Ice Treatment for Hemorrhoids
Your rectum is comprised of anal cushions. According to the Mayo Clinic, anal cushions are encased by muscle tissue. Hemorrhoids will develop due to weakened muscles, pregnancy or when you consistently strain during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids are the veins that become inflamed and swollen in and around your rectum.
-
Ice Significance
-
Using ice on hemorrhoids will help to constrict aggravated blood vessels, as well as keep inflammation and swelling of the hemorrhoids to a minimum.
Time Frame
-
Use a hand towel to prevent ice burns. Apply ice packs to the rectal area for at least 20 minutes to numb the affected area. Don't apply ice packs to the affected area without creating a barrier, such as wrapping the ice pack in a hand towel.
-
Frozen Compresses
-
Frozen compresses can also provide relief to hemorrhoids. Place a moist hand towel in the freezer for 15 minutes, and then apply the cold compress to your rectal area.
Frozen Food
-
If you don't want to hassle with making an ice pack, using a frozen pack of food such as peas can provide the same amount of relief for hemorrhoids.
Sitz Baths
-
Sitz baths used in conjunction with ice can help. Alternating sitz baths with ice treatments can help provide soothing relief for your hemorrhoids. Soaking in a bath before using ice will help to reduce the severity of your pain.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ice image by vilarcampos from Fotolia.com Nice hands on yellow towel. Soft manicure. image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com feet in the bath image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
