If you have hemorrhoids, you need to keep the area clean. Be gentle when showering, bathing, or using the toilet. You don’t need to use soap, since it may irritate the area. You can apply Cetaphil lotion to calm the area without causing more irritation. Pat yourself dry with a clean towel[2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you’re using an ice pack, place a cloth between the ice pack and your exposed skin. Applying ice directly to the skin can damage your tissue.
If the hemorrhoids are very painful or uncomfortable, apply a bit of baby teething gel to the area. Teething gels contain a local anesthetic that can reduce pain and discomfort. Avoid using steroid creams because they can damage the delicate tissue around a hemorrhoid.
Witch hazel can relieve itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning caused by hemorrhoids. It may also reduce swelling. [6] X Research source
Fiber supplements can reduce hemorrhoid bleeding, irritation, and inflammation. If you feel bloated or gassy, you may be eating too much fiber. You can increase your fiber by choosing whole grains, fruits with the peel or rind, leafy greens, beans, and legumes
Fluid keeps your stools softer making them easier to pass.
Try pelvic floor exercises. Exercise also reduces pressure on your veins which may be contributing to hemorrhoid pain.
Direct pressure on the hemorrhoid can increase swelling and even cause new hemorrhoids.
Don’t strain or push too hard. Let gravity help, but allow your bowels to do most of the work. If nothing happens, wait an hour or so and try again. It may also help to place your feet on a small stool so that your knees are higher than your hips. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Bulk laxatives: These contain fiber (usually psyllium) to increase the mass or weight of the stool, helping it move through the bowels. Stool softeners: These soften the stools by adding moisture which should make them easier to pass. Most stool softeners contain docusate, which is what adds the moisture to soften the stool. Lubricant laxatives: These lubricate the walls of the intestines and rectum, making the stool pass easier. Most lubricant laxatives contain mineral oil. They are usually safe when taken for short periods of time, but are not recommended for long-term use. Avoid stimulant laxatives that include senna, cascara, aloe, or bisacodyl. They work by irritating the interior of the bowel, which is not helpful when you have hemorrhoids.
If you’re unsure if you have internal or external hemorrhoids, consider what you can feel. You won’t usually feel internal hemorrhoids, but they can bulge through the anal opening. Typically internal hemorrhoids have few symptoms other than bleeding with bowel movements.
If rectal bleeding is not caused by a hemorrhoid, your doctor will probably recommend a more extensive test called a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy because one of the symptoms of colon cancer is rectal bleeding.
Ligation: A rubber band is tied around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow. Injection (sclerotherapy): A chemical solution designed to shrink the hemorrhoid is injected. Cauterization: The hemorrhoid is burned away. Hemorrhoidectomy: The hemorrhoid is surgically removed in this outpatient procedure (although it sometimes requires an overnight hospital stay).
