in warm water for 20 minutes can help calm irritation and reduce pain. Adding Epsom salt might make it even more effective, though there’s not much scientific backup for this claim.
Witch hazel is praised for its anti-inflammatory qualities. It can ease the itch and pain that hemorrhoids cause. Many people use it as a natural treatment on the irritated area.
Aloe vera gel may help with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation. It’s a popular choice for cooling down irritated skin, even though there aren’t many clinical studies supporting its use.
Coconut oil can help ease the pain and inflammation from hemorrhoids. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects make it a common natural option for symptom relief.
For home treatment, you can buy ointments that have lidocaine. Stool softeners and fiber supplements are also good for making bowel movements easier. There are suppositories too, which help with internal hemorrhoid inflammation.
To avoid hemorrhoids, try to stay active and eat a diet rich in fiber. Drinking enough water is important too. Wear loose cotton clothes and go to the bathroom when you feel the need. These tips can keep you from getting constipated and lower your chances of getting hemorrhoids.
