Hemorrhoids: How To Get Rid Of Them
Hemorrhoids: How To Get Rid Of Them
A simple physical examination, with a digital rectal examination, is sometimes needed to help diagnose hemorrhoids if you experience rectal bleeding, pain or severe itching. This exam can determine if further treatment is needed but usually home treatments are sufficient. Surgery is rarely recommended and prescription medicine is not usually given.
Once or twice per day, draw yourself a warm (not hot) bath and add a generous amount of colloidal oatmeal to the water. Just as oatmeal can soothe dry, itchy skin, it can also provide some relief from the itching and irritation of external hemorrhoids. Allow yourself to soak in the water for at least fifteen minutes, or longer if possible.
While treating your hemorrhoids, it is best to keep the anal area as dry as possible throughout the day to reduce the risk of additional irritation or infection of the tissues. Absorb excess moisture by applying a small amount of cornstarch or fragrance-free baby powder to your anal area once or twice per day.
Another way that you can relieve the pain caused from your hemorrhoid is to go on a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. These sorts of diets are high in fiber, which helps to keep your bowel movements soft. This will relieve the irritation caused by your daily defecation.
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, keep protein in your diet at a minimum. Protein tends to bind stool and hard stools lead to straining when going to the bathroom. That straining not only helps cause hemorrhoids, but also leads to much pain when using the toilet. Keep your stools soft by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Keep your anal area as clean as possible. You should take the time to clean the area several times a day so that you can avoid getting the hemorrhoids infected. The anal area is prone to bacterial infections, and if you are not careful to keep it clean, the infections can lead to abscesses in the area.
Surprisingly, water can be very effective in treating and soothing hemorrhoids. A ten minute soaking of the rectal area in warm water can be followed by the application of a cold compress for maximum relief. Consider purchasing a toilet bath. This can be found in the majority of pharmacies.
To prevent hemorrhoids make sure you eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water. Unnecessary strain when making a bowel movement is one of the leading causes of hemorrhoids. Including high-fiber foods in your diet will allow everything to pass along smoothly and prevent irritation to the intestinal walls and anus. Foods that are high in fiber include bran cereals, fruits and vegetables.
As recognized in the beginning of the article, surgery is rarely needed for hemorrhoids. A simple exam can diagnose them and home treatment can be used to deal with them and to lessen the severity of symptoms. By using this article to formulate a treatment and prevention plan, you can expect a reduction in flare ups.