Compared with afflictions like headaches or hypertension, discussing hemorrhoids and their symptoms is considered inappropriate in polite conversation. However, it is a very uncomfortable and troublesome condition that many people all over the world have had to deal with at some point in their lives. The tips provided here will help you treat hemorrhoids, and prevent them in the future.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent hemorrhoids from appearing the first place is to eat lots of fiber. Include foods that contain plenty of fiber, such as whole-grain breads, leafy greens, wheat pasta and oatmeal. Fiber will help encourage healthy bowel movements and reduce rectal strain.
Witch Hazel
Use witch hazel for relieving hemorrhoid discomfort and pain. Witch hazel relieves pain because it shrinks hemorrhoid tissue. You can soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it to the area for 5-10 minutes, or you can pour some in a sitz bath.
Make sure that your hemorrhoids don't come into contact with items that have dyes, oils or fragrances in them, as this can exacerbate things. Even short term exposure to products containing these additives can cause pain, itching or swelling of the hemorrhoids.
Good hydration is important for anyone who tends to suffer from hemorrhoids. Maintaining your hydration equates to having easier bowel movements. Things to avoid are excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
Interestingly, your refrigerator likely holds one of the most commonly used home remedies for hemorrhoid discomfort. Ice packs are an effective home remedy for discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Ice packs help reduce hemorrhoid-related soreness. The prepared ice pack should be placed on the area affected by hemorrhoids. Ice is a natural anti-inflammatory.
The more you know about how hemorrhoids are formed, the better prepared you will be if you have the misfortune to experience them. Find out as much as you can about this condition. Hemorrhoids are technically a form of varicose veins that specifically appear in the anal region.
Bowel Movement
Commercial treatments for hemorrhoids can be costly and often ineffective, so give some natural methods a shot. A sitz bath can be extremely soothing, especially after a bowel movement. Simply soak for 15 minutes to experience relief. Try to avoid scratching your hemorrhoids. Instead, you can put some witch hazel on a cotton pad and put it on the affected area. Plenty of water and a diet high in fiber is a good way to prevent hemorrhoids. This will help refrain you from over straining during your bowel movement.s
There is nothing that causes more itching than hemorrhoids, other than perhaps chicken pox. You must fight the urge to scratch so that you do not tear them open. If your hemorrhoids are torn open, you can have even more pain, and you may get an infection.
Softer Stools
To promote softer stools, you should drink as much water as possible and increase your intake of fiber. Softer stools prevent hemorrhoids by causing less strain. There are many different foods you can try here. Nuts and seeds, corn, grapes, watermelon and many other food sources will help soften your stool. Veggies like okra and cabbage can also help the process since they have a lot of fiber. Drink enough water during the day to boost the effects.
Don't depend on laxatives to solve hemorrhoid problems. These aren't a magic cure; they are simply a quick way to fix a single bowel movement. While laxatives are great to help you alleviate constipation once or twice, they do not cure hemorrhoids.
A donut cushion can alleviate the pain of sitting, when you're in the midst of an bad hemorrhoid flare up. This cushion was designed solely for the maximum comfort of your posterior region when hemorrhoids are bothering you. Simply sit on it, and you will be much more relaxed then sitting on other surfaces.
Sit in a warm tub with your knees raised. This allows the warm water to calm your hemorrhoid pain, and relieve inflammation and irritation. Warm water promotes increased blood flow and decreases sharp pain and swelling. So go ahead and do this when you feel it necessary to give yourself some temporary relief.
Wet Cloth
Never scratch hemorrhoids, even if they itch. If you scratch them, you are more prone to contracting an infection, and you may suffer substantial skin damage. One alternative to scratching is to use a wet cloth to pat the affected area. The itching sensation might be caused from the area not being clean, so patting with a wet cloth will cleanse the area and relieve some of the itching.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids should be pushed back inside to reduce pain and the chance of infection. Make sure that your hand is very clean before doing this and gently push the hemorrhoid back inside of the anus. 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.
The very private nature of hemorrhoids' affected areas makes it very difficult for many adults to openly seek advice from their friends or families. Fortunately, the information that you have just read is sure to answer at least a few of your questions about the symptoms and treatments that are associated with hemorrhoids.