At some point in life upwards of 50% of the population is afflicted with hemorrhoids.
A hemorrhoid develops when the veins that are located in the lower area of the rectum become inflamed. They can happen internally or externally and can occur in both places at the same time.
Internal hemorrhoids are usually not that painful. Most people who have them never know they are their unless they become irritated and begin to bleed.
On the flip side, external hemorrhoids can cause a lot of discomfort and irritation especially if the hemorrhoid develops into a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
Most times, if the hemorrhoid is not severe, an over the counter treatment for hemorrhoids is all that is necessary to take care of the problem. These include:
Suppositories, Creams And Ointments
– All of these can be purchased over the counter and all will provide relief from the irritation and pain you are experiencing. For best results look for a product that contains hydrocortisone.
Treating The Area With Witch Hazel
– This product works well for reducing inflammation and alleviating some of the pain from the hemorrhoid.
Taking A Stool Softener
– A stool softener works to soften the stool so you will not have to strain when using the bathroom. Excessive straining is one of the major causes of hemorrhoids.
Sitz Baths
– Warm baths have been proven to take down hemorrhoid swelling and also reduce the pain in the area. For best results you should take 2-3 daily for 10 to 15 minutes each. If you like, you can add a little witch hazel to the water to help speed up the healing process.
Do Not Put Pressure On The Area For Extended Time Periods
– If you must sit for long periods of time, take a break and stand up every hour or so for a couple of minutes. The idea is to alleviate some of the pressure off of the are to avoid the hemorrhoids becoming worse or recurring. Another option is to use an inflatable pillow ring designed for hemorrhoid suffers. This will put the pressure on the surrounding area and not directly on the hemorrhoid, allowing it the time it needs to heal.
If you follow these treatment for hemorrhoids, you should notice improvement in your condition within a matter of days. Your hemorrhoids should be completely gone within a week or two.
After your hemorrhoids have cleared up, a good way to keep them gone for good is to add fiber rich foods and 8 or more glasses of water daily to your diet. These will help keep your system regular and things flowing naturally.
If your condition has not cleared up within 2 weeks it is time to see your Doctor. They can recommend other treatment for hemorrhoids, which may include surgery.
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