Read on if you're confused about what to do about your hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a common problem, yet many people don't know how to treat them once they develop. The best thing you can do to remedy this oftentimes painful condition is to educate yourself on the different treatment methods and techniques that are available.
Be sure to be scrupulous in your hygiene, especially when hemorrhoids are present. A moist towelette is preferable to toilet paper, and it will probably be more comfortable, too. A sitz bath of warm water can alleviate the discomfort from swollen veins. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
Applying ice then heat is an easy and simple home cure for hemorrhoids. This one-two punch of ice and heat reduces the size of the hemorrhoid and speeds the healing process. A 10 minute application of ice can be followed by 20 minutes with a moist heat application for maximum results.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is very effective in alleviating the pain caused by hemorrhoids. Witch hazel contains natural ingredients that reduce the size of the hemorrhoid, thus, providing relief. Use cotton balls to apply witch hazel, and allow it to sit on the affected area for somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes, or simply pour some into your sitz bath.
One of the major causes of hemorrhoids is excessive straining during evacuation. Making a diet change to one with more water and fewer processed foods will make it easier to pass stools. Squatting also aids the process and reduces the need to strain during a bowel movement. As you sit on your toilet, put a small stool beneath your feet. In certain places in the world, people squat when having a bowel movement. It is in these locations that people rarely suffer from hemorrhoids.
Commercial treatments for hemorrhoids can be costly and often ineffective, so give some natural methods a shot. A sitz bath is particularly beneficial after a bowel movement. Never scratch or rub itching hemorrhoids, as this will only make the problem worse. Try using a bit of witch hazel on a cotton pad to help relieve the itch. Plenty of water and a diet high in fiber is a good way to prevent hemorrhoids. This will keep you from straining too hard while having a bowel movement.
To promote softer stools, you should drink as much water as possible and increase your intake of fiber. Strain will be reduced and hemorrhoid pain averted with simple steps to soften your stool. There are some fruits which are wonderful for softening your stool, and encouraging it to move. These include grapes, watermelon and papaya. Vegetables, such as okra and cabbage, are loaded with fiber and also help with the process. The effects will be maximized if you also include high quantities of water in your daily diet.
You can reduce hemorrhoids and its side effects by losing weight. Overweight people are more likely to get hemorrhoids. The pressure that is on your abdomen from the excess weight and waste can boost pressure on your anal veins. If you adopt a healthier diet with plenty of fiber, you can lose extra pounds and lose the hemorrhoids, as well. Make sure you avoid excessively using laxatives; you don't want to hurt your body as using them too much can be very unhealthy.
It is important that you are always hydrated. If your body gets dehydrated, it will draw water from your intestines and stools. This will cause hard stools and pain while using the bathroom. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will help to prevent hemorrhoids. If you already have hemorrhoids, evacuation will go much smoother.
Don't wait on the toilet for the urge to go. Only sit down on it when you're ready to have your bowel movement. While you're sitting, you may be straining without realizing it. The act of sitting alone is enough to put strain on your hemorrhoids via gravity. Never sit down unless you're really ready to go.
To get rid of any swelling or pain try sitting in some hot warm water. Sitting in a bathtub with up to a foot of lukewarm water helps boost blood flow and decrease the pain that hemorrhoids can cause. Be sure to keep your knees up while sitting in the tub. Don't be in a rush; stay until water temperature begins to reduce.
If you are going through the agonizing hardship of hemorrhoids, then you may want to consider buying a donut cushion. These cushions have a hollowed out center that prevents pressure on hemorrhoids. It is far more comfortable to sit on a doughnut cushion than on a regular cushion.
A cream, applied sparingly, could be of assistance. It may help lessen the pain of hemorrhoids, but may not help with the irritation or swelling. Check with your doctor if you feel the need to use them for longer than a week. If they are overused, they may cause more discomfort.
With the advice gained here, you will have the tools to combat hemorrhoids and remove them from your daily existence. Ensure you search for other sources of knowledge to increase your knowledge base on this subject. By doing this and applying this information, you should experience relief almost immediately.