Fortunately for many people, hemorrhoids can heal by themselves
and all that is needed is temporary relief from their symptoms.
For these people, self-care of this condition is usually sufficient.
Aggravation of hemorrhoids can be avoided using similar steps
to that used for preventing them. These steps include:
Take a warm sitz bath
A sitz bath of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, either
in the bathtub or in a special basin that is placed on top
of the toilet, can provide a quick relief from the swelling
and pain of hemorrhoids. The bath water should be warm or
hot, but not burning hot. Also, do not add soap, Epsom salt,
bath oil, or anything else as they can irritate the hemorrhoids.
Use a cold or warm compress
In the last months of pregnancy, a sitz bath is not recommended
as water can seep into the vagina. Instead, a cold or warm
compress can be used.
Use a moist wipe
Instead of toilet paper, try a moistened wipe to clean
yourself after going to the bathroom. Some commercially
available wipes are medicated with witch hazel, a natural
astringent that can reduce the swelling and ease the pain
of hemorrhoids.
Use a bidet
If available, you can use a bidet or stream of warm water
to clean yourself after bowel movement.
Use stool softener and lubricant
A hard, dry stool can be difficult to pass, and may irritate
the hemorrhoids to cause bleeding. A fiber-based stool softener
can be used to create a stool that is bulkier, moister,
and easier to pass.
Another way to make it easier to pass stool is to use your
finger to lubricate the anal opening and canal with petroleum
jelly or other lubricants such as K-Y Jelly. Make sure you
lubricate the inside of the anal canal, and don't forget
to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Use over-the-counter analgesics or suppositories
Topical hemorrhoid creams and suppositories work as lubricants
to reduce friction and ease the irritation of hemorrhoids.
They usually contain ingredients such as cocoa butter, lanolin,
glycerin, cod-liver oil, and vegetable oil.
Some have additional ingredients that deaden pain sensation,
to give a potent but temporary relief. Usually, these analgesics
contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or other -caine derivatives.
Other creams may contain astringents such as tannic acid,
bismuth, and witch hazel to reduce swelling. Medicated creams,
available with your doctor's prescription, may contain steroids
to reduce inflammation.
Note that some people are allergic to the ingredients in
these analgesics and astringents. Using them may actually
worsen hemorrhoids.
