Don’t panic. So you happened to see a bit of blood on the toilet paper one day and now you’re a little more uncomfortable than usual. There’s no need to visit a doctor. You might just have bleeding hemorrhoids, and while that does tend to sound a bit scary, it’s nothing to worry about. They’re not often serious and with some simple at home treatments, they’ll go away on their own.
The problem is actually quite common. It is the result of more pressure than normal being placed on the veins in and around the anus. The blood can then pool in the veins and expand more than they usually would, thus resulting in the itching, burning, and pain you might be feeling. They can bleed a little, which is why you saw blood on the toilet paper. But there are ways to alleviate these symptoms with nothing more than a few minutes each day and a bit of attention paid to your rear end. Start up your own bleeding hemorrhoid treatment session at home and avoid costly doctor appointments.
You can begin with a cold treatment. Put several ice cubes in a soft washcloth or purchase a cold pack and apply it to the anal area for about ten minutes each day. The ice will help to reduce the swelling in the anus. After the ten minutes are up, apply a warm compress (again, make sure to use a soft cloth!) and keep it there for another ten to twenty minutes. The warmth will relax and loosen the tissue which will help to ease the pain and itching you feel, as well as give you a little bit of rest and relaxation each day. You can also apply moist heat several times throughout the day. Take a soft cloth or towel, run it under warm water – not hot – and apply to the affected area. Once finished, be sure to pat dry in order to keep any wetness from irritating the spot.
Remember, bleeding hemorrhoid treatment will only go so far. If they are irritated, avoid sitting or standing in one place for a long period of time. Doing everything you can in order to relieve pressure on the area will allow them to heal faster. If you must sit down, try sitting on a pillow instead. Make sure it’s a regular cushion and not a ring cushion, as those can restrict blood flow. Avoid underwear that will further aggravate the area, such as thongs, and opt for cotton material. Cotton is a much more breathable fabric and will allow for moisture to escape. You might also try wearing loose clothing. This will keep pressure off the area as well as allow for more breathability.
Keep on track, and soon you’ll be able to go to the bathroom pain free!