Take care to gently pat the anal area dry afterward. Do not rub or wipe hard as this may cause bleeding and irritation. For some people, adding Epsom salt makes the sitz bath even more soothing. Add the amount suggested on the package and stir the salt until it is dissolved completely.
The medicines in these creams and ointments can cause skin damage over time, so don’t use them for longer than suggested on the packaging (which is usually about 1 week).
When you feel the hemorrhoids itching, apply more witch hazel as needed.
You can use an ice pack as often as you need to throughout the day. Just keep it to 20 minutes at a time to prevent your bottom from getting too cold.
If you are on a blood thinner, talk to your doctor before taking aspirin.
Try eating high-fiber foods throughout the day, like broccoli, beans, wheat, whole grains, and fresh fruit.
Hard stool tends to irritate hemorrhoids and make them worse.
Straining is also called the Valsalva maneuver. During the strain, peripheral venous pressures become increased, causing the dilated veins to become more painful. Try placing a cushion on the toilet. Sitting on a cushion rather than a hard surface helps reduce the swelling of existing hemorrhoids and prevents the formation of new ones. Lifting your feet on a stool while going to the bathroom can also help prevent straining and hemorrhoids. [11] X Expert Source Wendy PowellMaternal Health & Exercise Specialist Expert Interview. 24 September 2020. Instead of wiping with dry toilet paper, use wipes or wet toilet paper instead. This will help prevent further irritation.
Use a mirror to examine your external hemorrhoids. If they are bigger than a quarter, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, see a doctor if your hemorrhoids are so large that they block your bowel movements. In the elderly, hemorrhoids are often more severe and less responsive to at-home remedies. If you are older, it’s a good idea to get medical help right away.
Rubber band ligation. A band is placed around the hemorrhoid to cut off the supply of blood, causing it to eventually fall off. Injection sclerotherapy. This is the most common non-surgical hemorrhoid treatment. A fluid is injected into the hemorrhoidal tissue, causing it to shrink. Infrared photocoagulation. A probe is used to irradiate the hemorrhoids that don’t respond to other treatments. Electrotherapy. An electric current is applied to your hemorrhoids to make them shrink.
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy. External hemorrhoids are surgical stapled back inside of the anus. Haemorrhoidal artery ligation. Stitches are used to cut the blood supply to the hemorrhoids and cause them to shrink.
