Topical medicines and rectal suppositories are usually prescribed by physicians to help alleviate the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoid. There are also home interventions that can provide comfort such as hot sitz bath and cold application. Surgeries are done for complicated and serious forms of hemorrhoids.
You maybe be thinking of trying other options when home care remedies are not enough to heal severe hemorrhoids. There are over-the-counter products that give temporary relief and the nonsurgical and surgical treatments for severe cases.
Drugstore products may give you relief but you have to take caution before using it. These medications can give comfort and aid in healing but there are also disadvantages if you’re not careful in using them.
1. Rectal Topical Medicines
Physicians usually prescribe topical medicines when patient consult them for their hemorrhoid problems. Common topical medicines they prescribe are benzocaine and dibucaine, which numb the area.
* Topical creams and ointments that can lessen the soreness like hydrocortisone creams are effective but it may result to skin thinning with prolonged use while anesthetic creams numb the pain but don’t overdose in using this as it has adverse effects. Ointments retain moisture; the greasiness can cause sensitivity and irritation in the anal area.
2. Rectal Suppositories
Rectal suppositories are similar with the rectal topical medicines except for the route of administration. Instead of being applied on the surface through rubbing, suppositories are inserted inside the anal canal. The rectal suppositories are solid yet waxy in appearance but become liquefied once inside the rectum because the internal body heat melts them down.
* Suppositories are good for internal hemorrhoids but it may dislodge in the proper area where it should be for healing to take place. One benefit though is it helps soften the stool for easy passage so you won’t strain.
3. Over the counter medications
Use of over the counter medications-local anaesthetics, analgesics and corticosteroids’ has properties that reduce the pain, swelling by sufferers of the condition. Keratolytics medications cause the outer layers of the tissue to be disintegrated when applied to the affected area.
Before you try these products, it’s best to consult a doctor as you may have another health condition that will be aggravated by using such products. These only conceal the symptoms but don’t really treat the core problem, doctors will advise you to undergo through nonsurgical or surgical treatments if your hemorrhoids are severe and causing you too much hassle.
You may have hemorrhoids if you notice bright red blood on your stools, blood in the toilet seat, or on the toilet paper you used. If you are experiencing some bleeding with bowel movement, consult your doctor as soon as possible because a hemorrhoid may have formed. It may also be a sign of other medical conditions such as tumors, infection, and inflammatory bowel disease. Your doctor can determine the exact cause of the bleeding. If the bleeding is caused by a hemorrhoid, you can try out some of these hemorrhoid treatments that you can do at home.
Dietary Changes
Changing your diet is a good way to prevent and speed up the healing of hemorrhoids. Eat more fiber-rich foods and increase your fluid intake to prevent constipation. Constipation is one of the common causes of hemorrhoid formation. By preventing constipation, you lessen the pressure on your anus and rectum during a bowel movement. Changing your diet to a high fiber diet also minimizes the swelling, bleeding, and discomfort caused by a hemorrhoid and speeds up healing. Fiber also bulks up your stools, preventing the infection and inflammation caused by liquid stools.
Warm Baths
A warm bath can reduce the inflammation and discomfort caused by a hemorrhoid. Sit in warm water 3 times per day for about 15 to 20 minutes. After your warm bath, make sure that you completely dry off your anal area to avoid irritating the skin that surrounds your anus.
Stool Softeners
Using stool softeners can help make your stools softer and makes it easier for them to pass through your anus, lessening the pressure on the anus and rectum during a bowel movement. However, using stool softeners can cause your stools to become liquid, causing inflammation and infection to your anus. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to use a stool softener.
Other Tips
If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, do not sit for a long period of time to avoid adding pressure to your hemorrhoid. You can buy a rubber or air donut at your local pharmacy and sit on it to prevent adding pressure to your hemorrhoid. Exercising relieves constipation and decreases the pressure on your hemorrhoidal veins. There are also some over-the-counter creams and ointments that help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by a hemorrhoid. However, these creams and ointments will not cure your hemorrhoid. Consult your doctor to get proper treatment for your hemorrhoid as soon as possible.
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