Hemorrhoid Treatment

Self-Care at Home

The treatment for hemorrhoids is different depending on the severity of the problem. Most of the time, the treatment is conservative and performed at home.

• Hot sitz baths
  
  
  • A sitz bath is recommended 3 times a day and after each bowel movement for at least 15 minutes.
    
    
  • For a sitz bath, sit in a few inches of warm water in a tub.
    
    
  • This is the best way to lessen the swelling and the pain.
    
    
  • Be sure to thoroughly dry the skin around your anus after each bath so that it doesn't rub and become torn.
  
  
• Dietary changes
  
  
  • Drink more liquids and eat more leafy green vegetables, which will make stools bulkier and softer to relieve constipation.
    
    
  • Some people with constipation or hard stools may benefit from increasing the amount of bran and fiber in their diet.
  
  
• Stool softeners
  
  
  • Stool softeners might also help.
    
    
  • You should be cautious in choosing a laxative for your constipation.
    
    
  • If a laxative causes watery, runny stools, it could cause an infection in the anus and should not be used.
  
  
• Sitting restrictions
  
  
  • Some doctors also recommend people with hemorrhoids not sit for a long period of time.
    
    
  • Some people feel more comfortable sitting on an air doughnut.
  
  
• Over-the-counter medications
  
  
  • Many creams, ointments, and suppositories are sold as pain relievers and medicines for hemorrhoids.
    
    
  • These medications are of little help and sometimes might even cause the hemorrhoids to take longer to heal, so consult with your doctor first.