There are veins situated inside and around the anus and lower rectum of the human body. With extreme and constant pressure, the veins can get stretched and swollen. These inflamed veins, piles or hemorrhoids are not often serious, however with constant irritation, they can cause bleeding and pain.
One can suspect that they have such condition if he or she experiences painless rectal bleeding and itchiness. He or she may also feel a small mass near the anus. Usual causes of piles are straining, altered bowel movement, obesity and pregnancy. Constipation is an infrequent bowel elimination or absence of defecation for more than three days. Consequently, the stools on the large intestines lose water and become dry and hard. Passing of these waste materials become more difficult and will eventually require a lot of straining. The tension caused by straining puts excessive pressure on these blood vessels that may later develop as hemorrhoids. Chronic diarrhea due to certain medical reasons or habitual use of laxative and enemas may also result to piles. Both obesity and pregnancy contribute pressure to abdominal wall. During consultation, the doctor will try to palpate the anus and use anoscope in order to visualize the interior wall of the anus and lower part of the rectal area. The doctor may also suggest flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonospy in order to conduct complete examination of the lower digestive tract and rule out possible problems that contribute to the occurrence of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are more common among expecting women due to the physical and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. During the second to third trimester, the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus and causes further pressure to the abdominal and rectal wall. With increased abdominal pressure, there is decreased venous return or the flow of the blood back to the heart that results to engorgement of rectal veins. They are also prone to constipation and straining because there is an increase in progesterone, the hormone that maintains pregnancy. It has muscle relaxing properties, thus peristalsis or the movement of waste products along the digestive tract slows down.
Another culprit for this illness is the increased estrogen during pregnancy. Estrogen, the hormone that helps in the maturation of the fetus, dilates and weakens the venous wall, causing them to swell and bulge.
With all these natural phenomena that predispose a pregnant woman to acquiring hemorrhoids, what are the chances to avoid these? One of the products that consumers try for their piles is Desitin Rapid Relief Cream. Although this formula is well-known in treating diaper rash in babies, some use it as remedy for this disease. Since Desitin Cream contains zinc oxide, an ingredient that dries up the skin and kills germs without causing irritation, it can reduce the size and severity of the blood vessel. It also has aloe vera and white beeswax that soothe and moisturize the skin. It is as well-enriched with Vitamin E, an antioxidant and dimethicone, a skin protectant and lubricant to prevent more damage to the venous wall. Surely, it offers promising results with no to fewer side effects but is it considered safe for affected pregnant women?
Most emollients are absorbed locally, hence systemic effects are unlikely. The product doesn’t also include known harmful substances that may distress the baby or the mother. Medications of different indications are classified by Food and Drug Administration into five pregnancy categories. These are established to inform the members of the healthcare team and their clients the potential of a certain drug to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy especially during the first three months of fetal development.
During the first trimester, organs such as the brain, heart and spinal cord start to develop and function. Moreover, the body structure begins to form and the fetal head and face can be visible as early as seven to eight weeks. Given these stages, it is essential to become wary of what the parent will sustain for her body.
Category A drugs, as shown by well-controlled studies, don’t demonstrate risks to the fetus during the first trimester while Category X drugs, being the last on the list, pose threat to the fetus. There are positive evidences that support this as studies on humans and animals reveal fetal deformities and abnormalities. However, upon checking Desitin on the categories established by FDA, it states that it has not been formally assigned to any category as there is no research done to indicate its safety.
Animal studies have not been reported while there are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Still, the organization claims that this topical ointment can be recommended for use if the benefit outweighs risk. FDA even classified this as an over-the-counter drug; as a result, it can be bought even without prescription from a health provider.
In addition to these, more expectant mothers purchase the rash cream for their piles and report no undesirable effects. Those who have previously applied the product on their affected areas and have already gave birth to their newborn babies, revealed that they or their babies didn’t develop any undesirable symptoms. Some women who patronize the medicine share their experiences and reviews on health and parenting forums. All of them are confident to make known the efficiency and relief the product brings them.
There may be other manufactured goods on the market that may work wonders as desitin rash cream. Whatever medicated products to be used, one must keep in mind that these will be more effective in treating hemorrhoids if combined with proper diet and lifestyle. One has to consume more water and fiber-rich food to soften and increase the bulk in stools, thus preventing constipation. It is vital to have a regular defecation pattern in order to stimulate normal and timely bowel elimination. Proper exercises, even walking, increases peristalsis so as to avoid the risk of having constipation.
Sitz baths and warm compresses add relief as well as side-lying position. In addition to these, it is most significant to seek consultation from the doctor with the purpose of getting proper assessment and correct diagnosis. Adults and children, those who are pregnant or not should still ask advice from their primary health care providers before going to the nearest pharmacy to shop over-the-counter drugs due to possible drug allergic reactions.
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