subject: Hemorrhoids – Home Treatment and Preventive Care [print this page] Hemorrhoids Home Treatment and Preventive Care
Getting hemorrhoids is no fun. However, there are a number of measure you can take toward home treatment and preventive care. Home treatment which is associated with having healthy bowel habits may help in managing your hemorrhoids. There are certain types of medications that can make the hemorrhoids even get worse.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen along with Aspirin can lead to bleeding hemorrhoids. If one needs to take nonprescription drugs, those that are NSAID included should be avoided.
Here are some tips to help you manage your hemorrhoids and avoid worsening and relieve the symptoms.
How to avoid worsening of hemorrhoids:
After every bowel movement, be sure to use soft and unscented toilet paper moist with water in cleaning the area. Cleansing agents or baby wipes and other pre-moistened towels may also be used. Be sure to do the cleaning very gently. Avoid rubbing the area. If wiping with toilet paper is not preferred, then you can rinse off in the shower. Be sure to dry the anal area after washing. Gently pat the anal area with a soft cloth or absorbent paper. It is also recommended that you use mild soaps or products that contain no perfume or dyes. Chemicals can irritate the hemorrhoids.
How to relieve pain and itching:
Ice therapy is recommended to relieve pain in the anal area. Apply ice pack several times a day for 10 minutes. This should be followed by a warm compress applied on the anal area for 10 to 20 minutes. Warm and moist compress may be done several times a day. One may also take a sitz bath. This relieves pain immediately. You just fill in your tub with warm water. Sit in the tub for 15 minutes covering the anal area with water. Do this several times a day to feel relief from hemorrhoids. Try not to use hot water for it may cause injury to your skin.
You may also use nonprescription drugs but should be recommended by a health professional or pharmacist to relieve pain and itching. There are available creams and ointments for this condition.
Other comfort measures:
To relieve irritated or inflamed veins, one may need to take a day or more of bed rest. If the patient is 3 to 6 months pregnant, lying on your side may be helpful. If not pregnant, you may sleep on your stomach and have a pillow placed under your hips to relieve hemorrhoid inflammation. If hemorrhoids are irritated, do not take too much time standing or sitting. If you must sit for a long time, sit on a pillow. Avoid carrying or lifting objects that are heavy. Cotton may help prevent moisture buildup. So, use cotton underwear at all times. This can prevent hemorrhoid irritation. Also, wear clothes that allow more movements and reduce pressure on the anal area. Do not use a ring cushion. It can limit proper blood flow and may worsen hemorrhoid symptoms.
