Hemorrhoids can usually be treated at home with a few simple methods such as sitz baths, witch hazel, analgesics, NSAIDS and topical creams. Wipes, including some containing witch hazel, can be used when cleaning the area. The article presents some tips in both avoiding hemorrhoids and preventing them from flaring up in the future.
Good hygiene routines in the bathroom will assist in lowering your odds of getting hemorrhoids. Use soft toilet paper that does not leave lint behind, and use a moist towelette to clean yourself after each bowel movement.
Relief is possible, no matter how bad your condition is. Experts have been known to recommend soaking in a sitz bath multiple times per day, for 5 to 10 minutes each time. Also, you may get some relief by applying cold compresses to the area.
Alternating applications of cold followed by heat is an easy way to treat the discomfort of hemorrhoids. By switching from ice then to heat applications, the hemorrhoid will reduce in size and can begin to heal. 10 minutes of ice, followed by 20 minutes of moist heat should be directed to the area at least once per day.
Be careful not to use scented hygiene products if you have hemorrhoids. Any kind of fragrance, oil or dye can irritate your hemorrhoids further. The ingredients in these hygiene items can increase the swelling and cause intense pain or stinging.
Drinking plenty of water can help to reduce the symptoms and growth of hemorrhoids. Your stools will be softer if you stay hydrated. Another tip that will help you is by decreasing the caffeine and alcohol that you drink.
Hemorrhoids can be caused by straining excessively during bowel movements. Eating less processed food and drinking lots of water will make your stools softer, and thus require less straining to pass. Squatting is another thing to try to effortlessly pass stools. Buy a small stool or use a wood box for your feet while sitting on the toilet. Hemorrhoids are actually less common in parts of the world in which people squat to eliminate fecal matter.
Having a good understanding of how hemorrhoids are formed is the best way to prevent them. Learn as much as you can. This will benefit you and anyone else you choose to share your knowledge with. Basically, a hemorrhoid is a bundle of swollen and sensitive nerves.
If you do not want to visit your doctor and pay for a costly prescription medication, there are many all-natural treatments that can be administered in the comfort of your own home. Soak in a warm sitz bath for 15 minutes, especially after having a bowel movement. Even though hemorrhoids can be really itchy at times, you should not scratch them, this could aggravate the problem. Try applying some pads that have been dampened with witch hazel for temporary relief when your hemorrhoids are flaring up. Plenty of water and a diet high in fiber is a good way to prevent hemorrhoids. A balanced diet will translate to a more regular digestive system and fewer hemorrhoids outbreaks.
Lifting heavy items can cause hemorrhoids. The strain when you lift is similar to the strain you feel when you are passing your stool. If you're having hemorrhoids on a regular basis, you need to consider somehow eliminating all heavy lifting.
If you often suffer from constipation, try taking a brisk walk before you evacuate your bowels. Walking can help your body function, while preparing your bowels for a movement. Doing this will help you to be able to avoid straining that is unnecessary and that often results in irritation of the hemorrhoids. Try walking briskly for about 15 minutes or so.
If you do not consume a lot of vegetables or fruit, it is important that you take some fiber supplements every day. These supplements should be spread out during the day, and you need to make sure you drink plenty of water.
Make sure you shy away from the hot foods, and from caffeine. These foods have an irritating affect on your intestines which can ultimately cause problems with hemorrhoids. Spicy foods are notorious for the burning sensation that they can cause during bowel movements, so they should definitely be off-limits to those with hemorrhoids.
Laxatives will soften your stools, easing the pain of your bowel movements, but they will not cure your hemorrhoids. While laxatives are great to help you alleviate constipation once or twice, they do not cure hemorrhoids.
Even if your hemorrhoids itches, you need to resist the urge to scratch it. Scratching the area of itching hemorrhoids can create soreness and even infection in the area where skin has been damaged by scratching. If you have to go near the area, use a wet cloth to gently cleanse the area by patting it. If the area is unclean, it might itch, so gently using the cloth is beneficial to relieve itching.
Olive Oil
If you have some olive oil in the kitchen, then you have a great hemorrhoid home remedy. It may sound odd, but olive oil is proven to relieve some of the swelling associated with hemorrhoids. This reduces itching. You should only use olive oil on external hemorrhoids. Olive oil is not suited for internal use.
If you find that there is a small amount of blood on your stool, don't panic; it's common for a hemorrhoid to bleed slightly. The solution to this is to add fiber to your diet and take a stool softener, allowing your stools to pass easier. Dry and firm stools will put too much pressure on your hemorrhoids and cause them to bleed.
Once you find remedies at home that are effective, a doctor visit isn't needed every time hemorrhoid symptoms arise. If you tend to have problems with hemorrhoids, you should keep a good stock of supplies to treat your symptoms as needed. Use the information in this article and you will have more knowledge about hemorrhoids.