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Hemorrhoid Self Treatment: What You Can Do at Home

Medically reviewed by Elfred Landas, MD · General Practitioner · Maxicare Primary Care Center


Written by Jan Alwyn Batara · Updated Feb 05, 2021

    Hemorrhoid Self Treatment: What You Can Do at Home

    In some cases of hemorrhoids, surgery and other medical procedures might be required to treat the problem. But for milder cases, there are various hemorrhoid self-treatment tips that you can easily do at home to address this condition.

    Hemorrhoid Self-Treatment Tips

    These hemorrhoid self-treatment tips are easy to do, and they’re sure to provide you with relief from your hemorrhoids.

    Changing your diet

    One of the easiest ways to help treat hemorrhoids is by simply changing your diet. One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is constipation.

    By eating foods that are rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and leafy vegetables, you can help relieve mild cases of hemorrhoids. Not only that, but changing to a high-fiber diet also improves your overall health, and reduces the risk of recurring hemorrhoids.

    It’s also a good idea to eat less meat and processed foods, as these can cause constipation which can worsen your hemorrhoids.

    Using a sitz bath

    A sitz bath is a special type of bathtub for your buttocks and hips. It sits on top of your toilet, and is filled with warm water that has Epsom salts and glycerin.

    By sitting in the sitz bath, you’re soaking your hemorrhoids and helping to reduce the inflammation. This relieves pain and reduces the size of the hemorrhoids so that they’re not as tender.

    These types of bathtubs are relatively inexpensive and are found in most drugstores. If you can’t find any, you can use a large basin or a small tub instead. These should work just as well as a sitz bath when it comes to relieving hemorrhoids.

    hemorrhoid Self Treatment

    Witch hazel

    Witch hazel is a type of plant that has been known to reduce inflammation and irritation. You can buy creams that have witch hazel extract to help treat your hemorrhoids. You can also buy witch hazel astringent in most drugstores, which is a liquid that you can similarly apply directly on your hemorrhoids.

    Witch hazel is safe and is a painless solution that helps reduce inflammation. However, if you have sensitive skin, it might be a good idea to try it on a small patch of skin first to see if you have any reaction to it.

    Recurrence of Hemorrhoids: How to Manage Your Hemorrhoids

    Aloe vera

    Aloe vera is a plant that contains a gel-like substance. It’s usually used as a moisturizer or a treatment for burns, but it also works well to reduce inflammation if you have hemorrhoids.

    One way to use aloe vera is to use the leaf of the plant and apply the gel directly on your hemorrhoids. You do this by cutting off a leaf, and then peeling the green part to reveal the gel inside. Rub this gel on your hemorrhoids, and you should feel a cooling sensation that provides relief.

    There are also creams and ointments that you can buy in drugstores that also contain aloe vera. If you don’t have access to the plant, then these work as a good substitute for treating hemorrhoids at home. As always, be sure to test it on a small patch of skin first before using it on your hemorrhoids.

    Use a step stool

    Lastly, you can also use a step stool when you’re on the toilet. Use the step stool to raise your feet and legs, as if you’re squatting. This squatting position helps relieve pressure on your anus, and also makes it easier for you to pass stool.

    This is an effective way of removing pressure and reducing the pain from your hemorrhoids. It might take some getting used to, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll notice that you pass stool faster, and you don’t even have to strain when going to the bathroom.

    Key Takeaways

    You can try these various hemorrhoid self treatments at home, but it is highly advised that you consult your doctor first.

    Learn more about Hemorrhoids here. 

    Disclaimer

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Medically reviewed by

    Elfred Landas, MD

    General Practitioner · Maxicare Primary Care Center


    Written by Jan Alwyn Batara · Updated Feb 05, 2021

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