The Complete Guide to Hemorrhoid Self-Care

Did you know that about 1 in 20 Americans suffer from hemorrhoids? If you’re over 50, your risk is even higher (maybe even as high as 52%). While hemorrhoids can be a real pain in the rear, the good news is that most cases can be effectively treated at home.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about hemorrhoids self-care, including:

• What causes hemorrhoids, and who’s at risk?
• Evidence-based at-home remedies to relieve pain and itching.
• Simple lifestyle changes to keep hemorrhoids from coming back.
• How do you know when it’s time to see a doctor?

For those seeking the best thing for hemorrhoids, this complete self-care handbook offers practical tips and expert advice for both managing flare-ups and preventing issues.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum. They can form internally, inside the rectum, or externally, under the skin around the anus. About half of all adults will experience hemorrhoids by age 50. 

Hemorrhoids develop when the veins in the anal area become stretched and bulge due to increased pressure. The most common causes include:

• Straining during bowel movements.
• Chronic constipation or diarrhea.
• Sitting on the toilet for long periods.
• Pregnancy and childbirth.
• Obesity.

Typical signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Painless bleeding during bowel movements (you may notice bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl).
• Anal itching or irritation.
• Discomfort or pain, especially when sitting.
• Swelling or a hard lump around the anus.
• Leakage of feces.

While hemorrhoids can be unpleasant, they are very common and treatable. Most cases respond well to self-care measures. The following section will explore the most effective ways to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms at home.

13 At-Home Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief

Most hemorrhoids respond well to self-care measures. These strategies can provide relief from acute symptoms and help prevent recurrence. 

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Hemorrhoid Risk

One of the best ways to address the question of how to get rid of hemorrhoids is to keep them from developing in the first place. You can reduce your risk of hemorrhoids by:

1. Eating a high-fiber diet: Fiber helps soften stools, making them easier to pass and reducing the strain that can cause hemorrhoids. Aim for 25-35 grams daily from foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. 
2. Staying hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps stools soft and prevents constipation. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day.
3. Do not delay bowel movements: The best thing for hemorrhoids is to listen to your body; when you feel the urge to go, go! Putting off bathroom breaks can lead to constipation and straining.
4. Avoiding prolonged sitting or standing: Long periods of sitting, especially on the toilet, can increase pressure on the anal veins. Take breaks to stand up and move around throughout the day.

Relieving Acute Hemorrhoid Symptoms

When a hemorrhoid flares up, try these tactics to get relief:

5. Take a sitz bath: Soaking the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day, can help soothe irritation and reduce swelling. You can use a bathtub, a sitz bath that fits over the toilet, or a large basin.
6. Apply ice: A cold compress or ice pack placed on the hemorrhoid can numb pain and relieve swelling. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin; wrap it in a cloth first. Apply for no more than 10 minutes at a time.
7. Use moist wipes: Gently pat the anal area clean with moistened toilet paper or fragrance-free baby wipes after bowel movements. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing.
8. Try an over-the-counter (OTC) product: Creams, ointments, and suppositories containing hydrocortisone or witch hazel can provide temporary relief from itching and discomfort due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Look for products specifically marketed for hemorrhoids.

Supplements and Other Remedies

Some other remedies that may help relieve hemorrhoids include:

9. Fiber supplements: If you’re struggling to get enough fiber from food, a supplement like psyllium husk or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can help. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid gas and bloating. 
10. Stool softeners: OTC stool softeners like docusate sodium (Colace) can make stools easier to pass, reducing straining. Follow the package instructions carefully.
11. Witch hazel: Soaking a cotton ball in witch hazel and applying it to the anal area can soothe itching and burning. You can do this several times a day.
12. Magnesium citrate: Insufficient mineral intake may lead to constipation. Magnesium citrate helps by increasing water in the GI tract, easing bowel movements, and promoting regularity.
13. Soothing wipes or pads: Look for wipes or pads that contain witch hazel or aloe vera and are marketed for hemorrhoid relief.

When choosing between heat and cold for hemorrhoids, both offer benefits. Alternating between heat and cold may provide the best relief. Remember, while these at-home remedies can effectively manage symptoms, they may not eliminate hemorrhoids. It’s also important to know when to seek medical care, which we’ll cover in the next section.

When to See a Doctor for Hemorrhoids

While most internal and external hemorrhoid treatment can start at home, some cases require medical evaluation and treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if:

• You notice bleeding before, during, or after bowel movements. While this can be associated with hemorrhoids, it could also indicate more serious conditions, like colorectal cancer, and should be evaluated.
• You have persistent discomfort, pain, or itching that doesn’t resolve within a week of home treatment.
• Your symptoms continue worsening despite using home remedies.
• You notice a bulge or swelling felt through the anus that doesn’t go away after 3-7 days of home treatment.
• You experience severe rectal pain or discomfort, especially when sitting.
• You have unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits.
• You feel stiff, tender lumps at the anus.
• You’ve tried over-the-counter medications for more than a week without relief.
• There is heavy rectal bleeding or a change in the color of the bleeding.
• You have a family history of colorectal cancer or are over 45 years old, as rectal bleeding could indicate more serious conditions.

While many hemorrhoid cases can be managed at home, persistent or worsening symptoms, especially bleeding, warrant medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions and get appropriate treatment. If you’re concerned, having a doctor check sooner rather than later is better.

For large, extremely painful external hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend treatments such as surgical excision, latex banding, or infrared coagulation as part of external hemorrhoid treatment; however, most internal and external hemorrhoids do not require invasive procedures.

Myths and Facts About Hemorrhoids

Misconceptions about hemorrhoids are widespread, leading to unnecessary confusion and worry. Let’s set the record straight on some common myths:

• Myth: Only older adults get hemorrhoids.
• Fact: While your risk increases with age, hemorrhoids are common in younger people too, especially women during pregnancy.

• Myth: Hemorrhoids are caused by sitting on cold surfaces.
• Fact: Surface temperature doesn’t play a significant role in hemorrhoid development, if any. Prolonged sitting on any surface can contribute to increasing pressure on anal veins.

• Myth: Spicy foods cause hemorrhoids.
• Fact: No particular food has been proven to cause hemorrhoids. However, a low-fiber diet can contribute by leading to constipation and straining.

• Myth: Hemorrhoids always require surgery.
• Fact: The vast majority of hemorrhoids can be treated at home or with minimally invasive medical procedures. Very few cases require surgery.

Taking Charge of Your Hemorrhoid Health

Making simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding prolonged sitting, can significantly reduce your risk of hemorrhoids. For acute cases, at-home remedies like sitz baths, cold compresses, and over-the-counter treatments can provide effective relief.

While many hemorrhoids can be managed with self-care, it’s important to consult your doctor if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or lack of improvement with home treatment.

By following these self-care strategies and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can effectively manage your discomfort and work towards long-term relief from hemorrhoids.