Are you considering home remedies for your hemorrhoids? If you want a natural remedy to help shrink them down, here’s what you need to know.
“First, realize that hemorrhoids normally do not hurt, but may bleed painlessly, says colorectal surgeon Massarat Zutshi, MD.
She says that if they do hurt, the hemorrhoids may have moved to the outside of the anal canal (or prolapsed) during a bowel movement and become enlarged. If, in addition, hemorrhoids develop a blood clot, (or become thrombosed), they can become especially painful.
There are many ways people may try to shrink down painful hemorrhoids, which might be helpful at best or harmful at worst.
But before you try home treatments, proper diagnosis is critical. “It’s important to see your doctor for bleeding, especially if you have never had hemorrhoids before,” Dr., Zutshi says.
Here are seven possible home treatments for hemorrhoids. Dr. Zutshi comments about each:
Generally, experts recommend people with painful hemorrhoids sit in warm water for 15 minutes, several times a day — especially after a bowel movement.
Doctor’s advice: Yes, this is one of the best treatments. A sitz bath is generally available at a local pharmacy; this small bowl fits right over your toilet and offers a convenient way to soak and soothe the area.
