Hemorrhoids are a real nuisance. They are very common (affecting about 75% of people) but are usually not serious and heal on their own. However, they can be very painful as long as they are present. Here are some tips to quickly cure hemorrhoids.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Identifying Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Learn to recognize the symptoms
If you think you have a hemorrhoid, it is important to know the symptoms of this condition. Here are the symptoms caused by internal and external hemorrhoids.
- Internal Hemorrhoids: The most obvious symptom of internal hemorrhoids is a bright red rectal bleeding that accompanies defecation. You will see bright red blood when you cleanse yourself. In most cases they do not cause pain.
- External hemorrhoids: can cause itching and burning in the anal area. They often cause pain and in some cases bleed, especially when you cleanse yourself after defecation. In some cases, external hemorrhoids make sitting very uncomfortable.
Step 2. Consider other possible causes of your symptoms
Although hemorrhoids are not usually severe, rectal bleeding can be caused by other serious conditions, such as: anal, rectal or colon cancer; diverticulitis; bacterial infection. If you notice blood leaking from the rectum, it is important to call your doctor to get a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Step 3. Learn to recognize a hemorrhoid
This is a swollen and inflamed blood vessel in the anal or rectal area. The cause is an increase in pressure in the anal and pelvic area. Chronic constipation and diarrhea are common causes of hemorrhoids. Women in the late stages of pregnancy also often suffer from it, as do people who are overweight. Anal sex can in some cases cause hemorrhoids, both internal and external.
- Internal Hemorrhoids: This type of hemorrhoid occurs inside the rectum. If they are large enough, or close enough to the anus, they can leak out during defecation.
- External hemorrhoids: occur in the area surrounding the rectal opening. If they become very irritated and clot under the skin, they can become a hard lump. In this case they are called thrombosed hemorrhoids.
Part 2 of 4: Getting rid of hemorrhoids
Step 1. Learn about home treatments
In most cases, hemorrhoids can be treated at home, using methods that soothe or relieve pain, inflammation, swelling, itching, and pressure. This section describes some of the steps you can take at home to get better.
Step 2. Keep the area clean
While it can be painful to clean the anal area when a hemorrhoid is present, one of the most important steps to take to begin the healing process is to keep it as clean as possible. Gently wash with a soft towel, warm water and mild soap. Rinse well, and pat dry with a clean towel or very soft toilet paper.
You could also try using wet wipes, which are much gentler than toilet paper. Many brands contain aloe or other soothing ingredients
Step 3. Use a topical treatment
Many topical treatments can relieve the swelling and pain of hemorrhoids. You can buy them at the pharmacy and you will probably find some in the kitchen. Here's what to try.
- Creams and ointments: Preparation H, creams with hydrocortisone, creams for irritation from diapers, or products that contain topical analgesics such as lidocaine or benzocaine.
- Witch hazel: This is an astringent and you can purchase wipes or water that contains it to wet the anal area.
- Aloe vera: is a lubricant and a soothing agent. You can buy a gel that contains it at the pharmacy. If you have an aloe plant, break off a small sprig, squeeze the gel inside out and apply it to the area.
Step 4. Apply a paste of Epsom salts and glycerin
Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and 2 tablespoons of glycerin. Spread the paste on gauze and apply it to the affected area. Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
You can reapply the paste every 4-6 hours until the pain subsides
Step 5. Stay hydrated
Drinking water will make your stool softer, pass it out more easily and cause you to strain less, a practice that can potentially make hemorrhoids worse. When you think you have a hemorrhoid, increase your water intake to 8-10 glasses per day.
Step 6. Eat more fiber
Fiber is another great stool softener. You can incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet, use a supplement, or both.
- Eat more legumes, whole grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits.
- Or you can try over-the-counter psyllium fiber supplements.
Step 7. Take a sitz bath
This is a warm water bath for the perineal area. Warm water soothes hemorrhoids, relieves and promotes healing. You can buy a small bathtub to place over the toilet, or just use the normal bathtub. Here's how to do it:
- Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water. If you are using a special tub for a sitz bath, fill it up to the point indicated in the instructions. Make sure the water is warm, not hot.
- Add soothing or healing ingredients if desired. Warm water alone will already have a positive effect, but you can find even more relief by adding table salt, Epsom salts, chamomile, yarrow and calendula.
- Stay submerged for about 20 minutes. Repeat the bath after each bowel movement. If you can, include another 2-3 baths in your day until the hemorrhoids heal.
- Gently dry the perineal area with a soft towel.
Step 8. Apply ice or a cold compress
The cold reduces swelling, inflammation and pain. Apply it for 15 minutes on the anal area. Repeat two to three times a day.
Part 3 of 4: Prevention
Step 1. Prevent the haemorrhoids from coming back
When you are cured, you can take steps to prevent this condition from returning. Some treatment tips also apply to prevention, such as eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water. Here are some other ideas.
Step 2. If you have to go to the bathroom, go
Sometimes the stimulus doesn't come at the right time. But waiting can cause problems. As you wait, the stool dries up and moves back into the rectum, increasing the pressure. Then, when you go to the bathroom, you may need to strain. So don't wait when you feel the need to evacuate. Find a bathroom and do it!
Step 3. Don't spend too much time on the toilet, you will put pressure on the anal area
Try to avoid sitting for more than 10 minutes. If you are constipated, clean up, take a break, drink some water, take a walk, and try again later.
Step 4. Lose weight
If you suffer from hemorrhoids because you are overweight, losing weight can help you solve the problem. Talk to your doctor for advice on how much weight you need to lose and healthier ways to do it.
Step 5. Get moving
Physical activity stimulates the intestines and makes it easier to pass stool. Try doing 20 minutes a day of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking. If you have a sedentary job, make it a point to get up and walk every hour. Working out more will also help you lose weight.
Step 6. Make changes to your diet to soften the stool
A softer stool means less strain, less pressure on the anal area and less time spent on the toilet. To achieve this you will need to add, eliminate and reduce the intake of certain foods from your diet. You may need to experiment to find the best balance for you. Here are some examples:
- Foods to add: Plenty of water, prunes or prune juice, ground flax seeds, foods with omega fatty acids, green leafy vegetables, raw vegetables and fruits.
- Foods to eliminate or reduce: fried foods, processed carbohydrates, dairy products, sodium.
Step 7. Modify your diet to promote the health of your veins
Many foods and herbs contain substances that promote the health of the veins by strengthening the walls of the blood vessels. Some of these also reduce inflammation as an added benefit. Examples include:
- Flavonoids (you can find them in citrus fruits, blackberries, cherries and many other fruits and vegetables).
- Butcher's broom.
- Horse chestnut.
- Gingko biloba.
- Calendula.
Part 4 of 4: When to See a Doctor
Step 1. Know when to call your doctor
Home treatments will be enough to cure most hemorrhoids. However, there will be cases where you cannot solve the problem on your own, and you will need medical attention. Pay close attention to your symptoms to decide if you need a doctor's help. Look for the following:
- Duration of symptoms: Bleeding and pain typically pass after 2-3 days. Call your doctor if these symptoms last for more than a week.
- Time of onset of symptoms: Bleeding from hemorrhoids usually occurs with defecation. If you notice rectal bleeding at any other time, call your doctor.
- Changes in symptoms: Changes may indicate that your condition is getting worse. They can also indicate that there is another problem. If the color of your hemorrhoidal bleeding changes from bright red to dark red, call your doctor as soon as possible.
- Symptom severity: If you're using home remedies, your hemorrhoids should get better. If your symptoms worsen or become severe, you should call a doctor.
Advice
Some people with hemorrhoids are able to sit down with less pain using a regular or donut-shaped pillow
Warnings
- Diabetics should not use Preparation H, or other products that contain vasoconstrictors such as phenylephrine.
- If you notice that your stool is black or red-brown in color, call your doctor right away. It could be a symptom of serious digestive problems.
- If you have diabetes, do not use products that contain hydrocortisone, as this steroid can cause your blood sugar to rise.
