Home remedies such as topical creams, witch hazel, analgesics and sitz baths can deal with most of the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids. Baby wipes may also be used to soothe sensitive areas. The following article will provide you with crucial advice for treating hemorrhoids.
Improving your bathroom hygiene practices can make it less likely that external hemorrhoids will form. Use soft toilet paper that does not leave paper or residue behind, and use moist wipes after every bowel movement.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel can relieve discomfort and pain caused by hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is an astringent that will shrink or constrict the hemorrhoid tissue, bringing relief and healing. Put the witch hazel on with a piece of cotton and let it sit for five to ten minutes or have a sitz bath to put it in.
Frequent heavy lifting is a little-known potential cause of hemorrhoids. The strain that it puts on the body is equivalent to the stress that you put on your body when you try to force a bowel movement. If you're having hemorrhoids on a regular basis, you need to consider somehow eliminating all heavy lifting.
There are some laxatives that you shouldn't rely on if you do suffer from hemorrhoids. Those products can only help with one movement, and do not address the root of the problem. If you are having trouble with bowel movements, consider making diet changes to even things out.
To soften stools, drink plenty of water and eat high fiber foods. If you make your stool softer, you won't be as strained during bowel movements, which will help to relieve your hemorrhoids and make them occur less frequently. Papaya, grapes and watermelon are fruits that work good for softening and then moving the stools. Vegetables, such as okra and cabbage, are loaded with fiber and also help with the process. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to increase the effects.
The most likely cause is hemmorrhoids, but consult your doctor to verify this. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool could also be warning signs of something far more severe, like cancer. Move forward by having a doctor diagnose the condition. Your doctor will be able to advise you if you have hemorrhoids.
Take fiber supplements on an everyday basis if you do not eat very many fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water daily, and spread out your supplements throughout the day.
Drink plenty of water. If your body needs more water, it absorbs water from stools. This can cause your stool to harden, and will cause great pain when using the restroom. You can prevent dehydration from occurring by consuming enough water everyday. This will, in turn, prevent hemorrhoids.
Spicy Foods
Stay far away from hot and spicy foods, as well as caffeine. Both of these effects can aggravate your symptoms. Even when you don't have hemorrhoids, these foods can cause a burning irritation in the intestinal lining. It is best to eliminate spicy foods.
In order to alleviate discomfort and swelling, sit in a lukewarm tub of water as often as necessary. This will increase the amount of blood flowing to the area and can reduce the pain and discomfort. Keep your knees up when you sit in the tub. Remain in the tub at least until you feel the water beginning to cool.
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, one good way to get some relief when sitting is to invest in a donut-shaped 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.
Draw a warm bath and sit in it with your knees bent. The warm water will give you relief from your hemorrhoids, and will help reduce their irritation and inflammation. A warm soak stimulates circulation in the area, reducing swelling and pain; this is the key to finding relief. You can take as many of these baths as you need to get the relief you desire.
Aloe Vera Juice
Pure aloe vera juice has proven effective for offering relief from constipation or hard stools. Mixing the Aloe Vera juice with apple juice can help make the flavor a little more pleasant. Ensure you read all the labels, and drink only the amount that is recommended. Just beware that excessive amounts of Aloe Vera juice could lead to stomach discomfort.
Creams can help, but you should limit their use. Using a cream doesn't actually reduce the irritation or swelling, but it does numb the area, making the hemorrhoids less painful. 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.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids should be pushed back inside to reduce pain and the chance of infection. It is of the utmost importance that you first wash your hands. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing an infection or more pain. If your hemorrhoids aren't too large, you should be able to accomplish this fairly easily, thereby protecting the hemorrhoids from injury and irritation. You may also want to make an appointment to see your physician afterward, simply as a precaution.
As we learned from the beginning of this article, hemorrhoids can easily be treated without having to go to the doctor every time they flare up. If your hemorrhoids are chronic, keeping hemorrhoid remedies on hand can be a wise idea. Follow the advice above, and treat your hemorrhoids comfortably from home.