A hemorrhoid is one thing that is impossible to ignore. The pain, the itching, the tingling, and the trouble when sitting or standing for long periods of time are all serious problems that must be dealt with if you don’t want them to rule your life.
The sooner you deal with hemorrhoids, the better. If not taken care of immediately, they can become an even bigger problem and may even result in the need to take very drastic and invasive measures such as having hemorrhoid surgery.
The options for treating hemorrhoids at home with simple things you may already have available could be the answer to minor hemorrhoid problems or even some slightly more serious problems where the bleeding and pain are not too severe.
Simple Home Remedies
One simple home treatment for hemorrhoids is a witch hazel pad. You can take a portion of a maxi pad or a breast pad and soak it in witch hazel. Use it on the area a couple of times a day for about twenty minutes at a time. This is very soothing and will help promote healing and take away inflammation.
Changes in daily habits such as diet, exercise, and water consumption will make a huge difference in your regularity and ease of having a bowel movement. Most often, hemorrhoids are caused by dietary problems and straining to have a bowel movement. Increasing the amount of fiber you eat and the amount of water you drink will make your bowel movements easier to pass and will also cut down on the pain you have while going.
For immediate relief, you can apply aloe vera right to the area and let it sink in. Aloe vera is a healing plant that is used for minor injuries, burns, and inflammation. It will help with the stinging, itching, pain, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.
When you have a bowel movement, wipe with a damp cloth such as a baby wipe rather than dry toilet paper. This will be soothing and nonirritating, enabling you to heal. Avoid straining with bowel movements. If you need to use a stool softener for a couple of days, do so. It will help begin the healing process if there is no strain and no hard stools. Exercise. When you increase your activity level, you give your entire system a boost, including your digestive system, which controls your bowel movements. Use cayenne pepper and garlic more in your cooking. They both help promote colon and rectal health as well as healing.
Apply an ice pack to the area for about 10 minutes at a time, 2-5 times a day. You can put the ice in a zip lock sandwich bag or another type of plastic bag. Place on the area and keep it there to help with pain, itching, and swelling.
Remember, if there is blood, call the doctor. You may be dealing with more than hemorrhoids. If the doctor recommends that you use another form of treatment, make sure you do the necessary research to know all your options before jumping into anything drastic. Hemorrhoids are controllable, and you can find ways to treat them without spending a lot of time and money.