Nonsurgical Remedies for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are small clusters of veins beneath the mucous membranes that line the lower rectum and the anus. These veins sometimes swell, similar to varicose veins in the legs, and the result can be internal or external hemorrhoids that cause excessive swelling, itching, pain and sometimes bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be removed surgically, but there are a few non-surgical ways to get rid of them.

Infrared Coagulation

• Look into infrared coagulation as an effective means to get rid of hemorrhoids with a short recovery time and fast treatment, according to Treatment-For-Hemorrhoids.org. The National Institutes of Health says that infrared coagulation may be the best non-operative hemorrhoid treatment available. However, it may not be available in some areas.

  During this outpatient procedure, the doctor treats the hemorrhoids with a beam of infrared light, which creates scar tissue that essentially chokes off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. This causes the hemorrhoid to die and shrivel. The process is considered less painful than other treatments.

Rubber Band Ligation

• Be prepared for two to four procedures spread across eight weeks of treatment to get rid of hemorrhoids using rubber band ligation, according to Harvard Health Publications. This treatment is the most commonly used in the United States. The procedure requires the doctor to place tiny elastic bands around the base of each hemorrhoid so that the hemorrhoid shrinks and creates scar tissue as it heals. Once this treatment is completed it has a better recurrence rate than infrared coagulation or sclerotherapy. Expect possible side effects that include pain and tightness in the anal area, bleeding and possible infections. Side effects are rare.

Sclerotherapy

• Consider sclerotherapy for internal hemorrhoids that cause bleeding, according to HemorrhoidsInPlainEnglish.com. Sclerotherapy is the outpatient administration of chemical or saline solutions via injection that cause the hemorrhoids to shrivel and fall off during normal bowel movements. This treatment is easy and inexpensive, and it does not require an anesthetic or a hospital stay. The desired effects of the treatment usually occur within a week to 10 days in successful treatment, and it is safe for elderly patients with fragile veins.

  The disadvantages of this treatment include common recurrence after 12 months and a high rate of failure when used to treat larger hemorrhoids.

Over The Counter

• Use astringents, local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors as treatment for hemorrhoids without having to visit the doctor. Many over-the-counter remedies for hemorrhoids exist in drugstores. Products such as benzocaine, hydrocortisone, lidocaine and pramoxine are available in various brand names to treat symptoms such as pain, swelling and itching. These should not be substituted for actual treatment in serious cases.