Hemorrhoids, also known as swollen and inflamed veins in the lower rectum and anus, might result from straining a lot during bowel movements or even from increased pressure on the veins during pregnancy. The swollen veins might be located inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or they might develop under the skin close to the anus (external hemorrhoids).
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Hemorrhoids are more commonplace than you may think. By the age of 50, about half of all adults in the United States have had to cope with itching, bleeding, and discomfort that could signal the presence of hemorrhoids. Fortunately, there are many effective hemorrhoids treatments that are available as a hemorrhoids cure, at least temporarily. Most people usually get relief from hemorrhoids symptoms by making lifestyle changes and using home treatments.
As a matter of fact, you can do a lot of things at home to ease the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. These tips can also help to keep the condition from getting worse. In addition, they might also help you to avoid hemorrhoids in the future. Below is a comprehensive guide to hemorrhoids treatments at home. Just try these tips and see how they’ll work for you.
The Golden Rules of Dealing with Hemorrhoids
Take these steps to avoid constipation and make things a lot more comfortable for yourself. These golden rules can help stop hemorrhoids even before they form, too.
- Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber normally solidifies your stool while still making it move through your body more easily. You will find it in whole-grain bread, cereals, beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables. You might also want to try supplements in case you can’t get adequate fiber from foods. Ensure that you add fiber slowly into your diet to help avoid bloating.
- Drink a lot of Fluids
Stay hydrated to keep your stools soft so that they are easier to pass. Water is usually the best choice. Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also drink prune juice, which a natural laxative and can help you a lot as a hemorrhoids treatment.
- Exercise Regularly
Keep moving! Regularly working out, even a brisk stroll or jog for 20 to 30 minutes daily can work as a temporary hemorrhoids cure.
- Laxatives and Stool Softeners
Your doctor might suggest taking some laxatives or softeners for a short period time to make going to the bathroom easier, which might be over-the-counter or be prescription-level.
- Follow Good Bathroom Habits
Do not spend a lot of your time on the throne. If nothing’s happening within the first several minutes, then don’t wait or strain to try to make it happen. Relieving yourself at the same time every day is what your body needs, and your body is capable of being conditioned.
- Do Not Hold it In
Whenever you feel like you have to go, do it. Do not wait for a better place or time. If you get backed up, this could lead to more pressure and straining. Go as soon as you can whenever nature calls.
Ease Pain and Itching
These home treatments should help ease the discomfort that usually goes hand-in-hand with hemorrhoids.
- Take Warm Baths
Ensure that you soak in a bath that’s filled with few inches of warm water for about 20 minutes. Do this two to three times daily, preferably after each bowel movement. Pat gently afterward to dry. Do not rub or wipe hard. In addition, there are special “sitz baths” that you can put on your toilet seat directly to make soaking more easier.
- Rub-On-Relief
Over-the-counter ointments and creams can often ease hemorrhoid symptoms for a while. Don’t use creams with hydrocortisone elements for more than one week unless your physician says it’s okay. Creams or wipes with witch hazel are capable of soothing pain and itching without any side effects.
- Ice it Down
Put a fairly small ice pack on the affected area several times during the day. It can help to ease the pain and swelling while still giving you short-term relief.
- Consider Painkillers
Take nonprescription pain medicine to help with the soreness. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help a lot as a temporary hemorrhoids cure.
Stay Comfortable
There are several other things that you can do to feel better.
- Keep Your Feet Up
Put your feet on a stack of books or a stool when you go into the bathroom. Raising the feet while sitting on the toilet usually changes the position of all your inner workings, which might make bowel movements easier.
- Use a Pillow
Sit on cushions, soft surfaces instead of hard surfaces. This will ease the swelling of hemorrhoids that you may have. This might also help in preventing new ones from forming.
- Keep it Clean
Wash the affected area daily. Use unscented soap and warm water. Dry the affected area by patting it gently. You can also use a blow dryer if it has a cool setting.
- Choose Cotton
Wear loose and soft underwear which will keep the area aired out. It also stops any moisture from building up which might bother your hemorrhoids.
With these home treatments, hemorrhoid symptoms will go away within less than a week. In case you don’t get any relief within a week or you experience severe pain and bleeding, then don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor.
Featured Image Source: Thinkstock / vchal
Posted on May 18, 2023