Flare-ups can unexpectedly arise, bringing forth discomfort such as pain, itching, irritation, burning, and occasionally bleeding. Factors like stress, diet, and constipation can trigger these episodes. The duration and intensity of flare-ups differ from person to person.
Incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet, which can benefit your digestive health. Consider using topical treatments such as hemorrhoid creams or suppositories containing hydrocortisone, readily available without a prescription. Soothe discomfort by regularly soaking in a warm bath or sitz bath. If needed, oral pain relievers can provide further relief.
This blog post will discuss Pain Relief for Hemorrhoid Flare-ups, self-help tips, treatments, and prevention strategies for hemorrhoid flare-ups.
Hemorrhoid Pain Relief for Hemorrhoid Flare-ups: 5 Treatment Options
Hemorrhoid flare-ups can be uncomfortable, but many medical treatments provide relief. Prescription creams with hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or pramoxine reduce inflammation and itching. Procedures like sclerotherapy and infrared coagulation effectively shrink hemorrhoids and ease symptoms.
- Prescription Creams or Ointments: Hemorrhoids are commonly treated with these drugs to reduce inflammation, swelling, and itching. Hemorrhoid symptoms can be temporarily relieved with these creams, which contain hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or pramoxine.
- Sclerotherapy: The hemorrhoid is injected with a solution to shrink it during this procedure. Most hemorrhoid solutions contain phenol, a chemical that shrinks the blood vessels in hemorrhoids. A relatively painless process, sclerotherapy can be done as an outpatient.
- Infrared Coagulation: During this procedure, an infrared light burns the hemorrhoid tissue, causing it to shrink and die. A quick and straightforward process, infrared coagulation, can be performed in your doctor's office.
- Rubber Band Ligation: A rubber band surrounds the hemorrhoid's base to cut off its blood supply. During this time, the hemorrhoid shrinks and falls off. For hemorrhoid flare-ups, rubber band ligation is the most effective non-surgical treatment.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Hemorrhoids are removed surgically in this procedure. When other treatments have failed to provide relief, it is typically recommended for severe cases. As an outpatient procedure, hemorrhoidectomy is a safe and effective method of removing hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid Flare-ups: 5 Self-Help Tips
Self-help tips can provide relief during hemorrhoid flare-ups. These strategies, from soothing warm water baths to over-the-counter creams, can ease symptoms and promote healing. Fiber and fluid intake can also prevent further irritation.
- Soothe the area with warm water baths: Taking warm baths can help reduce inflammation and relieve the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids. To soothe the affected area, spend 15-20 minutes in a warm bath daily.
- Over-the-counter creams or ointments: Creams and lotions can relieve hemorrhoids' itching and burning. Hydrocortisone, lidocaine, or witch hazel are typical ingredients of these products.
- Clean the area gently but thoroughly: Keeping the anal site clean is essential to prevent infection and further irritation. Use gentle, non-abrasive wipes or dampened toilet paper to clean the area after bowel movements. Avoid using harsh soaps or wipes containing fragrance or alcohol, which can further irritate the area.
- Non-scented toilet paper: Soft, non-scented toilet paper is gentle on the area and can prevent further irritation. Avoid wet wipes or scented toilet paper, as they irritate sensitive skin.
- Increase fiber and fluid intake: Fiber and fluid soften stools, reducing strain on the rectum during bowel movements. Eat fruit, vegetables, and whole grains that are rich in fiber.
Hemorrhoid Pain Relief for Flare-ups: 7 Prevention Tips
With these prevention tips, you can effectively manage and reduce the chances of flare-ups. From keeping a healthy weight to practicing good hygiene, these strategies will help you manage your hemorrhoids.
- Maintain Weight: A healthy weight is crucial for preventing the occurrence of hemorrhoid flare-ups. Weight gain and obesity significantly elevate the risk of developing hemorrhoids in the rectal area. You can effectively manage your weight with healthy eating and regular exercise, reducing the likelihood of experiencing hemorrhoids.
- Stay Hydrated: Fluid intake keeps stools soft to pass. Hard and dry stools can cause irritation and strain during bowel movements, resulting in hemorrhoids. To avoid hemorrhoid flare-ups and prevent dehydration, drink at least 8 cups of water daily.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise reduces the risk of hemorrhoid flare-ups by improving blood circulation and reducing vein pressure in the rectal area. Activities that promote healthy circulation include walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. Strength-training exercises can also reduce hemorrhoids by building and toning pelvic muscles.
- Treating Existing Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as obesity and pregnancy, can contribute to developing hemorrhoids. Treating existing medical conditions can prevent flare-ups and improve overall health.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene can help prevent hemorrhoid flare-ups. After bowel movements, cleaning the anal area gently and thoroughly with mild soap and water is essential. Avoid using harsh toilet paper or wipes that can irritate the anal area.
- Proper Bathroom Habits: Sitting on the toilet for extended periods, excessive wiping, and using harsh soaps or cleaners can all contribute to hemorrhoids. Developing good bathroom habits can prevent future flare-ups.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects: Hemorrhoids flare up when you lift heavy objects, increasing pressure on your veins. Injury risks can be reduced by using proper lifting techniques.
Conclusion
Flare-ups of hemorrhoids can be a challenging experience, but understanding the signs, symptoms, and treatments will provide relief when you need it most. By preventing hemorrhoid flare-ups, you can avoid the discomfort and pain they can cause.
Seeking medical advice if your symptoms persist, self-care, and overall health are all ways to ensure that hemorrhoid pain relief is within your reach.