Hemorrhoids are inflamed, swollen veins in the lower rectum and the anus. An internal hemorrhoid pushed out of the anus is called a "prolapsed hemorrhoid." Blood can pool in a prolapsed hemorrhoid, hardening into a clot, or thrombus. This is called a "thrombosed external hemorrhoid." There are two matters that need addressing: the irritation and the swelling. Getting rid of the former does not necessarily mean getting rid of the latter. A highly effective home remedy for making the hemorrhoid disappear is simply regular, hot baths.
Instructions
Internal Hemorrhoid
1. Use a warm sitz bath (which is fitted over the toilet) or soak in a shallow, hot bath for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times per day. Sit in a way to ensure the hemorrhoids make contact with the water; otherwise, the baths will not be effective. Purchase the sitz bath in a medical supply store. They are also available in some pharmacies.
2. Reduce irritation and friction. For example, use an ointment such as Rectinol, Anusol or Preparation H. Sit on pillows or a blow-up ring (available at drug stores) to keep the weight distribution away from the hemorrhoids. Use disposable antiseptic cloths (some come soaked in witch hazel) instead of toilet paper. Soap is not necessary and may aggravate the problem.
3. See a doctor if the above does not make the hemorrhoid go away in two weeks. There are several options available to a doctor: an injection to cause shrinkage; a rubber band ligation, which works like a tourniquet but makes the hemorrhoid slough off; surgical removal; and impairing incoming flood flow using either a laser or infrared light.
External Hemorrhoid
4. Use a sitz bath or sit in a hot bath two to three times a day.
5. Reduce irritation with an ointment like Anusol or Preparation H, by sitting on pillows, and using disposable cloths soaked with witch hazel instead of toilet paper.
6. Take aspirin to reduce the clot and to reduce the pain. Discontinue if this increases external bleeding.
7. See a doctor if the above does not make the external hemorrhoid shrink to an internal hemorrhoid within two weeks. For a prolapsed (external) hemorrhoid, there are several options: an incision to remove any clot, shutting down incoming blood flow with laser or infrared coagulation, or surgical removal (hemorrhoidectomy).
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