Hemorrhoids are the vascular structures of the anal canal, but the term is often misused to indicate the dilation that causes hemorrhoidal disease. It is a rather frequent problem and almost half of the population over 50 has suffered from it at least once in their life, as have pregnant women; one of the main symptoms is anal itching. If you have this disorder, there are ways to soothe the discomfort.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Relieve the Itch
Step 1. Make a sitz bath with warm water
Soak the affected area in a tub with a few centimeters of water; however, if you prefer, you can take a full bath to achieve the same effect. This wash increases blood circulation in the anal area, mainly thanks to the heat, while improving relaxation and healing of the tissues surrounding the anus. Repeat the treatment twice a day.
- You can purchase this type of toilet bowl to fit the toilet seat at drugstores or medical supply stores.
- If you take a full bath, add about 100 g of Epsom salts, or 2-3 tablespoons if you pour only a few inches of water into the tub or sitz bath; you can also add a dollop of witch hazel or baking soda if you wish. This remedy helps reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby relieving itching; make sure the water is hot but not boiling.
Step 2. Apply a warm compress
To soothe the itching generated by hemorrhoids you can place a warm towel on the anal area; soak a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water and apply it to the painful area for 10-15 minutes, making sure it is right on the swollen hemorrhoids. Repeat the treatment 4-5 times a day.
When finished, use a clean cotton cloth to dry thoroughly; make sure to pat and not rub the anal region, otherwise it may irritate it further
Step 3. Use medicated tampons
This is another way to soothe the annoying itch and you can find them in almost any drugstore. In case of itching, gently clean the area and then use one of these swabs to gently scrub the affected area, being careful not to exert too much friction. repeat 6 times a day.
Use one of these medicated tampons every time you go to the bathroom; Always clean the anal area first and then use gauze. Also be sure to discard the tampon after use
Step 4. Try a gel or lotion to relieve pain and itching
It is a useful product for your purpose; use a small amount of aloe vera gel or Preparation H to soothe the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids; apply the ointment as many times as needed.
- Do not use steroid creams for a prolonged period or longer than necessary; if you apply them repeatedly, you can damage the delicate tissue around the vascular structures.
- If you don't have this type of ointment, try baby teething gel, as it contains a local anesthetic that can soothe the itch.
Step 5. Use cold packs
Ice helps reduce swelling; apply a compress to the previously cleaned area for no more than 10 minutes. Wrap the ice in a towel so that low temperatures do not cause damage to the skin; repeat several times a day.
At the end of the cold therapy, you can proceed with a warm compress for 10-20 minutes to relieve even more discomfort
Step 6. Use a herbal astringent
This type of product, such as witch hazel, is generally useful against skin itching; witch hazel in particular acts as an astringent, reducing hemorrhoidal swelling and discomfort. Dip a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the anal area after having scrupulously cleaned it in case you have evacuated; repeat the treatment as needed, but aim to do it at least 4-5 times a day.
Never apply herbal astringent products before cleaning the area
Step 7. Use essential oils
They can be helpful in reducing itching. To proceed, dilute 2 to 4 drops of essential oil in 60ml of carrier oil, such as castor or almond oil; mix well and apply the solution directly on the external hemorrhoids. You can use 1 to 3 different oils for this treatment.
- Lavender oil helps relieve pain and itching; that of cypress is used to soften and help the tissue healing process; that of tea tree is useful for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties; avocado can be used as a base or added to other oils, as it has a moisturizing, soothing and accelerating healing action.
- These oils can also be applied to internal hemorrhoids, but then help from another person is usually needed; if you have a partner who can help you, make sure they wash their hands before proceeding and are wearing gloves or a non-latex finger cover.
Method 2 of 2: Understanding Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Know the causes
As already mentioned, the term "hemorrhoids" is commonly used to indicate the enlargement of the veins that occurs inside or outside the anus, the opening of the rectum. Hemorrhoids are mainly caused by exertion or pushing excessively during bowel movements, but they could also develop due to obesity, lifting heavy objects, sitting for too long or due to pregnancy. they are also associated with age and a tendency to constipation.
During pregnancy they typically form due to the increased pressure exerted by the growing baby in the uterus, putting pressure on the veins in the lower abdomen
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms
The main one is bleeding that occurs during evacuation; you may notice blood on the toilet paper or a few drops of blood in the toilet water. Other symptoms, especially in the case of external hemorrhoids, are itching, pain or tenderness; you may also physically feel an enlarged external vein when you cleanse, which looks like a sore, swollen lump around the anal opening.
- It is quite rare to feel the internal ones, but in some cases they can protrude and exit the anus.
- As long as you only notice a few bloodstains or drops in the toilet, you have no reason to worry.
Step 3. Prevent their formation
You can avoid them by respecting proper nutrition. You can try different techniques until you find the best one for you; here are some suggestions:
- Try to soften and hydrate the stool by drinking plenty of water. Drink 9-12 8-ounce glasses of water every day. this way you can get rid of this annoying ailment. By limiting the irritation due to the passage of hard stools, the hemorrhoids disappear and the swelling is considerably reduced; since the feces contain a good amount of water, the more they have, the easier it becomes to expel them.
- Increase your fiber intake. These nutrients help the stool to retain water and make it more voluminous, facilitating intestinal transit, as well as reducing pain. Eat whole grains, such as whole grain rice, corn, barley, rye, and oats. Fruits such as cherries, plums, plums, apricots, berries and vegetables such as green leafy ones are also excellent sources of fiber; he also eats beans and legumes in general.
- Avoid laxatives; they can be addictive and weaken the bowel, which becomes "sluggish" leading to potential chronic constipation.
Step 4. Contact your doctor
In most cases, hemorrhoids go away on their own with home remedies or over-the-counter medications within 4-7 days. if you do not notice any improvement (less pain, itching, achiness, bleeding) within 2-3 days, contact your doctor, as there are different treatments for the most severe cases.
- Many times, if not almost always, they can be treated safely at home. If the bleeding doesn't stop or you notice a large amount of blood, you need to call your doctor to make an appointment as soon as possible. you need to contact him urgently even if you are on blood thinning medications and are experiencing anal bleeding.
- The doctor is able to diagnose internal or external ones with a simple inspection and rectal checkup.
- If you suffer from internal ones, the doctor can remove them through the elastic ligation, a procedure during which an elastic band is applied to stop the blood circulation to the hemorrhoids, which in this way die and fall off spontaneously after about a week, leaving only some scar tissue. Alternative techniques are photocoagulation and sclerotherapy.
