Fill the bathtub with about 6 in (15 cm) of warm or hot water as you prepare your bath. [3] X Expert Source David Schechter, MDFamily Medicine Practitioner Expert Interview. 15 July 2020. Gently pat the anal area dry with a towel or use a hair dryer after each treatment.
Gently pat the anal area dry with a towel or use a hair dryer after each treatment.
You can use pads such as Tucks as compresses on irritated hemorrhoids up to six times per day to relieve pain and itching. These have witch hazel, which is a soothing, natural anti-inflammatory agent. Preparation H cream is a topical anesthetic, constrictor of blood vessels (vasoconstrictor), and skin protectant useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The cream blocks pain signals coming from the nerve endings of the anal area and also shrinks swollen, inflamed tissue. [6] X Research source OTC creams or suppositories containing the steroid hydrocortisone can also be helpful in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Hydrocortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can help ease the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone should not be used for more than one week as they can lead to atrophy (or thinning) of the skin in the anal area. Pramoxine, available OTC and by prescription, is another topical anesthetic used to treat hemorrhoids. [7] X Research source
Acetaminophen can be taken 650-1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 4 grams (0. 14 oz) in a 24-hour period. Ibuprofen can be taken 800 mg up to 4 times per day. Aspirin can be taken 325-650 mg every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 4 grams (0. 14 oz) in a 24-hour period.
Do not strain when you’re on the toilet. If your bowel movement doesn’t occur on its own, come back later and try again. [10] X Expert Source David Schechter, MDFamily Medicine Practitioner Expert Interview. 15 July 2020.
Internal hemorrhoids develop in the lower rectum, and they are usually painless because the body doesn’t have any pain receptors in the rectum. You may not even know you have an internal hemorrhoid until you notice blood in your stool or the hemorrhoid prolapsing (protruding from the anus). If you have pain associated with your hemorrhoid, then it is likely an external hemorrhoid, which develops under the skin around the anus. If a blood clot forms inside the hemorrhoid, it is called a “thrombosed hemorrhoid,” and the pain is typically described as sudden and severe. Those afflicted might see or feel a lump in the vicinity of the anus. The clot usually dissolves and may leave a skin tag, or excess skin, in the anal area. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Sometimes hemorrhoids may linger for a long time, but if they’re severe, it usually takes about 7-10 days for the pain to mostly go away. [14] X Expert Source David Schechter, MDFamily Medicine Practitioner Expert Interview. 15 July 2020. Hemorrhoids can be caused by things like genetics, pregnancy and childbirth, or sitting on the toilet for too long. [15] X Expert Source David Schechter, MDFamily Medicine Practitioner Expert Interview. 15 July 2020. Your doctor may advise you to make some diet and lifestyle changes before trying anything too drastic. These changes may include increasing your fiber intake and getting more exercise.
Sclerotherapy, however, may not be the recommended option by a number of doctors because studies have shown that while effective in the short term, most patients develop recurrent hemorrhoids. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
This technique is often used for small hemorrhoidal tissue for which rubber band ligation is not an option, or it may be used in association with rubber band ligation as the combination of the two techniques has shown as 97 percent success rate. [21] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source This method also leads to some of the shorter recovery times for hemorrhoid surgery at one to two weeks. [22] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
This procedure is typically performed in the cases of strangulated internal hemorrhoids, mixed internal and external hemorrhoids, or preexisting anorectal conditions that necessitate surgery. [24] X Research source This option is also known for the larger degree of pain associated with the healing time. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Recovery time for removal options is approximately two to three weeks with a follow-up visit to your surgeon. This is typically reserved for severe cases that don’t get better for a long period of time. [26] X Expert Source David Schechter, MDFamily Medicine Practitioner Expert Interview. 15 July 2020.
Compared to hemorrhoidectomy, stapling has a higher risk of hemorrhoid recurrence and rectal prolapse, which is when the rectum protrudes out of the anus. However, this surgical procedure is also known for its marked decrease in postoperative pain for the patient versus standard hemorrhoidectomy. [28] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
The recommended daily amount of fiber varies from about 20 to 35 grams per day depending on your age and sex. Women under 51 require 25 grams per day, while women over 51 require 21 grams per day. Men under 51 require 38 grams per day, while men under 51 require 30 grams per day. [30] X Trustworthy Source EatRight. org Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness Go to source You can also supplement your fiber intake with over-the-counter fiber sources such as psyllium husk (Metamucil, Citrucel). Increase fiber in your diet slowly to avoid increased gas. If increasing you fiber intake does not help with your constipation, then you may want to consider incorporating a stool softener, such as Colace, as a short-term solution. [31] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least five days per week. You can divide your exercise sessions into shorter ones as well. For example, you could exercise for 15 minutes twice per day or 10 minutes three times per day if that is easier for you. [34] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Look for an activity that you enjoy so that you will be more likely to stick with it. Try going for a walk after dinner, riding your bike to work, or taking an aerobics class a few times per week.
If you cannot go to the bathroom after sitting for about five minutes, then get off of the toilet and come back later. Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time can worsen hemorrhoids. [36] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
