How to treat hemorrhoids
Because hemorrhoids are often associated with embarrassment, many people wait too long to seek help, hoping that the itchy anal area will simply go away if they ignore it long enough. And in some cases, it’s true that the symptoms of hemorrhoids and anal fissures will go away on their own, even without treatment. 1 But the longer you wait, the harder your hemorrhoids become to treat. That’s unfortunate because while there’s no cure for hemorrhoids, there are a number of effective treatments available. No matter what treatment your doctor recommends, the goal of any treatment is usually to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and minimize the impact on your quality of life so you can get back to your normal activities. 2
Ointment
If you have a milder case of hemorrhoids, initial treatment may consist of dietary changes and other home remedies along with an over-the-counter topical hemorrhoid ointment. Hemorrhoid ointments that contain a combination of local anesthetics and corticosteroids are often recommended by healthcare professionals because they relieve itching and pain while treating the inflammation and swelling. Effective hemorrhoid ointments provide quick relief, but treatment should be continued for at least one week to prevent relapses, but no longer than two weeks.
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Other treatments
Noninvasive hemorrhoid treatment may be the first choice, but for chronic or severe hemorrhoids, an ointment for an itchy anus is unlikely to help. If over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatment is not sufficient, your doctor may recommend some form of surgical treatment, such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared photocoagulation. In 90 percent of cases, noninvasive or surgical treatment is sufficient, but the remaining 10 percent require surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids is usually effective, but can sometimes cause side effects, such as bleeding or infection. 2
Home Remedies
There are many suggested home remedies for hemorrhoids, some more effective at relieving symptoms than others. Remember that doctors usually do not recommend any home treatments for hemorrhoids other than those that regulate bowel movements. 2
High-fiber diet and fluids
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other high-fiber foods is probably your best bet when it comes to home remedies for hemorrhoids. Combined with drinking plenty of water, a high-fiber diet will help keep your bowel movements regular and prevent constipation and diarrhea, which can cause hemorrhoids. Fiber-based laxatives can be particularly helpful in reducing internal bleeding. 3
Sitz bath
One of the most popular home remedies for hemorrhoids is taking regular sitz baths for 20 minutes. A sitz bath is simply a bath in which only your buttocks and hips are in the water, either in the bathtub or in a small plastic container that fits over the toilet seat. Experts recommend sitz baths after every bowel movement and 2-3 times a day in addition. 4
Oral pain relief
Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen can be used to temporarily relieve painful symptoms of hemorrhoids, but they do not have a long-lasting effect. 5
Herbal Ointments and Wipes
There is a laundry list of suggested home remedies for hemorrhoids based on herbs, such as various types of ointments and wipes infused with hazel and aloe vera. Medicinal plants have been used since the Middle Ages to relieve skin irritation and itching caused by hemorrhoids, and studies show that some of them can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. However, few studies have been conducted on humans and the effect is not comparable to that of medicinal products containing local anesthetics and corticosteroids 6,7
References
- www.sclhealth.org/services/gastro/colon-and-rectal-conditions/hemorrhoids/ 2020-10-24
- The Diagnosis and Management of Haemorrhoidal Disease from a Global Perspective. Abramowitz, Laurent. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Volume 31, Supplement 1, May 2010
- www.cochrane.org/CD004649/COLOCA_laxatives-for-the-treatment-of-hemorrhoids 2020-10-24
- www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hemorrhoids_and_what_to_do_about_them 2929-
- www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360280 2020-10-24
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279466/ 2020-10-24
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871264/ 2020-10-24