“Hemorrhoids”
Male | 19 years old
Complaint duration: May be 2-3 days I am showing
3 Answers
Draw a sitz bath. To relieve itching and irritation, fill a tub with three to four inches of warm (not hot) water and sit in it with your knees bent for about 10 to 15 minutes. Gently pat yourself dry with a towel, but don't rub the area.
Take fiber supplements. These draw water into your stool and make it easier to pass, helping to reduce hemorrhoid bleeding and inflammation. A psyllium husk fiber supplement, like Metamucil or a generic version, is a good choice. If psyllium causes gas or bloating, try a supplement with wheat dextrin (Benefiber) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).
Ease discomfort. Apply over-the-counter products that shrink the inflamed tissue and relieve itching. Try pads infused with witch hazel (Tucks), or soothing creams that contain lidocaine or hydrocortisone.
You can also take steps to prevent flare-ups.
Don't delay. Putting off bowel movements can cause stool to back up, leading to increased pressure and straining, which aggravates your hemorrhoids.
Sit right. Try not to sit on the toilet for long periods; this tends to make hemorrhoids push out and swell up. A way to speed up things is to elevate your feet with a step stool as you sit. This changes the position of your rectum to allow for easier passage of stools. Also, using a cushion beneath you when you sit on a chair or hard surface can ease swelling.
Keep it clean. After every bowel movement, gently clean your anal area with a witch hazel pad, a soothing baby wipe, or a cotton cloth soaked in warm water. If you have any irritation afterward, apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel.