Hemorrhoids are an unfortunate part of life, and they can be extremely painful. Going to see your doctor for hemorrhoids can be both embarrassing and time-consuming, and most times you just want the problem to go away.
There are some ways you can treat hemorrhoids yourself without going to the doctor, and without using medicated creams.
1. Tea Bag
If you have external hemorrhoids, you can use warm, wet tea bags to sooth the area. Because of the tannic acid in the tea, you'll get relief from swelling and plain. The acid will also help promote blood clotting which will helps stop the bleeding.
2. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel also contains tannins, and as we learned with tea bags, these can help reduce pain and swelling. The tannins also help shrink blood vessels. Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and gently press it against the hemorrhoid.
3. Cold Compress
A cold compress, like an ice pack or even a cloth soaked in cold water, will help reduce the swelling in your blood vessels. Sit on a bag filled with ice for about 20 minutes. The temperature will help with the pain. You can repeat this process as necessary, but makes sure you wait at least 10 minutes in between each application.
4. Epsom Salts
An Epsom salt bath is not only relaxing, but it's also a great way to relieve hemorrhoid pain. The best time to take an Epsom salt bath is right after a bowel movement. Soak in the water for 20 minutes, and your pain will lessen.
You can also use Epsom salts with glycerin as a way to relieve hemorrhoid pain. Combine two tablespoons of Epsom salts with 2 tablespoons of glycerin, then put this mixture on gauze or a clean, soft cloth. Apply the mixture to the affected area for about 20 minutes, and repeat this process every four to six hours, or until the pain is gone.
5. Fiber
Constipation is no friend to hemorrhoids, so making sure you diet is full of fiber is a good idea. Fruits, veggies, nuts, and other whole grains should be the largest portion of your daily diet. You should also be drinking a lot of water to help prevent constipation and relieve hemorrhoid pain.
6. Baths
There are a couple of benefits to taking baths when you have hemorrhoids. First, soaking in warm water increases blood flow, which can help shrink swollen veins. When you're sitting in the tub, make sure you sit with your knees raised against your chest. This gives maximum exposure to the affected area.
The other benefit to baths is that it keeps the affected area clean. As opposed to a shower, baths allow a more thorough clean via a soak, which won't irritate the hemorrhoids.
7. Standing
Those of us who have desk jobs know that standing isn't always possible, but it will certainly help with the pain of hemorrhoids. Every hour, try and walk around for at least five minutes to relieve any rectal pressure.
You should also avoid stationary bikes or squats when at the gym, as they can apply the same pressure which can lead to pain. Walking briskly for at least 20 minutes is a great way to encourage bowel function.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is great for sunburns, so you probably have a lot of it around the house. The gel has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce irritation. It's important to only use pure aloe vera gel when treating hemorrhoids, as the other ingredients in a lotion or cream may cause even more irritation.
9. Lie Down
You wouldn't have to tell me twice to lie down on the couch! If you're trying to ease hemorrhoid pain, lie down on the couch with your legs up for at least half an hour. By doing so, you relieve the pressure off your backside and improve circulation, which will help with the pain.
10. Plain Toilet Paper
Many toilet papers now contain scents, lotions, or chemicals that could irritate your hemorrhoids. Make sure you choose a plain, yet still soft, toilet paper. Better yet, use a moist towelette when you need to wipe.
11. Petroleum Jelly
Dabbing petroleum jelly on your hemorrhoids will help soothe the affected area. This is a quick-relief method, but won't actually help with the hemorrhoids themselves.
12. Don't Hold It
Forcing yourself to hold it when you have to use the bathroom can cause intense pressure in your abdomen, which then causes hemorrhoids. Instead of finding ways to treat hemorrhoids, preventing them is probably easier.
13. Potato Compress
This sounds strange, I get it. But a grated potato wrapped in a thin cloth acts as a great remedy for hemorrhoids. The tuber of the potato acts as a soothing element, which will bring you almost immediate relief.
Hemorrhoids aren't pleasant to deal with, but that can be simple enough to treat at home.