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Hemorrhoid Treatment Option: Self Care

Hemorrhoids can be easily diagnosed and treated. If you are experiencing hemorrhoids for the first time or a reoccurrence of pain and itching, there are numerous self care treatments you can perform.

When an individual has hemorrhoids, they may have discomfort, inflammation and constipation. There are treatments that you can perform at home without consulting a physician.

First, it is suggested that you take precautions against constipation. A bout of constipation may aggravate the hemorrhoids and prevent them from improving. You may reduce constipation by eating fiber rich foods. Further in eating fiber rich foods, you help create a softer stool that is easier to pass and will lessen the irritation of current hemorrhoids.

Second, a warm sitz bath is recommended to relief hemorrhoid discomfort. A sitz bath is a bath where you sit in warm water that covers the buttocks and hips only. A local pharmacy, hospital or medical supply store may sell a special sitz bath that fits into the toilet. The warm water in the bath keeps the area clean and reduces inflammation and discomfort. You may take a sitz bath 3 or 4 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. After your sitz bath, it is important to thoroughly dry the area.

In the alternative to a sitz bath, you may use a hand held shower massager to direct a pulsating stream of water at external hemorrhoid tissue. You may do this for a few minutes each day. It will help to shrink the swelling, reduce the itching and over time reduce the condition.

Third, you may apply a cold compress or icepack to the anal area or a cool cotton pad with witch hazel. Witch hazel is an astringent mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling. Distilled witch hazel is sold in most pharmacies.

Fourth, you may apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to the painful area. You may also use an over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointment. There are numerous ointments that can be found at your local pharmacy.

Along with over the counter ointments, there is other over the counter treatments including cryogenic tools that help freeze the area. These consist of applicators that allow you to apply cold to the area in an easy method. The applicators remain cold for 5 to 8 minutes, which would be the alternative to ice or an ice packet that would quickly melt.

Finally, it is important to continuously clean the area. After every bowel movement, clean the anal area with a witch hazel pad, a baby wipe or a cotton cloth socked in warm water. You must be thorough, but gentle. Any aggressive rubbing or cleaning can irritate the skin and make the hemorrhoids worse.

If your hemorrhoids do not improve or are prolapsed, you may have to seek alternative options.

Tags: at home care, constipation, hemorrhoids, irritating bowel movement, reoccurrence, self care, sitz baths, treatment

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