Hemorrhoids are a common condition among adults that can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort if left untreated.
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, often go away on their own without treatment in a couple of weeks. Luckily, there are several useful home remedies for hemorrhoids, as well as some steps to take to help deal with or avoid hemorrhoids altogether.
Home remedies
There are many hemorrhoid treatment options available in the home or in the form of over-the-counter medications. Many of the treatment methods involve simply easing the symptoms of the hemorrhoids until they clear up on their own.
1. Warm baths
Sitting in a tub of warm water that is filled just enough to cover the legs may help to ease the swelling and reduce irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
Some people also choose to add other ingredients to the bath in order to help reduce symptoms even further. These ingredients can include a cup of Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar.
Other people choose to add apple cider vinegar directly to the hemorrhoid, but this may sting and irritate the swollen skin even more.
2. Witch hazel
People should be cautious about what is placed on or near hemorrhoids, as they can easily become more inflamed and irritated. Many people apply witch hazel directly to the external hemorrhoids to find relief.
Natural witch hazel is an astringent, which is a substance that causes tissue to shrink. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to research in the Journal of Inflammation. Witch hazel is known to reduce bruising.
Adding a small amount of pure witch hazel to a cotton ball and dabbing onto the hemorrhoid may provide relief from many symptoms. If this makes symptoms worse, people should try a less direct method.
It is important that the witch hazel is not diluted with alcohol, as this can dry out and irritate the hemorrhoid..
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, which may also help with hemorrhoid symptoms. Applying coconut oil may reduce the irritation and swelling, and it may also help reduce the urge to scratch.
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has been used by many cultures to treat a variety of issues. According to research in BioMed Research International, the plant has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and may help heal wounds.
Aloe may provide relief from the burning, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids when applied to the anus. Purity is very important, as additives and preservatives can make symptoms worse.
5. Ice packs
Applying ice or cold packs to the hemorrhoid may also help relieve pain and inflammation. Applying an ice pack while seated or when the hemorrhoid flares up can help numb pain and temporarily reduce swelling.
People should be sure to wrap the ice in a small towel to avoid damage to the skin. Leave the ice pack on for 15 minutes and repeat the process hourly.
6. Over-the-counter medications
In cases where simple remedies are not enough or the pain is too great, over-the-counter drugs and creams may provide some relief.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. Applying creams to the skin that contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone could provide temporary relief as well.
Lifestyle changes
Making certain lifestyle choices can either reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids or limit the time that a person has them. These include:
Drinking plenty of liquids
According to research in The Permanente Journal, most anal problems such as hemorrhoids are caused by a lack of liquids in the diet.
Drinking plenty of liquid throughout the day keeps the stool soft and manageable as it works its way through the intestines. The result is a much softer stool that takes less energy to pass and causes less irritation to the hemorrhoids.
Fiber-rich diet
Diets high in fiber are very important to digestive health, especially when it comes to bowel movements.
Fiber can absorb water, which helps to both soften the stool and give it more body. This makes it easier to pass.
What to wear
People can support the healing of the hemorrhoids by wearing loose-fitting, breathable, cotton underwear and pants. This can help prevent the area surrounding the hemorrhoids from becoming irritated by excess sweat and help reduce symptoms.
Correct bathroom habits
There are also a few things to consider when using the bathroom that may help control or avoid hemorrhoids.
It is important to not force a bowel movement. Straining and pushing may make hemorrhoids worse. If a bowel movement has not occurred after 2 minutes, it is best to get up and try again later. It also helps some people to have a similar schedule every day, such as sitting on the toilet for a few minutes after each meal.
It is also important to listen to the body in these cases. The moment that the body needs a bowel movement is the best time to do it. Waiting for a less social setting or waiting to use the toilet at home can actually back up the stool and cause more stress and straining. This will only make the hemorrhoids worse.
Softness goes a long way with hemorrhoids. If toilet paper is too irritating, using damp toilet paper may help. Alcohol-free baby wipes with absolutely no additives may also provide relief when wiping. Wet wipes specific for the bottom, or hemorrhoid-specific wipes, can be purchased from a pharmacy and will help with gentle cleaning after a bowel movement.
It may also help to take a squatting position while having a bowel movement. The rectum clears itself easily and with less force when in a squatting position. The easiest way to do this is to prop a stack of books or a stool near the toilet to rest the feet on during bathroom breaks.
Things to avoid
There are also some important things to avoid when treating hemorrhoids in the home. Commercial baby wipes or perfumed toilet papers that are common in many households should be avoided.
Hemorrhoids are highly sensitive, and perfumes and other chemicals may make symptoms worse. It is also important not to wash the anus with soap while hemorrhoids are present. This can dry out and irritate hemorrhoids even more.
Aspirin should also be avoided as it can thin the blood and make bleeding worse.
