Most people immediately seek out help from a physician at the first sign of hemorrhoids. If you do this, your doctor will perform an exam and make appropriate recommendations for treatment. Prescription medications are not usually required for hemorrhoids. By following the tips in this article, you can treat your hemorrhoids yourself without the inconvenience and embarrassment of a doctor visit.

Keep your hemorrhoids as clean as possible. If you can purchase them, select moist wipes rather than toilet paper. They will be more comfortable, and less irritating on the infected area. A sitz bath of warm water can alleviate the discomfort from swollen veins. You will want to sit in it for 20 minutes at least.

Applying ice then heat is an easy and simple home cure for hemorrhoids. The cold will help shrink your hemorrhoid and the heat will promote healing. The ice should be applied to the affected area for at least 10 minutes each day, followed by warm, moist heat for 20 minutes.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an effective topical treatment for relief from hemorrhoids. Astringent witch hazel contracts hemorrhoid tissue, which bring a sigh of relief to sufferers. Apply witch hazel to a cotton ball then let it set for up to 10 minutes. You can also add it in a sitz bath.

When combating hemorrhoids, you should take special are to avoid exposing the inflamed and irritated tissues to any personal hygiene products that contain fragrances, dyes or essential oils. Allowing the hemorrhoid to come in contact with substances like these for even a brief moment can bring on pain, stinging, and exacerbated swelling.

One common cause of recurrent hemorrhoids is a failure to consume enough water. Getting at least eight glasses of water a day keeps the stools soft. Try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, too.

Don’t be embarrassed to use a cushion that goes with you everywhere to make sitting more comfortable. Though you will probably avoid using it in public, it can certainly relieve pain when driving or in the comfort of your own home.

Hemorrhoids are most often cause by overexertion and strain to the sphincter muscles and surrounding areas. If you suffer from hemorrhoids frequently, you should pay close attention to the amount of force you use during bowel movements and other activities.

Hemorrhoids are just as bad as chicken pox in terms of resisting the urge to scratch them. You should not scratch the hemorrhoids because this can tear them open. You will be in more pain if you tear them open. You will also be prone to getting an infection.

Lifting Heavy Objects

Although it may not be commonly known, lifting heavy objects can lead to hemorrhoids. The strain of lifting heavy objects is similar to the strain required to force feces out of the body. If you regularly lift heavy objects and have recurring hemorrhoids, find ways to avoid doing this lifting.

Consume fiber-rich foods, and drink plenty of water in order to soften feces. Softening your stool can help prevent or relieve hemorrhoids by creating less strain. There are some fruits which are wonderful for softening your stool, and encouraging it to move. These include grapes, watermelon and papaya. Veggies like okra and cabbage also contain fiber which will help your bowel movements. Finally, drinking a lot of water can help.

Hemorrhoids can be treated in many ways, sometimes under the care of a doctor and sometimes at home. Home treatment is chosen by many and consists of proper exercise and hydration and a healthful, high-fiber, whole-foods diet.