Hemorrhoids among children are not as uncommon as we think. Most children are too young to understand the importance of proper nutrition and hydration, thus, they become prone to stomach problems such as constipation and diarrhea. Parents should pay close attention to physical signs that their child may have a hemorrhoid problem, such as having blood on the tissue after using the toilet, blood on the stool itself and regular bouts of constipation.
Normally, juvenile hemorrhoids are temporary and curable. Before you consider major treatment such as surgery, here are several home remedies you can try:
•Have your child take a lukewarm bath everyday, and help clean the affected area with plain water. Dry the affected area with the use of a hair dryer.
•Mix Epsom salt with lukewarm water, and place the mixture in a huge basin or bathtub. Let your child sit on the water and immerse the anal area for 10-15 minutes. Let the anus dry by itself or use a hair dryer.
•Place an ice-pack on the affected area to lessen the swelling. If your child is feeling pain, let him take a doctor-prescribed pain reliever for kids.
•Talk to your child about proper hygiene after bowel movement. Make sure that he knows how to wipe the anal area gently by using soft toilet paper dipped in water. Baby wipes that are free from perfume and chemicals are also safe to use after your child has finished his bowel movement.
•Remind your child to be more aware of bodily signals by going to the bathroom immediately once he feels the need to do so. Delaying bowel movement adds pressure to the rectum and anus and may lead to a hemorrhoid problem.
•Make sure that your child eats the right amount of whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables. It is important for kids to have a high-fiber diet that will make them feel full and aid their digestion. Include healthy options in your child’s diet, such as whole grain cereals, whole-wheat pasta, popcorn, broccoli, corn, oranges and bananas.
•Do not provide hemorrhoid-inducing food items in your refrigerator that may worsen your kid’s condition. Refrain from stocking on sweets such as donuts, cakes, cookies, candy, and sweetened juices. Likewise, do not give your child salty items such as potato chips and salted pretzels because it will definitely worsen the symptoms.
•In preparing your child’s meals, veer away from saturated fats such as sausages, hotdogs, fried chicken and ham. Food that is high in saturated fat will make stools harder and more difficult to push out.
•Make sure that your kid drinks 8 glasses of water each day to prevent constipation. To add a little variety, give your child natural fruit juices from berries or low-fat milk.
•Consult with your child’s pediatrician to know the best over-the-counter cream which you can use for your child’s hemorrhoids.
If you have tried these home remedies but have not had successful results, consult with your child’s physician for other treatment options.
Share this:
