Seeing blood after you go to the bathroom can be very frightening; it is always best to see a doctor so you can rule out serious medical conditions, such as diverticulitis, colitis, or colon cancer. If you have eliminated these possibilities, then it is time to start looking for the right help for you. What are your options?
In a time when there are myriad prescription drugs for every ailment, simple remedies may sometimes be best. This is the case with hemorroidal pain and itching. The goal is to relieve symptoms as the swollen, inflamed tissue tends to heal itself in a few weeks. Those few weeks can be excruciating and frustrating. Taking some time to make a few easy changes in your diet and habits will have a tremendous impact. It shouldn’t be a surprise that diet and exercise play a big role. Adding fiber to your diet will help soften stool so you do not have to strain. It will help regulate your bowel movements as well. Exercise keeps muscles strong and the body in prime shape, which is important in dealing with any type of injury or impairment.
When you are experiencing irritation or itching, try using a flushable wipe instead of toilet paper. These are much gentler to the skin and affected tissue and can both soothe and clean the area. It helps to bathe or shower frequently throughout the day, but stay away from perfumed or scented soaps or body washes. A Sitz bath fits over the toilet. It can be very helpful to fill it with warm water and sit for about 15 minutes. Keep the area dry and clean. This sounds simple, and it is. But it really helps control symptoms.
If itching and/or discomfort get the best of you, try an over-the-counter cream or ointment as a bleeding hemorrhoids treatment. There are several options: products with lidocaine help numb the affected area and reduce pain. Those witch hazel provide a gentle way to relieve itch, and hydrocortisone creams help reduce swelling, itching, and discomfort. These are all topical remedies. If you have internal hemorrhoids, then a suppository may be used if discomfort is present.
As you try these home therapies, monitor your stools for any blood. If bleeding persists, you may require a more advanced bleeding hemorrhoids treatment. Hemorrhoidectomies are rather invasive, though successful; there are less invasive techniques that use lasers, infrared lights, rubber bands, or chemicals to shut down blood flow to the veins so they shrivel and die. For most people, these are unnecessary.