Hemorrhoids are a common, often uncomfortable condition that affect an estimated 1 in 20 Americans. And as we age, that percentage only increases, as roughly half of all adults experience hemorrhoid-related issues by age 50.
Thankfully, most hemorrhoid cases are minor and can often be treated at home. If you’re experiencing hemorrhoids, keep reading to learn the best ways to find relief.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the lower rectum or under the skin around the outside of the anus. Though the two varieties are similar, you may experience different symptoms.
Internal hemorrhoids are typically painless, and you usually can’t feel or see them. Most often, these are diagnosed by a digestive health specialist during a colonoscopy or rectal examination. You may occasionally notice small amounts of bright red blood in the toilet or while wiping. The bleeding can be caused by straining or irritation when passing stool.
In contrast, external hemorrhoids are more easily irritated. It’s common to experience uncomfortable symptoms like itchiness, pain, bleeding and swelling around the anus.
Helpful Tips to Treat Hemorrhoids at Home
If you’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, there are several effective ways to treat hemorrhoids at home. Here are some remedies that can help relieve pain, reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Cold compresses: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for short intervals to reduce swelling and numb discomfort.
- Eat more fiber: Adding more fiber to your diet can help soften the stool so you avoid straining but be sure to add fiber slowly to avoid gassiness.
- Pain relievers: You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for temporary relief.
- Skip spicy foods: Avoiding spicy foods during a flare can help avoid increased irritation
- Soak in a warm bath: Soaking in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, especially after bowel movements, can help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.
- Stool softeners: Taking a stool softener can help prevent straining, which causes inflammation and irritation.
- Use over-the-counter topical ointments: Hemorrhoid creams or products containing with hazel, lidocaine or hydrocortisone can be purchased without a prescription (use hydrocortisone sparingly since it can thin your skin).
- Wear cotton underwear: Loose, soft cotton underwear allows the area to breathe and prevents moisture from building up, which can lead to further irritation.
It’s also important to practice good bathroom habits for hemorrhoid care, such as:
- Avoid holding in your bowel movements: Go when you need to go to avoid stool buildup and constipation.
- Limiting your time on the toilet: Spending less time sitting on the toilet reduces pressure on the veins in the rectal and anal areas.
- Using alcohol-free baby wipes: Baby wipes are a gentler alternate to toilet paper.
- Using a stool or short bench: Raising your knees while you sit on the toilet creates a more natural squatting position and reduces strain on the muscles in your rectum.
While hemorrhoids can sometimes burst, never try to pop one on your own as it can lead to increased bleeding and pain, as well as infection.
When to See a Doctor
If you don’t notice any improvement after a week, or if your symptoms worsen, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
Frequent rectal bleeding and changes in your bowel movements can be signs of many digestive issues besides hemorrhoids, including colorectal cancer, so it’s important to seek help. Visiting a gastroenterologist can help you find answers and relief.
