Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that show up in the area of the anus or rectum. They are also called piles. Hemorrhoids can be classified as internal or external based on whether they develop inside or outside of the anus. Common hemorrhoid symptoms include itching, pain, and rectal bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are a common problem for many people. Research data indicates that roughly 75 percent of all Americans will experience a hemorrhoid sooner or later. Hemorrhoids usually resolve themselves within a few weeks, but until they do, the discomfort they cause may be quite severe. Many home remedies can make hemorrhoids easier to live with.
1) Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel has a long history of use for treating a range of different skin conditions, including hemorrhoids. Aloe vera may be effective at reducing the irritation caused by hemorrhoids thanks to its anti-inflammatory abilities.
While the effectiveness of treating hemorrhoids with aloe vera gel has not been conclusively proven through clinical study, it is a low-risk way to deal with the issue. According to the National Center for Complimentary and Integrated Health, aloe vera, when applied topically, falls into the “likely very safe” category.
Aloe vera gel is often integrated into healthcare products as one of many ingredients. For hemorrhoids, use only pure aloe vera gel. In addition to buying the gel, you can harvest it straight from the leaves of the aloe plant.
Some individuals are allergic to aloe vera. This allergy is common in people who are also allergic to onions or garlic. Check for an allergic reaction before using aloe vera gel on hemorrhoids. You can do this by rubbing the gel into a dime-sized patch on your forearm. If there is no reaction visible after 48 hours, aloe vera should be safe for you.
2) Witch Hazel
Two primary symptoms of hemorrhoids are pain and itching, and witch hazel is an effective treatment for both of them. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce hemorrhoid swelling.
Witch hazel is widely sold in liquid form; you can apply this directly to hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is also frequently used as an anti-itch ingredient in products like soaps and wet wipes.
3) Epsom Salt Bath
Warm baths are great at soothing hemorrhoid irritation, and Epsom salts help. Hemorrhoids can be effectively bathed either in a full-sized tub or in a sitz bath, a smaller tub designed for use with a toilet seat.
Harvard Health recommends a warm 20-minute bath following every bowel movement for the best results on hemorrhoid symptoms. Using Epsom salts will enhance the bath’s pain-relieving properties.
4) Commercial Ointments
Virtually every drugstore offers a range of non-prescription creams and ointments designed to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, like Preparation H, you can purchase scheriproct at prescriptiondoctor.com. These products deliver immediate symptom relief, and some of them also promote faster healing.
Note that creams that contain hydrocortisone (a mild topical steroid) should not be used for more than one week.
5) Wet Wipes
When you are suffering from hemorrhoids, ordinary toilet paper can aggravate them. Wet wipes are a better way to clean yourself with less irritation.
Check the ingredients in a given product carefully before using them with hemorrhoids. Some ingredients will make them more effective, like aloe vera and witch hazel. But others, like alcohol and perfume, my increase instead of reduce your symptoms.
6) Stool Softeners
Reducing constipation, softening your stools, and making bowel movements easier are all in your best interests when you’re suffering from hemorrhoids. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends stool softeners or fiber supplements (e.g. psyllium) for this purpose.
Most stool softeners are provided in powder, capsule, or liquid form. These are taken orally from one to three times a day.
7) Cold Compresses
Cold compresses or ice packs can relieve hemorrhoid swelling. Wrap ice in cloth or a paper towel; frozen water should never be applied directly to the skin. Apply a cold compress for no more than 15 minutes. This treatment is particularly useful for larger hemorrhoids
8) Looser Clothing (Cotton Preferred)
Loose, breathable clothes help keep your anal region cleaner and drier, and this can reduce hemorrhoid symptoms. Cotton fabrics are best, especially for underwear. Do not use perfumed laundry products (detergent, fabric softener, etc.) on your underwear to keep irritation to a minimum.
