Hemorrhoid Remedies

Remedies for mild cases of hemorrhoids usually involve at-home treatments. Most of these remedies are aimed at relieving symptoms such as pain, inflammation and swelling. More severe cases may require medication or a surgical procedure to shrink or remove the hemorrhoid tissue. An important component of overall treatment is implementing lifestyle changes to help prevent recurrence of hemorrhoids.

At-Home Remedies

• At-home remedies for hemorrhoids include soaking in a bath of warm water several times a day, keeping the anal area clean and applying cold compresses or ice packs to the anus to reduce swelling. Other recommendations, according to the Mayo Clinic, include using over-the-counter topical creams or suppositories that contain hydrocortisone, applying pads that contain witch hazel or a numbing agent and using moist towelettes or wet toilet paper instead of dry toilet paper after a bowel movement. Oral medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be taken to help relieve discomfort.

Warning

• At-home treatments may relieve pain and discomfort, but they won't make hemorrhoids go away. You should see your doctor if these measures don't provide relief in a few days---sooner if you experience bleeding or severe pain.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Sometimes, a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid. Your doctor can make a simple incision to remove the clot, which should provide quick relief. Other minimally invasive procedures may be used to treat persistent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids. A procedure called rubber band ligation cuts off circulation to an internal hemorrhoid by placing tiny rubber bands around its base, causing the hemorrhoid to wither and fall off. Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which the doctor injects the hemorrhoid with a chemical solution to shrink it. Still another procedure---coagulation---uses infrared or laser light or heat to shrivel and harden small internal hemorrhoids.

Surgical Procedures

• For large hemorrhoids or those that haven't responded to other procedures, a surgical procedure may be recommended. A hemorrhoidectomy is a procedure in which a surgeon removes the excess tissue that causes bleeding and protrusion. According to the Mayo Clinic, a hemorrhoidectomy is the most complete and effective way to remove hemorrhoids. However, it also has the highest number of complications. Stapling---also called stapled hemorrhoidopexy or stapled hemorrhoidectomy---is a procedure that blocks the flow of blood to hemorrhoidal tissue and causes it to shrink. This procedure is generally less painful than a hemorrhoidectomy, but it has a greater risk of recurrence and rectal prolapse.

Lifestyle Changes

• Lifestyle changes recommended by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons are aimed at treating mild cases of hemorrhoids to prevent them from worsening and recurring. Recommendations include increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, increasing intake of fluids and eliminating straining. Your doctor may also recommend a fiber supplement or bulk stool softener.