Hemorrhoids are one of the most common health conditions that most adults suffer from time to time. Most people suffering from hemorrhoids often feel embarrassed to even discuss it. If you are also someone suffering from this condition then with the best hemorrhoid treatment that is available, you can get relief.
As far as the causes are concerned, several causes may be attributed to it. But to zero it down to just one single cause or to identify a particular one is not possible. The chances of developing hemorrhoids are higher among pregnant women and older generations. Besides obesity, unhealthy eating habits and poor lifestyles, the cause could be genetics or constipation. Those people suffering from these health conditions experience a lot of discomforts.
When the veins lining the anal canal and the rectum get dilated, hemorrhoids are developed. As a result, you might experience pain, discomfort, bleeding, and tenderness while defecating. Although hemorrhoids as such do not lead to any serious condition, they can be quite uncomfortable. Some lifestyle changes and developing healthy eating habits might alleviate the condition and help hemorrhoids disappear on their own in a couple of weeks.
Risk Factors
Following are some of the risk factors that could cause hemorrhoids.
- Sitting long hours
- Lack of physical activity
- Immobile
- Strain in the toilet
- Constipation
When a hemorrhoid develops, you might feel a bump or swelling while sitting or walking. You might also experience symptoms such as smelly discharge, pain, bleeding when defecating, itching, etc. If you take action against hemorrhoids during the initial stage then they can be treated effectively with home remedies. Following are some of the home remedies that are the best hemorrhoid treatments and can alleviate the symptoms to a great extent:
Sitz Bath using Epsom salt
Warm baths or sitz baths can greatly help in alleviating the irritation caused by hemorrhoids. Take a small plastic tub; if you don’t have one then you can use the bathtub as well. Fill the tub with warm water and add some Epsom salt to it. Sit with the affected area immersed in the water for about 15-20 minutes. This will be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling.
Ice Pack or Cold Compress
If the hemorrhoid is extremely painful then applying ice packs or cold compresses to the area might be helpful in relieving the pain. However, before applying the ice pack, make sure to wrap it in a towel or a piece of cloth so that it doesn’t cause any damage to the skin.
Witch hazel
Itchiness and pain are the two main symptoms of external hemorrhoids. Using witch hazel can greatly help in alleviating these symptoms. It contains anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing the swelling. It is easily available in the form of liquid, soaps, and wipes.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is well known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is helpful in alleviating constipation and improves the skin. Also, it contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing irritation. There are various lotions and creams available that can be applied topically. But it is best to use the aloe vera gel directly harvested from the plant.
Moistened Wipes Before Using
The condition of the hemorrhoids can be aggravated by using toilet paper. So instead of using toilet paper, using moistened wipes can be a lot more helpful in alleviating the irritation. There are also specific wipes that contain hemorrhoid soothing ingredients. You can also use them. Avoid using wipes that contain alcohol, perfume, and other irritants as it can aggravate the symptoms.
Loose cotton clothing
As far as possible try to use only cotton clothes as it will be helpful in keeping the infected area dry and clean. Loose clothing will be helpful in reducing the risks of infections.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains antiseptic properties and helps in relieving discomfort, itchiness, and pain. It also helps in fighting against bacteria which helps in the prevention of bacteria and protects the irritated skin from bacterial infections. Studies have found that tea tree oil can greatly relieve pain, inflammation, and bleeding. You can simply use just the tea tree oil or combine it with aloe vera or witch hazel for additional benefits.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains analgesic properties that can reduce discomfort. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps in alleviating inflammation and swelling. The antibacterial properties also assist in speeding up the healing process. Coconut oil has many other additional benefits such as it can prevent constipation. It can either be consumed or applied topically or used in a sitz bath.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids?
Symptoms of hemorrhoids can be easily managed by changing your lifestyle, and diet and inculcating exercises in your day-to-day life. Eating a balanced diet that is nutritious as well as fibrous will help in your bowel movements and make them regular.
Drinking plenty of water will help in improving your digestive process which will in turn help in preventing constipation. Sitting for long periods should also be avoided. As far as possible avoid delaying your bowel movements.
Influence of Diet on Hemorrhoids
Diet plays an important role in causing and preventing hemorrhoids and their associated symptoms. If you stick to a nutritious diet with high fiber, then your chances of getting hemorrhoids are minimal. However, if your diet consists of processed food then the odds of getting hemorrhoid are quite high.
Fibrous foods help in the easy movements of the bowel. A low fiber diet on the other hand can lead to constipation thus contributing to causing hemorrhoids. How? Straining in the toilet will increase and secondly, the hard stools might cause irritation to the already swollen veins thereby aggravating the hemorrhoids.
When to See a Doctor?
In most cases, hemorrhoids can be treated with just home remedies. There are also cases where hemorrhoids tend to go away on their own. However, if the home remedies failed to improve the symptoms even after using for a week or so then it is best to consult a doctor. In case, if you experience rectal bleeding, major discomfort, dizziness, or blood in stool, then it is best to speak to a health provider. Getting help at the right time can help you avoid major complications and other disruptive symptoms. The health provider will also be able to diagnose if the symptoms are a sign or other disorder or not.
