How to Treat Hemorrhoids: Home Remedies and Medical Options.
Unlike most varicose veins, symptomatic hemorrhoids often become a chronic problem — they usually don’t go away on their own. Instead, people experience occasional flare-ups that cause pain, itching, irritation, burning, and sometimes bleeding.
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| How to Treat Hemorrhoids: Home Remedies and Medical Options. |
The good news? You don’t have to suffer in silence. There are easy treatments, including trusted products like Preparation H, that can relieve your symptoms. Most hemorrhoid flare-ups improve after about 7 days of home treatment.
Here’s how you can treat hemorrhoids at home — and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids
1. Use Over-the-Counter Treatments
Products like Preparation H can relieve pain, burning, itching, and swelling. You can find ointments, creams, suppositories, and medicated wipes to help soothe your symptoms.
2. Soak in Warm Water
Taking a warm sitz bath can ease discomfort and lower your chances of future flare-ups.
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Sit in a few inches of warm (not hot) water for about 15 minutes.
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Avoid using soap, which can irritate the area.
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Gently pat dry with a soft towel afterward.
3. Avoid Dry Toilet Paper
Dry toilet paper can worsen irritation. Instead, use soothing moist wipes like Preparation H wipes, especially after bowel movements. They’re gentle enough for daily use, even up to six times a day.
4. Use a Cushion
If you sit for long periods, use a donut-shaped cushion to take pressure off your hemorrhoids and help prevent pain from getting worse.
5. Apply a Cold Compress
To reduce swelling, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel directly to the area for no more than 10 minutes at a time.
You can also use a cool, moist wipe like Preparation H soothing wipes as a compress for about 15 minutes.
6. See a Doctor if Needed
If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve after 7 days of home care, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They can recommend more advanced treatments.
How Doctors Treat Hemorrhoids
If home remedies aren't enough, medical treatments are available based on the size, severity, and type of hemorrhoids (internal or external).
Treatment for External Hemorrhoids
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Hemorrhoidectomy: A surgeon removes large external hemorrhoids under anesthesia.
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External Thrombectomy: If a blood clot forms (thrombosed hemorrhoid), your doctor can remove it under local anesthesia to quickly relieve pain.
Treatment for Internal Hemorrhoids
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Rubber Band Ligation: A small rubber band is placed around the hemorrhoid, cutting off blood flow so it shrinks and falls off.
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Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: The hemorrhoid is stapled to block its blood supply, causing it to die.
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Coagulation Therapy: A laser, heat, or infrared light is used to harden and shrink small hemorrhoids. It’s a minimally invasive option with little discomfort afterward.
Conclusion
Most hemorrhoid flare-ups can be treated easily at home with simple remedies like warm baths, soothing wipes, and over-the-counter creams.
But if your symptoms don't improve or are severe, medical procedures are available to help you heal and feel better.
Don’t wait — early treatment can make a big difference in your comfort and health.
