6 opções of treatment for external hemorrhoids

Treatment for external hemorrhoids can be done with home measures such as warm water sitz baths, as they help relieve discomfort at home.

However, it is important to consult a proctologist to start using anti-inflammatory drugs or ointments that, in addition to relieving pain and discomfort, also allow hemorrhoids to be reduced and healed more quickly. See other symptoms of external hemorrhoids and their causes.

Also, when hemorrhoids are very large or appear frequently, the proctologist may recommend surgery, but generally the use of medication prescribed by the doctor along with home measures is quite effective, without the need for surgery.

To control hemorrhoids the main treatment options include:

1. Sitz bath

Warm water helps relieve swelling and pain, but should last about 15 to 20 minutes and can be done several times a day. Some medicinal plants that can be added to the basin with warm water are chamomile, lavender, arnica and witch hazel, which will help to soothe the area, relieving the pain in a few minutes. But to prevent the site from becoming infected, it is recommended to use a stainless steel basin that has been properly cleaned and disinfected with alcohol, and the water must be changed after each sitz bath performed.

2. Eat more fiber and drink more water

Eating fiber-rich foods at every meal, such as whole grains, leafy vegetables and fruits with peel, is also an excellent way to soften stools, bringing less discomfort in the evacuation. But for a better use of fibers it is also important to drink 2 liters of water a day.

Some examples of indicated foods are: figs, papaya and oats, but it is also possible to add a water-soluble fiber, such as Metamucil or Muvinlax, which you can buy at the pharmacy. Just mix 1 dessert spoon or 1 sachet of this powder in 1 glass of water, soup or juice and take with every meal. In addition, you should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and if this care is not taken, the effect can be the opposite and the stools can become even harder and harder to come out, aggravating hemorrhoids.

3. Use hemorrhoid ointment

Hemorrhoid ointments should only be used under medical advice, although they can be purchased without a prescription. They help to reduce the size of the hemorrhoid and relieve the pain in a few minutes, and should be applied 2 to 4 times a day, while there is pain and discomfort. Good examples are Imescard, Proctosan and Ultraproct.

4. Home remedies

An excellent home remedy is sitz baths, but you can also make a homemade hemorrhoid ointment. See how to properly prepare home remedies for hemorrhoids.

Or check out the remedies in the video:

5. Hemorrhoid Remedies

Pills such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain, and under medical advice, medications such as Daflon or Perivasc, to relieve swelling, pain and bleeding caused by hemorrhoids. Diabetics should only use hemorrhoid medication under medical supervision.

Usually external hemorrhoids relieve soon after following these treatments, disappearing in 2 or 3 days, but in more severe cases, when there are no signs of improvement, surgery may be necessary.

6. Surgery for hemorrhoids

Surgery for external hemorrhoids is only indicated in the most severe cases, when the hemorrhoid suffers thrombosis or ruptures, because usually with the use of ointments, sitz baths and food, the external hemorrhoid disappears. Learn more at Surgery for Hemorrhoids.

However, after surgery, the individual should continue to eat a high-fiber diet and avoid straining when defecating to prevent the appearance of new hemorrhoids.

Care during treatment

During the treatment, the individual must take some precautions such as:

• Avoid using toilet paper, washing the anal area with soap and water after bowel movements;
• Do not lift weights;
• Do not eat very spicy and spicy foods;
• Do light or moderate physical exercise, which can be a walk;
• If necessary, use a rim-shaped cushion with an opening in the center to sit on.

Another important tip is not to strain to have a bowel movement, as this increases the risk of creating more hemorrhoids. See in the video below which is the correct position to sit to facilitate the output of stool.

Signs of improvement

Signs of improvement of external hemorrhoids include relief of pain, especially when sitting and having a bowel movement, as well as lessening of hemorrhoid swelling and lessening or disappearing of blood in bowel movements. In addition, the fact that the individual stops palpating the hemorrhoid means that it has disappeared.

Signs of worsening

Signs of worsening external hemorrhoids include increased pain, especially when sitting or having a bowel movement, as well as swelling of the hemorrhoid. In addition, the external hemorrhoid may be larger when the individual palpates it and may lose more blood during bowel movements.