What should you do for hemorrhoids

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Hemorrhoids occur when veins of the rectum or anus become inflamed because of straining the area too much. Learn about thrombosed hemorrhoids and how they are different from regular hemorrhoids.

Blood in the stool has multiple causes, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Discover how it's diagnosed, treatment, when to see a doctor, and more. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear near the rectum. If you have a severe case that doesn't resolve with home treatment, there are a number of…. Are you experiencing the itching or painful sensation that comes along with having a hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids are incredibly common, so you may be…. A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum. Rectal prolapse has a variety of causes and can be treated. Learn more about symptoms and treatment here.

The next time you feel constipated, consider trying one of these easy home remedies. Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Treating hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids , sometimes called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and rectum. Common symptoms can include pain, itching, and rectal bleeding. They can develop inside or outside of the anus and rectum, called internal and external hemorrhoids, respectively. Hemorrhoids are an extremely common problem.

An estimated 75 percent of Americans experience them at some point. While they typically go away in a few weeks on their own, they can cause mild to severe discomfort. Home remedies can make them more tolerable. Witch hazel. Witch hazel can reduce both itching and pain , two main symptoms of hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can be purchased in liquid form and applied directly to the hemorrhoids. It can also be found in products like anti-itch wipes and soaps.

Aloe vera. Aloe vera gel has been used historically to treat hemorrhoids and various skin conditions. How do you treat an external hemorrhoid? Causes and risk factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment options Prevention Takeaway External hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids that affect veins outside the anus.

Causes and risk factors. Share on Pinterest Constipation can cause external hemorrhoids that may become painful. What are the symptoms? Share on Pinterest A doctor can diagnose external hemorrhoids during a physical examination. What are the treatment options? Prevention methods. Share on Pinterest Eating more dietary fiber can help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Related Coverage. Which foods are good for constipation? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. What are the benefits of a sitz bath? Medically reviewed by Rachel Liberto, R. What to know about hemorrhoids. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. Nine herbal teas for constipation. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Six home remedies for hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may cause pain, severe itching , and difficulty sitting. However, sometimes external hemorrhoids can form a blood clot on the skin. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Internal hemorrhoids can also prolapse. Both prolapsed and thrombosed hemorrhoids can cause significant pain.

If you ever have bleeding or black bowel movements, see your doctor. Bleeding can be caused by something other than hemorrhoids and must be evaluated. Possible causes and risk factors include:. A visual examination of your anus may be enough to diagnose hemorrhoids.

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may do a different examination to check for any abnormalities within the anus. This check is known as a digital rectal exam. During this exam, your doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum. Depending on your risk factors for gastrointestinal disease, your doctor may order an additional test like an anoscopy , sigmoidoscopy , or colonoscopy.

Each of these tests involves your doctor using a small camera to diagnose any abnormalities in your anus, rectum, or colon. An anoscopy examines the inside of your anus, a sigmoidoscopy examines the last 2 feet 50 centimeters of your colon, and a colonoscopy explores the entire colon. With this test, your doctor gets a clear view of the inside of your rectum so that they can examine the hemorrhoid up close. You can find a primary care doctor, gastroenterologist, or other specialist near you through the Healthline FindCare tool.

To minimize pain, soak in a warm tub of water for at least 10 minutes every day. You can also sit on a warm water bottle to relieve the pain of external hemorrhoids. Find out how to make a warm compress at home. If the pain is unbearable, use an over-the-counter OTC medicated suppository , ointment, or cream to relieve the burning and itching. You can find hemorrhoid suppositories online or in stores. Two common supplements of this type are psyllium and methylcellulose.

OTC topical treatments, such as hydrocortisone or hemorrhoid cream, can ease your discomfort from hemorrhoids. Witch hazel pads can offer hemorrhoid relief as well.

You can buy both hydrocortisone and hemorrhoid cream online. Soaking your anus in a sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes per day can also help.