Home Cures for Prolapsing Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are veins in the rectum or anus that are swollen due to increased pressure. A prolapsed hemorrhoid is a hemorrhoid that stretches outside of the anus. It may or may not retract on its own. Common causes of hemorrhoids include constipation, diarrhea, straining, heavy lifting, pregnancy and obesity. Sometimes external and prolapsed hemorrhoids crack and bleed, causing itching and discomfort. There are multiple home cures for prolapsing hemorrhoids that can make treatment less of an embarrassing hassle.

Prevention

• Since hemorrhoids are commonly caused by constipation and diarrhea, regulating bowel movements can lessen or cure hemorrhoids. Drink plenty of fluids and eat plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber include fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals. Fiber supplements are available over the counter at most pharmacies. Probiotics can improve gastrointestinal health, regulating bowel movements. Probiotics can be found in yogurts, health food stores and many pharmacies.

  Avoid any food that upsets the stomach. Eliminate or minimize stimulants such as coffee, strong spices, beer and soda. Excess sodium in your diet can also aggravate hemorrhoids. Salt retains fluid in the circulatory system, causing veins to bulge.

  Purchase a bidet, which is an appliance attached to the toilet seat that cleanses the genitalia and rectal area after toilet use.

Treatment

• Use only unscented, white toilet paper. The chemicals in scented varieties can irritate hemorrhoids. Opt for warm baths over showers, including sitz baths. Clean your anus after bowel movements with pre-moistened wipes, such as Preparation H Medicated Wipes or baby wipes. Avoid scratching the hemorrhoids. Scratching can damage the walls of the inflamed veins. Ice packs can also be used to relieve swelling. Sitting on a donut-shaped pillow can take the pressure off of prolapsing hemorrhoids as well.

  Opt for over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream with hydrocortisone over suppositories. Suppositories do not help hemorrhoids on the external area and tend to float too far up the rectum to do a lot of good.

  Dab some witch hazel on a cotton ball and apply it to the hemorrhoid, especially if it is bleeding. Witch hazel shrinks blood vessels, causing them to contract, especially when it is icy cold. Chill a bottle of witch hazel in the fridge or freezer and apply it a few times a day and after bowel movements.

  Collinsonia canadenis, also referred to as stoneroot, is an old-fashioned herbal remedy. Stoneroot works to strengthen the structure and function of veins. Take two 375-mg capsules twice a day with a full glass of water between meals to treat acute prolapsing hemorrhoids. Take a maintenance dose of two capsules a day for prevention or chronic flareups. Stoneroot can be found in most health food stores.