Hemorrhoids are painful enough to drive anyone to the doctor, but many people wonder how to treat hemorrhoids at home. While hemorrhoids will not disappear immediately, there are several actions you could take to stop its progression and ease the symptoms. If you research how to treat hemorrhoids at home and these remedies do not relieve the issue, a visit to the doctor may be required. Typical hemorrhoid symptoms include burning, inflammation, irritation, bleeding, swollen tissue and general pain of the rectal area. While these symptoms can be intense at times, they are not life threatening, and home treatment is often possible.
Since the cause of most hemorrhoids is an abnormally heavy pressure, such as pregnancy, obesity, heavy lifting, or over-exercising, resting often goes a long way in handling the symptoms. The first step in how to treat hemorrhoids at home is to stop the progression of the hemorrhoid. This step consists mostly of adopting healthy bowel habits and returning your digestive system to full health. To keep the working parts clean, gently clean the anus with a warm moist cloth after a bowel movement. Do not use any soap, but you may use a specially formulated cleaning agent designed for this purpose. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.
How to Treat Hemorrhoids at Home
Try not to rub the area, even during the cleaning process. When you wash yourself in the shower, use a scentless soap with no artificial dyes or coloring. For those wanting more tips on how to treat hemorrhoids at home, maintain a diet high in fiber to keep bowel movements regular and healthy. You should be having bowel movements regularly, at least once a day. Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. This will help avoid moisture buildup, which can irritate the hemorrhoid. Many people are unaware of the complications tight clothes can cause to hemorrhoid patients. They can increase the pressure on the hemorrhoid, making the pain more severe.
Avoid constipation if possible. Aside from a high-fiber diet, include a regimen of stool softeners in your diet to keep bowel movements soft and regular. Also include a steady intake of liquids and regular exercise into your daily routine. During bowel movements, make it as easy on your body as possible. Avoid straining or holding your breath during bowel movements. Once you feel the need to have a bowel movement, do not put it off. Overall, allow the bowel movement to be as comfortable and natural as possible. Allow your body whatever time it needs to complete the process without rushing.
As you establish healthier bowel habits, you can also start to relieve the discomfort with a few simple remedies. Rest is of prime importance, as this takes the pressure off inflamed veins. The goal in treating a hemorrhoid is to direct the blood flow away from the affected area as much as possible. This will relieve the pressure building up at the site and lessen the painful symptoms. Indulging in a day or more of complete bed rest will keep blood from collecting near the hemorrhoid. This rest will relieve the inflamed veins, helping to lessen the discomfort they cause. Lay on your stomach with a pillow under your hips to relieve the pressure of the hemorrhoids. If the hemorrhoid has been caused by pregnancy, you may find more relief by lying on your side.
When you are not resting, do not overwork your body. Avoid any heavy lifting, long periods of standing, and sitting in uncomfortable chairs. Sit on a pillow, if possible. Take baths often, using enough warm water to cover the anal area. This is especially important after having a bowel movement; soak for about 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Applying ice may also help to relieve hemorrhoid pressure. Relax in a comfortable position and apply the ice several times a day for about 10 minutes each time. Apply a warm washcloth to the area immediately following the ice.
Over the counter pain relievers may also help in managing the discomfort. Anti-inflammatory products or standard pain relievers may take the edge off the pain. Herbal ointments are also available for those who wish to avoid medicinal treatment. Use the herbal ointment on the affected area regularly, and continue use even after the symptoms have improved. This treatment will strengthen the walls of the blood vessels and may help prevent a possible relapse of symptoms in the future.
Other natural remedies may also assist in relieving symptoms. Rub Aloe Vera gel directly on the affected area often. Aloe Vera is a known healer of many issues, and it works well for relieving the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. Tea is another natural hemorrhoid remedy. Brew yarrow tea for at least half an hour. Soak a clean swab of cotton and dab it directly on the anus. The same application of witch hazel may also help to take down the swelling in the veins. Taking capsules of parsley, Collin Sonia root, buck thorn bark, stone root, or red grape vine leaves may also help. These are also available in tea form.
Cayenneor garlic enemas can also help to keep the bowels clean, thus reducing the hemorrhoid pressure. Most of these herbal remedies are available at health food stores or herbal supplement sections of pharmacies or grocery stores. Keep in mind that hemorrhoid symptoms resemble those of more serious problems. While hemorrhoids can be treated at home, these other illnesses require professional medical attention. If you notice rectal bleeding, tarry stools, trouble with bowel movements, or a prolonged fever, the symptoms may be pointing to a more serious problem.
Investigate the symptoms of other illnesses such as colon cancer to make sure they do not match yours. If hemorrhoid symptoms are severe or last more than a week after starting the home treatment, consult your doctor for further medical advice. Hemorrhoids are a painful and irritating problem that can greatly impede your life. Several days of home treatment can relieve the symptoms, but the best possible step is prevention. Practice healthy bowel habits and avoid placing undue pressure on your body. After you have cleared up a hemorrhoid, you can adapt these simple steps and forever learn how to treat hemorrhoids at home.
