While the subject of hemorrhoids rarely comes up in polite conversation, it is a surprisingly common affliction that affects millions of people every year. The relative unease that many people feel when speaking with another person about the condition often makes them reluctant to seek advice. Fortunately, the information included in this article is sure to offer insight into this condition.
Over the counter creams and ointments are one of the more affordable options for relief from the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids. Look for soothing ingredients to treat different symptoms. Ingredients like hydrocortisone will reduce itching and swelling, while local anesthetics will provide effective, but temporary relief from pain and soreness.
If you are looking for quick relief of a hemorrhoid flare up, you should check out some of the over-the-counter products available for just that purpose. There are creams, suppositories, gels and pads that contain medicines that numb the area. Other medicines such as Tylenol and Advil can help to reduce the pain as well.
There are two types of hemorrhoids that are common in humans and while they have many similarities there are also several key differences. The most common and easiest type of this is an external hemorrhoid which is really not all that different from a varicose vein and can be treated very easily.
Much like chicken pox or other skin irritations, hemorrhoids can cause great exasperation due to their itchiness. No matter how much you want to scratch, you should resist the temptation in order to avoid opening the hemorrhoid. Not only will the rips create additional pain, but they will increase the chances of infections from foreign bacteria.
To avoid getting hemorrhoids don't just sit there and worry about it and read about it constantly. Get up and go do something about it. The positive attitude and movement of not sitting around all the time will increase health in your body, which decreases your chances of getting hemorrhoids. So if you get up to do something about hemorrhoids, it's a double-whammy. It may sound redundant and even ridiculous, but if you think it through, you see that it works.
Reduce the amount of salt you ingest. A lot of salt in your diet can increase swelling in the body due to water retention. This swelling will also occur in your hemorrhoids. By reducing salt you can alleviate some of your discomfort and help bring your blood pressure down, which also impacts hemorrhoid inflammation.
Water is a surprising and soothing treatment for hemorrhoids. Once a day, for about 10 minutes, put your rectum into warm water. Then, put cold compresses on the affected area. Consider purchasing a simple toilet bath, available at local drug stores.
A great way to ease your hemorrhoid problems is to lose weight. The excess weight around your abdomen and waist areas increase the pressure put on the veins in and around the anus. If you lose this excess weight it will relieve the pressure in this area and help with your hemorrhoid problems.
Stay clean! Take care of your hemorrhoids! When you go to the restroom, make sure you clean the area thoroughly, taking care not to irritate it. If your bottom is not clean, bacteria can make its way into your hemorrhoids, and cause inflammation or even an abscess. To prevent these painful occurrences, make sure you wash well and prevent irritation!
Lay on your side to alleviate pressure. Sitting upright or laying on your back may inadvertently cause more pressure to the rectal area, so relieve that pressure by laying and sleeping on your side. This is especially true for hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy, and the expanding uterus is pulled down toward the rectal area, causing more pressure.
A donut cushion will come in very handy, if you suffer from hemorrhoids. This type of cushion is shaped like its namesake and offers comfortable support that takes some of the pressure off of your hemorrhoids. Carry one everywhere with you and do not hesitate to place it on your chair or your car seat.
A natural remedy you can use in order to prevent hemorrhoids is red sage. This is a Chinese herb that helps with blood circulation. Improper blood flow is one of the causes of hemorrhoids. In addition to red sage, you can use Vitamin E. This helps to protect against rectal damage.
It might seem like a cheap trick you can use for practically any pain and that's because it is, but a simple ice pack will work wonders to help ease the pain associated with hemorrhoid flare-ups. You can use one of those cooler ice packs or simply put some ice in a plastic bag.
Be very careful if you are taking laxatives to soften your stools. These can actually be addictive and sometimes end up causing a lot more harm than good. You should never opt for a laxative unless you are really constipated. For anything else, go with products like natural fiber or stool softener. Consider linseed or psyllium husks.
By increasing your intake of Vitamin A, you can help to relieve the pain and discomfort of your hemorrhoids, and you may even be able to decrease some of the inflammation of your swollen veins. Carrots have tons of vitamin A in them, so eating them or drinking their juice is a fast way to get the amount needed to fight hemorrhoids.
Some people think that a hemorrhoid pillow can offer relief from their suffering, but in fact, sitting on a donut pillow can make hemorrhoids worse! When your buttocks sink down into the hole, pressure is placed on the anal veins, causing more pain and inflammation. Instead, use a regular pillow for comfort so that weight is distributed and not placed on the veins.
Even if you are not particularly comfortable asking a friend or family member for help, you can certainly increase your knowledge of and familiarity with the basics of hemorrhoids by remembering the helpful information that you have just received. Use it whenever you or someone you know is battling hemorrhoids.
