Hemorrhoids are a condition accompanied by enlarged, swollen and inflamed veins in the area of the anus or lower rectum.
What are the causes of hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum, which causes the veins around the anus to stretch. Causes of hemorrhoids may include:
- excessive straining during defecation;
- prolonged sitting on the toilet;
- chronic constipation or diarrhea;
- obesity;
- anal sex;
- fiber deficiency in the diet;
- lifting and moving heavy objects.
The likelihood of hemorrhoids increases after age 50, as the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch with age. In women, pregnancy is an additional risk factor for hemorrhoids.
How do you know if you have hemorrhoids?
In its initial stages, hemorrhoids may be asymptomatic and only become apparent as the disease progresses. Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include:
- blood in the stool (rectal bleeding);
- anal itching;
- discomfort (feeling hemorrhoidal nodes protruding from the anus);
- pain in the anus;
- swelling around the anus;
- lumps in the anal area.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids may worsen as straining increases or when mechanical stress is applied to the area around the anus. Pain in the anus, which is one of the main complaints when going to the doctor, can be patchy or chronic.
How are there methods to treat hemorrhoids at home?
Hemorrhoids can be treated at home with constant medical supervision. Treatment of hemorrhoids at home may include:
- baths;
- creams;
- ointments;
- suppositories;
- compresses;
- lotions;
- diet;
- hemorrhoid pills (for example, horse chestnut extract in tablet form can be prescribed not only for hemorrhoids, but also for chronic venous insufficiency and inflammation of the veins of the lower extremities).
Remedies for hemorrhoids used at home can have a laxative, antipruritic, emollient, anti-edematous, analgesic or anti-inflammatory effect, helping to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Self-treatment (use of any therapies without consulting a doctor) can lead to complications and side effects.
What creams and ointments help with hemorrhoids?
The effect of ointments and creams depends on their composition. Before using any remedy, you should familiarize yourself with the instructions and age restrictions.
| Active ingredients in hemorrhoid creams and ointments | ||
| Name | Characteristics | Age limits |
| Hydrocortisone, prednisolone | Steroids that help reduce inflammation, swelling, pain and itching in the anus | 18 years old |
| Lidocaine | Anesthetic that causes numbness (decreased sensitivity) in the treated area | 12 years old |
| Tribenoside | Combines anti-inflammatory, mild analgesic, antitoxic and wound healing effects, can be produced in combination with lidocaine | 18 years old |
| Phenylephrine | Relieves itching, burning, irritation, swelling, has a vasoconstrictive effect | 12 years old |
| Benzocaine, dibucaine | Block the occurrence and conduction of nerve impulses, have a pronounced local anesthetic effect | 12 years old |
| Heparin | Anticoagulant, on the basis of which is produced heparin ointment for hemorrhoids, has anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic effect and prevents the formation of blood clots | 18 years old |
| Polidocanol | It has an anesthetic effect, provides sclerosing of hemorrhoidal nodes | 18 years old |
Before using hemorrhoid ointment or cream, you should wash your hands, squeeze a small amount of medicine onto your finger, apply it to the outer surface of the anus and wash your hands again. If the symptoms of hemorrhoids are not relieved within seven days, you should stop using creams or ointments and consult a proctologist.
What suppositories help with hemorrhoids?
Suppositories for hemorrhoids based on benzocaine, heparin, hydrocortisone, lidocaine, prednisolone, phenylephrine and tribenoside act similarly to ointments and creams containing the above components. Also with hemorrhoids used suppositories with bismuth subgallate, which has a styptic effect.
Candle is inserted into the anus after hygienic procedures in the morning, after each bowel emptying or before going to bed (depending on the instructions). The course of treatment does not exceed one week. If there is no effect, consult a proctologist.
How to make suppositories for hemorrhoids at home?
Despite the availability of publicly available instructions that allow you to make your own suppositories for hemorrhoids at home, it is recommended to use pharmacy medicines prescribed by a doctor. In the conditions of artisanal production, it is impossible to comply with the requirements concerning sterility, safety of suppositories, as well as the accuracy of the dosage of active substances.
Do oils help with hemorrhoids?
Preliminary studies confirm that myrtle and tea tree oils, as well as olive oil, can help reduce anal itching, pain and discomfort in the anus in hemorrhoids. However, further clinical trials are needed to develop oil-based hemorrhoid treatments with proven efficacy.
What kind of baths are made for hemorrhoids?
Warm sitting baths can be made at home to relieve anal pain, itching, burning and reduce swelling that occurs with hemorrhoids. In addition to eliminating discomfort and pain, regular sitting baths help relax the muscles around the anus and improve local blood circulation.
How to do baths for hemorrhoids?
A sitting bath, which can be prescribed by a doctor for hemorrhoids, involves immersing the pelvic area (buttocks, anus) in warm water (about 40°C). Baths from hemorrhoids can be done two or three times a day for 10-15 minutes.
For the procedure, you can use ready-made containers that are designed to be installed in the toilet, or sit in an ordinary bathtub filled to 15-20 centimeters of warm water without any additives (for example, foam, soap or herbs). Cold baths are not prescribed for hemorrhoids.
Do compresses help with hemorrhoids?
Warm and cold compresses for hemorrhoids can be used as a supplement to the main course of therapy. However, the mechanisms of their influence on the symptoms of the disease are not fully understood.
How to make compresses for hemorrhoids?
During the procedure, a clean cotton cloth soaked in warm or cool water is applied to the anal area. Also with hemorrhoids you can do honey compresses, when instead of water the cloth is soaked in honey. Compresses can help reduce the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids, but the method of therapy requires further research.
How to treat hemorrhoids with ice?
Ice can help relieve the discomfort, swelling, and pain that occurs with hemorrhoids. In consultation with a doctor, an ice pack wrapped in a towel or dense cloth is applied to hemorrhoids for 15-20 minutes every hour.
Can I get an enema to treat hemorrhoids?
Enemas are not among the treatments used for hemorrhoids. When administering an enema or micro enema (e.g., from chamomile), there is an increased risk of damage or irritation to the inflamed tissues of the rectum, which can trigger an exacerbation of hemorrhoid symptoms.
Are there exercises for hemorrhoids?
Regular physical activity to help prevent constipation, get rid of excess weight and normalize blood pressure, as well as special exercises are auxiliary methods of hemorrhoid treatment. To prevent prolapse of hemorrhoidal nodes in consultation with your doctor, you can perform Kegel exercises to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (they tense up when it is necessary to stop the flow of urine during urination). Recommendations on how to do a Kegel exercise:
- Empty your bladder, sit or lie on your back.
- Keep the pelvic floor muscles tense for three to five seconds.
- Relax the muscles for three to five seconds.
- Repeat 10 times three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening).
During the Kegel exercise, you should breathe deeply. Also, do not tense the muscles of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or chest and perform the exercise when urinating or defecating to avoid overloading the intestines and urinary system. A course of Kegel exercises is designed to last four to six weeks.
How does a hemorrhoid cushion work?
A hemorrhoid cushion, which has the shape of a ring or a doughnut, helps to reduce the load on the anal area and relieve the symptoms of the disease. In hemorrhoids, it is recommended to avoid prolonged sitting due to increased pressure on the anus and rectum area, so in addition to using a cushion, it is recommended to take regular breaks and walk when sitting (for example, at the computer).
How to relieve an acute hemorrhoid attack at home?
To relieve an acute attack of hemorrhoids at home, you can use oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, ointments and suppositories from hemorrhoids with analgesic effect are used during the exacerbation of the disease. Regardless of the results of using analgesic medications, a proctologist should be consulted when an attack of hemorrhoids occurs.
How to relieve itching with hemorrhoids at home?
Relieve itching in hemorrhoids at home can be ointments with anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and moisturizing action. Treatment can be supplemented with warm sitting baths.
How to stop bleeding in hemorrhoids at home?
You can stop bleeding in hemorrhoids at home with the help of cold compresses. Ice suppositories are also used for bleeding hemorrhoids.
If hemorrhoids are accompanied by bleeding, you should immediately consult a doctor. The symptom, characteristic of hemorrhoid exacerbations, may indicate damage to the intestinal tissue or hemorrhoidal node, from which it is impossible to get rid of at home.
What folk remedies help with hemorrhoids?
To relieve itching, you can use hemorrhoid suppositories made of honey, olive oil and beeswax, which are mixed in equal proportions. Recipes based on honey can also be used not only for hemorrhoids, but also for anal fissures. The effectiveness of recipes of most folk remedies based on vegetables used for hemorrhoids (for example, grated carrots or potatoes) has not been proven in scientific studies.
Can hemorrhoids be cured with folk remedies?
Folk (home) remedies, when used in conjunction with hemorrhoid medications, can help prevent complications of the disease. However, it is impossible to completely cure hemorrhoids solely with folk remedies at home.
| Folk remedies for hemorrhoids, the effectiveness of which has not been scientifically proven | |
| Name | Method of application |
| Rosehip for hemorrhoids | Use of decoction or tea |
| Garlic for hemorrhoids | Garlic steam baths for bleeding hemorrhoids |
| Thyme for hemorrhoids | Tampons with concentrated decoction |
| Dill for hemorrhoids | Use of decoction of seeds |
| Potatoes for hemorrhoids | Potato lotions for hemorrhoids |
| Caraway oil for hemorrhoids | Muffs |
| Peach oil for hemorrhoids | Compresses |
| Plantain for hemorrhoids | Tinctures |
| Calendula for hemorrhoids | Decoctions and tinctures of calendula for hemorrhoids |
| Sea buckthorn oil for hemorrhoids | Muffs |
| Flaxseed oil for hemorrhoids | Take one teaspoon twice a day |
| Castor oil oil for hemorrhoids | Muffs |
| Aloe for hemorrhoids | Compresses and suppositories with aloe for hemorrhoids |
| Vaseline for hemorrhoids | Application to inflamed areas |
| Propolis for hemorrhoids | Propolis suppositories for hemorrhoids, tincture of propolis for hemorrhoids, ointment with propolis for hemorrhoids |
| Pumpkin for hemorrhoids | Candles with pumpkin seed oil for hemorrhoids |
| Laurel leaf for hemorrhoids | Compresses with decoction |
| Manganese (potassium permanganate) for hemorrhoids | Baths with manganese for hemorrhoids |
| Oak bark and chamomile for hemorrhoids | Compresses with chamomile infusion for hemorrhoids, Baths for hemorrhoids with chamomile and oak bark |
Some remedies are not only useless, but can also cause side effects. For example, treatment of hemorrhoids with apple cider vinegar is accompanied by an increased risk of burns.
What other methods of treatment of hemorrhoids exist?
If folk remedies and non-drug methods of treatment of hemorrhoids are ineffective, as well as at high risk of complications therapy of the disease can be carried out with the help of medical manipulations. Methods of hemorrhoid treatment may include:
- ligation with a rubber ring;
- electrocoagulation;
- infrared coagulation;
- sclerotherapy (destruction of hemorrhoidal tissues by gluing the venous walls with chemical compounds);
- hemorrhoidectomy (removal of hemorrhoidal nodes with a scalpel).
Surgery involving stapling of hemorrhoids may also be performed. In the course of the operation, a special tool that works on the principle of a stapler is used.
What happens if hemorrhoids are left untreated?
The risk of complications increases at severe stages of the disease. Complications of hemorrhoids may include:
- regular anal bleeding;
- anemia (decreased red blood cell count due to blood loss);
- infections;
- thrombosis (a thrombosed hemorrhoid may burst);
- skin growths;
- chronic pain in the anus and rectum area.
Another complication is a pinched hemorrhoid. When the pathology occurs, the muscles of the anus disrupt the blood supply to the hemorrhoidal node.
