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Most people don’t realize that straining on the toilet for just five minutes can spark years of hemorrhoid pain. If you’re facing a sudden flare-up, this hemorrhoid swelling treatment guide will walk you through immediate steps, at-home habits, and when to see a doctor. Follow these tips for quick relief and long-term prevention.
When swelling spikes, your first moves matter most. These simple actions target inflammation and pressure so you can break the pain cycle.
Applying cold constricts blood vessels and numbs pain.
• Wrap ice or a gel pack in a soft towel.
• Press gently on the area for 15–20 minutes.
• Repeat 3–4 times a day, especially after bowel movements.
Elevating legs reduces pressure on rectal veins, boosting drainage.
• Lie on your back and prop feet on pillows above hip level.
• Stay in position for 20–30 minutes, twice a day.
• Combine with cold therapy for a powerful 1–2 punch.
A sitz bath is targeted hydrotherapy that relaxes sphincter muscles and reduces swelling.
• Fill a basin with comfortably warm water (test on your wrist).
• Soak the anal area for 15–20 minutes.
• Pat dry—never rub—with a soft towel or cool hairdryer.
• Use plain water 2–3 times daily, ideally after bowel movements.
• If desired, test 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts and stop if it stings.
• For extra calm, try Revivol-XR’s 20-in-1 Sitz Bath Salts blend.
Learn more in our complete guide on sitz bath for hemorrhoids.
A cream with vasoconstrictors and anesthetics directly fights swelling and pain.
Look for products combining:
• Phenylephrine (shrinks tissue)
• Lidocaine (numbs pain)
• Witch hazel or aloe vera (soothes irritation)
A premium option like Revivol-XR Advanced Hemorrhoid & Fissure Cream brings all these together. For more on selecting the best formula, see our pain relief cream for hemorrhoids guide.
Prevention starts with daily choices. Soft, easy-to-pass stools cut down on straining and future flare-ups.
• Aim for 25–35 g of fiber: oatmeal, berries, legumes, whole grains.
• Drink 8+ glasses of water daily—pale yellow urine is your goal.
• Read our tips on diet changes for hemorrhoids.
• Walk 15–20 minutes after meals.
• Take stairs, stretch hourly if you sit at a desk.
• Avoid heavy lifting or high-impact workouts during a flare.
• Go only when you feel the urge; don’t linger on your phone.
• Use a small footstool or squat cushion to ease strain.
• Keep a pack of medicated wipes handy instead of rough toilet paper.
Choosing the right OTC product means matching type and ingredients to your needs.
• Creams/Ointments: Best for external hemorrhoids.
• Wipes: Gentle cleaning with soothing botanicals.
• Suppositories: Deliver medicine inside for internal issues.
Scan for active ingredients that fight swelling and pain… avoid fragrances, drying alcohols, and harsh chemicals. For a deeper dive, check our chart in the pain relief cream for hemorrhoids article.
Home care works for most flare-ups, but certain signs need a doctor’s input.
• Pain that worsens after a week of care
• Heavy or recurring bleeding
• A hard, painful lump (possible thrombosed hemorrhoid)
• Major changes in bowel habits
A proper diagnosis rules out other issues and guides stronger treatments or minimally invasive procedures. Read market insights on hemorrhoid treatment trends and GlobeNewswire.
With consistent care, mild swelling can improve in about a week… severe cases may take 2–3 weeks.
Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact sports. Gentle walks, swimming, or yoga boost circulation without upending your recovery.
External issues call for creams like Revivol-XR… internal flare-ups need suppositories for targeted relief.
Stand up every hour. Use a donut cushion on chairs, and elevate feet on the toilet stool to mimic a squat.
Effective hemorrhoid swelling treatment combines quick-action steps, ongoing lifestyle tweaks, and smart product choices. Start with cold compresses, sitz baths, and a high-fiber diet. Add Revivol-XR formulas for top results. If home care stalls, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
Explore doctor-approved products and more tips at https://hemorrhoid.com.