Can I Treat my Hemorrhoids at Home?

Most hemorrhoids can be treated at home with simple prevention and home remedies.  If the hemorrhoid isn’t getting any better after a few days, make sure you get in touch with your doctor. The first approach has already been discussed—drink plenty of water, eat plenty of fiber and avoid straining during bowel movements.

If you find you have a hemorrhoid or hemorrhoids (its more common to have one, buy you can have more than one at the same time), there are a few home remedies you can use.

• Use plain white toilet paper that is slightly moistened with warm water to gently clean the area.  Blot with the toilet paper—don’t wipe, as that will further irritate the tissues. You can also clean off in the shower or by using a bidet. Avoid soaps or the pre-moistened towelettes because most soaps and towelettes will irritate—if you have a natural, glycerine based soap, great!  Vinegar can be used as a home astringent.
• Alternate hot and cold treatments in the area—use an ice pack (~5 minutes) then a warm pack for about 10 minutes, and then the ice pack again (5 minutes).  Repeat this at least a few times a day.
• Use a “sitz bath” without adding anything—just sit in the warm water for about 10 minutes. Make sure the water is comfortably warm and NOT too hot!
• Wear cotton undergarments and keep the area dry—after any of the treatments using water, make sure that you gently but completely dry the anal area.
• You can use ointments that contain vitamins A, D and E to help heal the area—you can also use these before bowel movements to lubricate and minimize the discomfort when you pass the stool.
• An enema may be useful to relieve constipation and ease stool passage—especially when the hemorrhoid is most sensitive. Plain, warm water enemas or glycerine suppositories are the best.