Hemorrhoids

How to Treat Hemorrhoids (Piles) At Home?

Reviewed by Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse, on September 10, 2022

Introduction     |     Symptoms     |     Causes     |     Prevention     |     Treatment

The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids depend upon their location. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:

1. Formation of a lump and swelling around the anus
2. Painful lump near the anus, which is sensitive to touch
3. Itching and discomfort around the anus
4. Bleeding during bowel movements
5. Discharge of mucus during bowel movements
6. Pain in the anal region during sneezing or coughing

Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum and cannot be seen or felt. However, if the surface of the hemorrhoid is damaged due to straining, it might cause bleeding. Occasionally, internal hemorrhoids are pushed out through the anal opening due to excessive straining. This creates a protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoid, which can be painful. Sometimes, blood pools inside the external hemorrhoid, forming a blood clot (thrombus) and resulting in severe pain, swelling, and inflammation. This hard lump around the anus can be extremely painful and may need to be surgically removed.

Hemorrhoids or piles can develop due to increased pressure in the anus or lower rectum. Hemorrhoids develop when the tissue supporting the anus and lower rectum veins become weak and stretch. They are known to become more prevalent with age. Though the exact cause of hemorrhoids is unknown, they can occur due to:

• Excessive straining during bowel movements
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Sitting on the toilet or squatting for long periods of time
• Complications due to chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Low-fiber diet
• Obesity
• Anal intercourse
• Genetics or family history
• Consistently lifting heavyweights

Complications of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids rarely cause complications. The complications due to hemorrhoids are:

• Anemia - Excessive blood loss from hemorrhoids, which results in a lack of healthy red blood cells to circulate oxygen.
• Strangulated Hemorrhoid - Painful condition due to cessation of blood supply to internal hemorrhoid.
• Bacterial Infections - Chronic hemorrhoids can lead to excessive exposure to pathogens and harmful micro-organisms. These harmful bacteria can cause an infection that can travel into the bloodstream, resulting in septicemia, commonly known as blood poisoning.
• Thrombosed Hemorrhoids - In such a situation, blood clots start forming in the hemorrhoids; although it is not dangerous, however, it can be painful at times. You can treat them at home naturally by taking proper care and measures.

Below remedies can help prevent hemorrhoids and reduce the risk of reoccurrence:

1. Eat a high-fiber diet - The best way to stay away from hemorrhoids is to eat mindfully. Make sure your diet includes high-fiber edibles such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, pear, carrots, buckwheat, and bran in your diet. A high-fiber diet softens the stool, reduces gas problems, and helps you avoid the straining that can potentially cause hemorrhoids. 
2. Avoid Dehydration - Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic liquids every day. Drinking plenty of water will help in softening the stool.
3. Don't strain or hold bowel movements - Avoid any activity that creates great pressure at the lower rectum. Don’t strain or hold your breath during bowel movements. Go to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge.
4. Stay Active - Exercise daily to prevent hemorrhoids. It will also help you shed excess weight, which can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. Avoid lifting heavy weights. The best is cardio and lightweight exercises such as yoga, jogging, swimming, stretching, and cycling. 
5. Don’t sit or squat for long periods - Avoid sitting for too long, especially on the toilet.
6. Maintain proper hygiene - It is crucial to keep the anal area clean. Shower and clean the skin around the anal area gently with warm water. Alcohol-based, perfumed, or rough wipes should be avoided.

There are a variety of home remedies for hemorrhoids that can relieve pain, swelling, itching, and inflammation at home. Often, these home treatments for hemorrhoids prove sufficient, and hemorrhoids go away within a few days. Always consult your doctor in case you have severe pain and bleeding. Follow these natural ways to get rid of hemorrhoids at home:

1. Seek Topical Treatments

Hemorrhoids can be painful, and topical treatments containing analgesic agents can help numb the affected area and provide pain relief, making it more comfortable to sit, walk, and go about daily activities. Apply hemorrhoid creams or ointments that can stop the itching.

• Sombra Cool Therapy Natural Pain Relieving Gel

  Sombra pain relieving gel can relieve external hemorrhoid pain through pain gate theory and cold therapy. It contains soothing ingredients like menthol, which can help alleviate itching and reduce discomfort in the anal area. It has a quick absorption formula; you need not worry about staining your clothes. Many people find the smell of topicals unbearable and, thus, refrain from using them. Sombra provides the patient with an ointment that has a cool, refreshing lemon scent. If you are alcohol intolerant, this gel is the best option for you to go with as it contains no alcohol at all.

• Calmoseptine Moisture Barrier Ointment

  Calmoseptine contains ingredients that protect the skin from irritants and moisture, which can be particularly useful for hemorrhoids as they can become inflamed and sensitive. It also provides a cooling sensation and can help alleviate itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

Although topical ointments are a relatively safe way of treating hemorrhoids, certain things need to be kept in mind.

1. Do not use it on wounds or damaged skin or with the heat source. 
2. Keep it beyond the reach of children
3. Refrain from using it more than 3-4 times a day
4. In case the gel is contacted with the eyes, wash the eyes with cold water immediately for 15 minutes or more
5. If you have contact lenses on, please remove them
6. If your eyes still feel itchy and irritated, consult a medical practitioner
7. Keep your hands clean before handling it
8. Avoid open flames. No smoking
9. Read the instructions thoroughly before using them.

2. Have a Warm Bath or Sitz Bath

Sitz Bath is considered to be the best cure for hemorrhoids. Soak your anal region in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to minimize the pain, especially after bowel movements. Repeat the process two to three times a day for quick hemorrhoid relief. A sitz bath set fits over any standard toilet. Sitz bath sets are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean.

• Drive Sitz Bath

  Drive Sitz Bath is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. It is a useful tool to relieve pain and swelling caused by hemorrhoids, surgery, trauma, or infection of the perineum area. Also, it comes with a bag and tubing for irrigation and cleaning. You can use warm and cool water for alternating therapy Bags. The bag capacity is 2.1 US quarts, the non-kink tubing length is 60" 152.4cm), and the Basin capacity is 2 US Quarts (1.9L).

• McKesson Sitz Bath

  McKesson Sitz Bath is ideal for hemorrhoid treatment and other complications related to the anal and genital area. It is the best option to soothe the perineal region after an episiotomy. The complete product contains a graduated water bag and tubing, with a basin capacity of 2 quarts (2000 mL or cc).

• Carex Sitz Bath Set

  Carex Sitz Bath is a simple portable bath device that offers comfort with warm, soothing water to the perineal area following childbirth, post-operatively, or certain female operations. The vented bowl helps prevent accidental overflow. It can be used for the treatment of hemorrhoids and other conditions in the anal and genital areas and especially after an episiotomy. The set consists of a - 2000cc Graduated bag, 60" Kink resistant tubing, a Shut-off clamp, and an instruction booklet. Carex Sitz Bath Set has wide contoured edges for comfort. Subsequently, it comes with on/off flow control and fits standard toilets.

3. Get rid of Rough Toilet Papers

Excessive use of coarse toilet paper can lead to skin-related problems. In fact, the skin in the perineal region is immensely delicate and thus needs extra care and protection. Also, it is important to keep the anal area clean and hygienic after bowel movements. Therefore, one should always use moist towels, wipes, or wet toilet paper, which is perfume and alcohol-free. Avoid rubbing soap or dry toilet paper over hemorrhoids. Using wipes containing aloe vera or witch hazel for hemorrhoids is recommended.

• Medline NatureSoft Flushable Cleansing Dry Wipes

  Medline NatureSoft Flushable Wipes can be useful for individuals with hemorrhoids as part of their overall care and hygiene routine. It breaks down in 15 turns. Its plumbing-safe design does not contribute to clogging, entanglement, and obstruction of pipes. If you are inclined toward environmentally friendly products, these wipes are for you. Medline NatureSoft Wipes are gentle to the touch but tough enough for all cleaning needs.

• Abena Pre-Moistened Cleansing Wipes

  Abena Cleansing Wipes are apt for adults having hemorrhoids. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E in ample amounts that help in soothing and providing moisture to your irritated skin. The textured washcloth has a pleasant fragrance; it is hypoallergenic and is dermatologically proven too. Additionally, it does not contain alcohol and has a shelf life of 24 months.

• Medline FitRight Personal Cleansing Wipes

  Medline FitRight Wipes is another option to try. It is an alcohol and latex-free product that makes your skin soft and moisturized while keeping skin infections at bay. Subsequently, to ensure good hygiene, these wipes are manufactured for single-patient use to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. The absorbent material used is Spun lace, and the area of application is perineal.

4. Apply Cold Therapy

Cold therapy or cryotherapy is a time-tested treatment to relieve pain and inflammation. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to help relieve hemorrhoids, swelling, and pain. Cooling comfort from cold therapy also provides soothing relief from itching caused by hemorrhoids.

• Sammons Preston Black Polyurethane X-Tra Durable Cold Packs

  Sammons Prestoncan Polyurethane X-Tra Durable Cold Packs help reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. It can have a soothing effect and make it easier for individuals to sit or move without as much pain. They are constructed with a highly durable polyurethane material that gives them a longer shelf life and helps them resist bursting. Unlike normal ice packs that can burst after a few uses, these cold packs can be used hundreds of times while still holding their temperature (for up to 30 minutes).

• Core Vinyl Cold Corpak

  Core Cold Corpak Ice Pack can numb the affected area, providing temporary relief from pain and decreasing the size of swollen blood vessels, which is a common symptom of hemorrhoids. These can be stored in the freezer and come in different sizes and variants. The pliable cold therapy packs can also hold the temperature for at least 30 minutes. Also, it is safe for those having latex allergies as it is completely latex-free, one of the major reasons why people with hemorrhoids buy these packs. Its affordable pricing is an added benefit for the user.

• Cara Cold Therapy English Ice Bag

  Cara Cold Ice Bag helps relieve pain and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. It has a 9-inch diameter that fluffs out for wide coverage and is latex-free to prevent allergic reactions. Cara Ice Bag does not perspire, so it will not damage your clothing.

5. Buy Stool Softeners

Stool softeners or laxatives can help alleviate constipation, reduce stool mass, and make bowel movements quick and painless. They help in reducing the need for straining during bowel movements. Straining can worsen hemorrhoidal symptoms. You can also try a laxative enema to stimulate bowel movements.

• Bayer MiraLAX Laxative Powder For Solution

  Bayer Laxative Powder can help prevent or alleviate constipation, which is a common issue for individuals with hemorrhoids. It is less likely to irritate and aggravate hemorrhoids as it passes more easily. It activates water to work in 3 ways: hydrating, easing, and softening to unblock the GI system (colon). There is no taste, no grit, just gentle relief without causing harsh side effects such as gas, bloating, cramping, or sudden urgency.

• Fleet Saline Laxative Enema

  Hemorrhoids often become more painful or uncomfortable when passing hard or strained bowel movements. Fleet Saline Laxative Enema works by drawing water into the colon, which helps produce a bowel movement. This latex-free enema provides a soft stool mass and increases bowel action. A bowel movement should be stimulated in one to five minutes without pain or spasm. Ideal for bowel cleansing before undergoing a rectal examination. 

 

6. Try Ring Cushions and Seats for Hemorrhoids

Foam ring cushions are beneficial for those suffering from hemorrhoids and new mothers. The ring cushion adjusts to natural body contours, relieves the pressures from the perineum area, and distributes it to the buttocks and thighs.

• Carex Foam Invalid Cushion

  Carex Foam Cushion comes with a hole or opening in the center, which helps relieve pressure on the hemorrhoidal area when sitting. This can reduce pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. It reduces the hassle of getting in and out of cars and has all the benefits of a donut ring cushion. It is great for pregnant women, new mothers, post-surgical care, hemorrhoid sufferers, and those with an inflamed coccyx or prostate discomfort. 

• Hermell Foam Comfort Ring with a White Polycotton Cover

  Hermell Foam Comfort Ring Cushion is designed to relieve pressure on sensitive areas, useful for hemorrhoid sufferers and new mothers. Can be on any seating surface to provide optimal seating comfort. It is made from high-compression molded foam and features a removable, washable cover. Comes with an attractive, removable, machine-washable polyester cotton cover. 

7. Squat instead of Sitting

Squatting is the best sitting position for hemorrhoids as it prevents excessive straining and damage to the anal region while on the toilet. Due to the nature of the recto-anal angle, squatting can help to have natural bowel movements.

If you have excessive pain, dizziness, and rectal bleeding during bowel movements, a physical examination may be required by the doctor. Medical tests can help rule out other serious conditions or diseases, such as colorectal cancer and anal cancer.

 

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