Hemorrhoids are one of the most common diseases in women and men over the age of 50s are mostly affected, and even teenagers also suffer from this disease. In another word, almost everyone is suffering from this disease at one point in their life. Hemorrhoids are defined as swollen or inflamed veins in the lower part of the rectum or around the anus. It is developed during pregnancy or obesity, sitting on the toilet for long periods, delaying a bowel movement, etc. Once you get hemorrhoids you’ll start to feel itchy, pain, discomfort, and bleeds while pooping, etc. Though hemorrhoids usually go away on their own, they last about 2-3 weeks but in cases of severe hemorrhoids, one should consult a doctor. There are many best hemorrhoids treatment at home that are very effective. You can choose any of the following home remedies to treat your hemorrhoids naturally.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The symptoms of getting hemorrhoids are as follows:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Irritation
- Uncomfortable
- Difficulty while pooping
Home remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids
Here are some common and effective home remedies for hemorrhoids:
- Warm bath
- Witch hazel
- Aloe vera
- Soothing wipes
- Cold pack
- Over-the-counter medicine
Warm bath
A warm bath may help in reducing pain, discomfort, and irritation from hemorrhoids. You can also use a sitz bath (a small plastic tub commonly available in any local pharmacy that fits over the toilet seat). However, a bathtub can also be used. Fill it with warm water and soak yourself for 15-20 minutes.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is a drug taken to reduce inflammation, swelling, itching and pain. It is mainly used by people with external hemorrhoids. Now, witch hazel is available in liquid form so that you can directly apply it to the affected areas.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is also used in treating hemorrhoids as it also helps in reducing irritation. But if you choose to use aloe vera to treat your hemorrhoids, you should only use unadulterated aloe vera gel or extract directly from the aloe vera plant. Those who have an allergy to aloe vera should not use this home remedies treatment. You can follow the following steps to check for an allergic reaction:
- Take a pie size of aloe vera gel and apply it to your arm or your leg.
- Wait for a few hours.
- If nothing happens, you are safe to use aloe vera gel for treating your hemorrhoids.
Soothing wipes
After pooping, try cleaning your bottom using soothing wipes or a moistened cloth with water instead of dry toilet paper to stop further irritation. You should always choose your soothing wipes that contain no alcohol, perfume, or any harsh chemicals that will irritate your hemorrhoids, making them worse instead of relieving them.
Cold pack
Applying a cold pack to the affected area can be one of the most effective home remedies for treating large and painful hemorrhoids. It helps in reducing swelling by at least for about 15 minutes. But you should not apply ice or any frozen things directly to your skin as it can harm your skin. Make sure to wrap the ice with some clothes while applying it.
Over-the-counter medicines
- Many medicines are there to relieve pain. Some of them are as follows:
- OTC ointment
- Stool softeners
OTC ointment
Applying OTC cream to the affected area can help in reducing swelling, pain, itchiness, and redness. It is available in any local pharmacy and you can easily purchase it without the need for any doctor’s prescription. If you are using a cream that contains hydrocortisone, be sure to use it only once a week.
Stool softeners
Stool softeners are medicines that usually come in the form of powders, capsules,s or liquids form. Using stool softeners can help in reducing constipation, and make your stool softer which offers you to have a quick, easy and painless bowel movement.
Apart from home remedies, there are also many effective non-surgical and surgical treatments for hemorrhoids. Surgical treatment is required in cases of severe hemorrhoids.
Non-surgical treatment for hemorrhoids
There are four types of non-surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. They are as follows:
- Rubber-band ligation
- Sclerotherapy
- Infrared photocoagulation
- Electrocoagulation
Rubber-band ligation
Rubber-band ligation is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids because in this procedure, the doctor uses a special rubber band that ties the base of the hemorrhoids. This cuts the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. Rubber-band ligation is used in treating internal hemorrhoids. This procedure leaves a scar but is also considered the most cost-effective treatment.
Sclerotherapy
The sclerotherapy procedure is also used in treating internal hemorrhoids. In this procedure, the doctors inject a liquid into the hemorrhoids which form scar tissue that cuts the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. The sclerotherapy procedure is painful but goes away after the procedure.
Infrared photocoagulation
The infrared photocoagulation procedure is used only in treating internal hemorrhoids. In this procedure, the doctor uses a special instrument that helps in directing infrared light to the hemorrhoids which form scar tissue that cuts the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. This procedure helps in reducing the size of the hemorrhoids thus making the hemorrhoids shrink away.
Electrocoagulation
The electrocoagulation procedure is also used in treating internal hemorrhoids. In this procedure, the doctor uses a special instrument that helps in sending electric current to the hemorrhoids which form scar tissue that cuts the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. Thus making the hemorrhoids shrink away.
Surgical treatment for hemorrhoids
There are two types of surgical treatment for hemorrhoids. They are as follows:
- Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy
- Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy
Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy
The Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy procedure is used in removing severe hemorrhoids both internal and external hemorrhoids. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the tissue that creates hemorrhoids. After removing the tissue from the hemorrhoids, the surgeon has two options, the open technique (to leave the wound open) or the close technique (to stitch the wound). Many surgeons choose the close technique. This procedure is painful and last for 2-4 weeks. You can also take a painkiller to relieve pain.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy procedure is used in treating external hemorrhoids but may not be effective in treating large external hemorrhoids. In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the tissue that creates the hemorrhoids, and the remaining portion is lifted in the direction of the anal canal and stapled it by a special stapled device. In comparison to Excisional Hemorrhoidectomy, this procedure is not so painful and also recovers in less time.
Most Commonly Asked Question About Hemorrhoids
The following are the most commonly asked question for treating hemorrhoids.
Do hemorrhoids go away on their own?
Yes, mild hemorrhoids usually go away on their own without requiring any treatment but you can follow the following home remedies to get fast relief from hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually last for 2-3 weeks. But in cases like severe hemorrhoids, treatment is a must.
What causes hemorrhoids?
A hemorrhoid is caused by:
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Taking a long time on the toilet
- Lifting of heavy objects
- Delaying bowel movement
How long do hemorrhoids take to recover?
Depending on the type of hemorrhoids you get, if you get mild hemorrhoid it goes away in 1-2 weeks but severe hemorrhoids take 3-4 weeks or even more to recover. You should consult a doctor if you have a severe case of hemorrhoids.
How to prevent hemorrhoids?
- Drink plenty of water.
- Take foods that contain high fiber
- Do not take a long time inside the toilet.
- Don’t delay and go to the toilet as soon as the urge hits.
Can we treat hemorrhoids at home?
Yes, hemorrhoids of mild to moderate types can definitely be treated at home. However, severe cases requires medical attention.
