Hemorrhoid Treatment for People with Diabetes
Medical Author Dr. Ruchi Mathur
Medical Editor Dr. Jay W. Marks
Some medications used to treat hemorrhoids can have
negative effects on blood glucose levels, and thus, may cause physical problems for individuals
with diabetes who are taking diabetes medications. There are options for
patients with diabetes, who also suffer from painful hemorrhoids.
Some simple treatments for hemorrhoids in patients with
diabetes are as follows:
- Eat plenty of high-fiber foods including bran, fresh fruits and vegetables. Psyllium-containing products also may be used to add fiber to the diet.
- Avoid straining during defecation or sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period of time. In general, do not sit for prolonged periods of time. Ice compresses may ease the swelling.
- Sitting in warm water for approximately 15 minutes at a time may ease the symptoms. Adding Epsom salt to the water helps relieve the inflammation. Sitz baths taken several times a day will also provide a soothing effect.
- Avoid any foods or drinks that seem to make the discomfort from hemorrhoids worse.
- If you have diabetes, so not use over-the-counter products that contain a vasoconstrictor (for
example, ephedrine, epinephrine,
phenylephrine HCI). This includes Preparation H. Although it does not contain
phenylephrine, Preparation H hydrocortisone 1% itch contains hydrocortisone-a steroid that can cause the blood sugar to rise if absorbed in large amounts.
Other options for patients with diabetes include astringents, protectants, and topical anesthetics
to include:
- Anesthetics relieve the
sensation of pain and burning by blocking sensation in areas where they are placed for a short period. Anesthetics should be used externally on the
perianal area because this is where the
nerve endings are most concentrated. Active ingredients often found in local anesthetics include
benzocaine (Lanacane
Maximum Strength, Retre-Gel, etc.),
dibucaine (Dibucaine,
Nupercainal), lidocaine
(Lidoderm, Xylocaine Jelly, etc.),
pramoxine (Fleet Pain
Relief Pad, Gold Bond Anti-itch, etc.) and
tetracaine (Pontocaine,
Viractin).
- Astringents cause the
tissues overlying the hemorrhoids to dry and provide relief from burning and
itching but not from pain. Witch hazel is recommended for external use, providing temporary relief of
itching, discomfort, irritation and burning.
Zinc oxide and
calamine (Calamine
Plain) also act as astringents.
- Protectants form a physical
barrier over the skin and mucous membranes, thereby decreasing inflammation and
preventing water loss. Recommended protectants include aluminum hydroxide gel,
cocoa butter, glycerin in aqueous solution
(Colace, Fleet Babylax, Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Adult), lanolin, mineral oil, zinc oxide,
calamine, and topical starch.
REFERENCE: MedlinePlus.com. Hemorrhoids.
Last Editorial Review: 2/6/2013
