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Hemmorhoid Treatment

Hemorrhoids occur when the veins surrounding the lower rectum and anus become swollen and inflamed, causing itching, bleeding and discomfort. The can either develop inside or outside the anus. The main cause of hemorrhoids is straining during bowel movements, but other factors, such as pregnancy, can also increase a person's risk. Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women, affecting about half of Americans by the time they reach 50, according to the National Institutes of Health. People who develop hemorrhoids can often treat them on their own, but in some cases a visit to the doctor may be necessary.

  1. Medications

    • Several over-the-counter medications are available to help treat the bothersome symptoms. These medications, available as ointments, creams, pads and suppositories, typically contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone to help with the itching and discomfort. Although these medications are safe, they should not be used for longer than a week without first speaking with a doctor because of the risk of side effects such as skin thinning and a rash. If your hemorrhoids are painful, you can try using an over-the-counter pain reliever.

    Home Treatment

    • People can do several things at home to provide relief from hemorrhoids. First, soaking in a warm bath several times a day can help. And when you do bathe, be sure to thoroughly rinse the anal area, although keep in mind that soap can irritate the hemorrhoids. After bathing, dry the area completely. Using a hair dryer on a low setting can be very helpful when drying the anus. Also, because dry toilet paper can irritate hemorrhoids, it's a good idea to wet your toilet paper or use moist towelettes when going to the bathroom.

    Medical Procedures

    • For hemorrhoids that are very painful and bleed, your doctor may recommend a medical procedure to remove them. Among the options are rubber band ligation, which involves cutting off the circulation to the hemorrhoids so they will fall off, or injecting a solution in the tissue to cause it to shrink. Another procedure, called coagulation, involves using a laser or infrared light to shrivel the hemorrhoids. These procedures are all minimally invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

    Surgical Procedures

    • If you have tried medical treatments and procedures without success or you have very large hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them. The procedure is called a hemorrhoidectomy. Although surgery is the most effective treatment, it is often reserved for patients whose hemorrhoids carry a possible risk of complications, such as pain and bleeding.

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