Hemorrhoids can be embarrassing and painful to say the least. Keep reading for ideas and tips that will help you to prevent or treat this uncomfortable, embarrassing condition. Your situation may seem dire, but there are many effective methods for dealing with hemorrhoids and squelching the pain associated with them.
You can help prevent external hemorrhoids by boosting your hygiene in the bathroom. Select toilet paper that is soft and doesn't leave behind a residue, and wipe yourself with a moist wipe after defecating.
A basic and easy home treatment for hemorrhoids is the application of first ice, next heat. The alternation of extreme temperature causes the hemorrhoids to shrink and disappear. The ice should be applied to the affected area for at least 10 minutes each day, followed by warm, moist heat for 20 minutes.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is very helpful for relieving discomfort, pain, and itching associated with hemorrhoids. This astringent shrinks the inflamed tissues, promoting healing and alleviating pain and itching. Witch hazel can either be applied via inclusion in a sitz bath, or by direct application using a cotton ball for a few minutes.
Good hydration is important for anyone who tends to suffer from hemorrhoids. Maintaining your hydration equates to having easier bowel movements. Caffeine and alcohol consumption should be limited.
Ice Pack
You may be surprised to learn that there are items in your kitchen that will help to ease hemorrhoids symptoms. An ice pack can be improvised by wrapping ice in cloth or even putting it in a baggie. The soreness will go away if you apply the ice pack for about ten minutes. When applied to the area affected by hemorrhoids, an ice pack can help to shrink the inflamed tissues, reducing swelling.
Wheat bread is wonderful for your digestion, and can also improve hemorrhoids. Easier bowel movements mean less irritation. So before you eat your next sandwich, instead of reaching for white bread, go wheat!
Understanding what hemorrhoids are is a big part of learning to manage them. Learn as much as you can about hemorrhoids if you are suffering from them. Basically, a hemorrhoid is a bundle of swollen and sensitive nerves.
You can treat hemorrhoids with topical creams or home remedies. Try soaking in a sitz bath for about 15 minutes, especially right after you have had a bowel movement. Even though hemorrhoids can be really itchy at times, you should not scratch them, this could aggravate the problem. Applications of witch hazel on a clean pad can be very effective in relieving the itch. Eating lots of fiber-rich foods, and drinking plenty of water, are both very important. These steps can prevent constipation, which can lead to straining while passing stool.
Lifting Heavy Objects
Lifting heavy objects can be a factor in the development of hemorrhoids. The strain of lifting heavy objects is similar to the strain required to force feces out of the body. Avoid heavy lifting completely if you have major problems with hemorrhoids.
If you want to relieve your hemorrhoid pains, shed your unwanted pounds. Being overweight causes more hemorrhoid issues. Those extra pounds around your mid-section add pressure to your body's anal veins. Make a diet that contains mostly foods with high fiber in them to help reduce the pressure on your abdomen. Take caution not to overdo it with laxatives though, either for weight loss or hemorrhoid treatment, since continually doing this is eventually unhealthy.
If you often suffer from constipation, try taking a brisk walk before you evacuate your bowels. A walk can improve your natural functions and stimulate your bowels to move. This is a good way to reduce the strain you put on your hemorrhoids. Walk briskly for 10-15 minutes if at all possible.
Use what you learned from this article's tips, and you can give your body relief and help it heal. Education on this painful and persistant problem is vital for the best treatment. With a positive outlook and a good strategy, you can fade your pain into relief.