There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal which are inside the rectum, and external which are around and under the skin around the anus. Though those on the outside can cause the most pain, it is important to address both kinds with proper treatment methods. The article below will help you deal with existing hemorrhoids or prevent the occurrence of new ones.
Try to adopt a fiber rich diet to combat hemorrhoids. Include foods that contain plenty of fiber, such as whole-grain breads, leafy greens, wheat pasta and oatmeal. The fiber will soften your stools, decreasing the strain that causes hemorrhoids.
Make sure to cleanse the area well if you have hemorrhoids. Moist wipes clean better than most toilet papers and can feel more comfortable. The swelling and pain caused by hemorrhoids can be relieved by warm sitz baths. You will want to sit in it for 20 minutes at least.
Use ice and heat to easily deal with hemorrhoids at home. Switching between the heat and the ice will help shrink your hemorrhoid and help heal it. Apply ice to the area affected for about ten minutes every day, and follow it with moist heat for twenty minutes.
Consider using witch hazel as a treatment for discomfort and pain. This astringent shrinks and constricts the swollen tissues and provides cooling relief. Use cotton balls to apply witch hazel, and allow it to sit on the affected area for somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes, or simply pour some into your sitz bath.
When dealing with hemorrhoids, be careful not to expose the affected areas to products containing dyes, essential oils, or fragrances. Even minimal exposure to one of these substances may cause the hemorrhoid to burn or itch.
Hemorrhoids are often aggravated by difficult bowel movements and the resulting strains they put on the excretory system. Stools will move more freely if you absorb large quantities of water and maintain a diet that is low in refined foods. When going to the bathroom, a squatting position can help to avoid excessive straining. Buy a small stool or use a wood box for your feet while sitting on the toilet. This squatting position has proven to help pass stools with less stress on the body, and this can be seen in areas around the world where cultures who squat simply do not have the issues with hemorrhoids that the people of the Western world have.
To ease your concerns regarding hemorrhoids, make sure you understand what they are. Find out as much as you can about this condition. Essentially, hemorrhoids are bundles of nerves that have become swollen, which makes them much more sensitive.
Do not use laxatives if you are constipated and have hemorrhoids. These medications are developed to help you with one bowel movement. If your constipation is chronic, you need to make dietary changes, such as adding more fiber to help regulate your bowel movements.
If you are constipated, a walk may help. This can assist your body in functioning better, and properly prepare the bowels when the time comes for them to move. It may help you avoid any unnecessary straining, which can make hemorrhoids worse or irritated. Even fifteen minutes of briskly walking around your neighborhood is enough to help.
Hemorrhoids are going to be high on the list of possible causes, but it’s unwise to make any assumptions. Head to the doctor to make sure. Bleeding from the rectum can be indicative of more urgent problems, such as cancer. Put your mind at ease by having the problem diagnosed. If you do have hemorrhoids, then your doctor can prescribe to you the best treatment for you to proceed with.
If you aren’t quite ready to move your bowels, avoid sitting on the toilet while you’re waiting for it to happen. Do your reading elsewhere! Sitting in that position puts you in a constant strain, and that can be deleterious to your hemorrhoids. The act of sitting alone is enough to put strain on your hemorrhoids via gravity. Never sit down unless you’re really ready to go.
Never scratch at your hemorrhoids no matter how much they itch. Scratching can cause damage and lead to infections. If you are very itchy, you can pat with a wet cloth, and clean the area. Itching is not always a sign of inflammation or swelling. You may just need to clean the area. This is where a wet paper towel or a rag can really bring some much needed relief.
In the introduction to this article, the different kinds of hemorrhoids that affect people were explained. In many cases, external hemorrhoids are much more painful, but either way, you’ll need to find ways to treat them and ways to prevent them in the future. If you use these tips to learn more, you will be relieved from pain caused by hemorrhoids.