- The main complaints involving hemorrhoids are swelling and pain. Therefore, alleviating swelling can really help treat the most aggravating symptoms, since swelling is also typically what leads to pain. Taking a warm herbal sitz bath for 10 minutes can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Also, taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, will also help reduce the swelling. Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, such as Preparation H, are another way to minimize pain and swelling.
- Internal hemorrhoids can be especially painful, especially those that prolapse through the rectum. In order to heal, prolapsed hemorrhoids need to be reduced and replaced inside the rectum. People can do this at home with a clean finger by gently pushing the hemorrhoid in and holding it for a minute, to help it stay in place. To make sure it stays inside, try laying on your back for several minutes afterwards, so gravity isn't working against you. Also, some people swear by inserting potato suppositories for relief of internal hemorrhoid swelling. If home methods fail, you may need to visit your doctor for other options. For internal hemorrhoids, these include placing a rubber band around the hemorrhoid, injecting a chemical to dissolve the blood vessel associated with the hemorrhoid, infrared treatment, laser removal and surgical removal. When it comes to prolapsed hemorrhoids, typically surgical excision is recommended.
- For external hemorrhoids that don't respond to conservative treatment, the infrared, laser and surgical excision methods are typically used.
- Hemorrhoids often result from poor dietary habits, so make sure to eat healthy when trying to heal from this condition. Eating enough daily fiber ensures constipation doesn't develop, which is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoids, and can really exacerbate treatement attempts. Also, drinking at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day can also help your body heal.
