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Hemorrhoids can be quite bothersome and sometimes even painful, but they are surprisingly common – 3 out of 4 adults will experience them at some point in their lives. Hemorrhoids form when excessive pressure is applied to the rectum, causing blood vessels to enlarge. You might have internal or external hemorrhoids, and fortunately, both can be treated. Witch hazel extract is a highly effective natural remedy known for soothing irritated and swollen skin. However, if you're experiencing significant pain, bleeding, or chronic hemorrhoids that don't improve, it's best to seek medical treatment.
Steps
Treating External Hemorrhoids
Cleanse the anal area before treatment. Take a warm bath or shower daily to keep the anal area clean. A sitz bath is more effective than a shower since hemorrhoids will feel soothed when immersed in water. Be gentle when cleaning, as scrubbing too hard can cause pain or discomfort.
- No need for soap, but warm or hot water is recommended for washing.
- Remaining stool particles may irritate hemorrhoids, so it's advisable to use gentle wet wipes after every bowel movement. These wipes, available at pharmacies, often contain witch hazel extract, which helps to soothe the area.
Try a sitz bath with witch hazel extract to relieve hemorrhoids. Fill a bathtub with warm water to about 8-10 cm and dissolve ½ cup (100g) of Epsom salt and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of witch hazel extract. Sit in the bath for about 10-15 minutes, adding more hot water if it starts to cool. Gently pat yourself dry after soaking.
- You can also purchase a sitz bath basin that fits over your toilet.
Information about witch hazel extract: Witch hazel has been used for centuries to treat inflammation and hemorrhoids. The plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe sensitive skin. Additionally, witch hazel extract can relieve itching and swelling, making it an excellent choice for treating hemorrhoids.
Apply a compress with witch hazel extract to the hemorrhoid for immediate relief. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel extract and gently press it against the hemorrhoid for about 60 seconds, up to 6 times a day. Dispose of the cotton ball after use and wash your hands.
- If desired, you can use pre-soaked compresses specifically designed for treating hemorrhoids.
Consider using witch hazel ointment to reduce itching and swelling. This product is available online or in pharmacies. Always read and follow the usage instructions on the product label. Typically, you will use an applicator to apply the ointment directly to the hemorrhoid and surrounding skin.
- Always wash your hands and applicator after use.
- Ointments can be a good option because they provide an extra layer of protection between the skin and clothing, helping prevent irritation.
- If you don't like the greasy feel of the ointment throughout the day, you can opt for a compress soaked in witch hazel extract.
Use suppositories to treat internal hemorrhoids.
Make suppositories using witch hazel tincture and cocoa butter. Mix 1 teaspoon (5ml) of witch hazel tincture with 1 teaspoon (5ml) of cocoa butter in a small bowl. These ingredients are often available at pharmacies, but you may need to visit a health food store to find witch hazel tincture.
- Tincture is a more concentrated form compared to the regular extract. Witch hazel tincture usually comes in a dropper bottle and is much stronger than regular witch hazel extract. This is important because the suppository will not be effective if the extract is too diluted.
Warning: If you decide to purchase suppositories from a pharmacy instead of making them yourself, be careful not to confuse laxatives with hemorrhoid treatment medications – the results will not be as expected!
Shape the mixture into small, tapered pill forms. If you find it difficult to shape, you can wrap the mixture in plastic wrap and twist it to form a pill shape. Place the pill in a small bowl and wrap it again in plastic wrap.
- A suppository is a solid form of medication that is inserted into the rectum. It will release witch hazel extract as it dissolves.
Freeze the suppository for 1-2 hours until it is completely firm. Place the bowl with the suppository in the freezer, making sure it is wrapped tightly in plastic. When the suppository is solid and doesn’t dent when pressed, it is ready for use.
- The suppository must be cold and firm to be properly inserted into the rectum.
Wash your hands and wear disposable gloves for hygiene. Wearing gloves keeps your hands clean and helps prevent bacteria from entering under your nails or skin folds.
- You can also use finger cots, which are similar to disposable gloves but cover only individual fingers.
- If you don’t have gloves or finger cots, you can use your bare hands. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly both before and after using the suppository.
Lubricate the tip of the suppository to make insertion easier. Dab a small amount of water-soluble lubricant on the tip of the suppository. The lubricant will reduce discomfort during insertion and help the suppository go in a bit deeper, improving its effectiveness in treating hemorrhoids.
- If the suppository seems too large when you take it out of the freezer, you can cut it in half. A halved suppository will still be just as effective.
Lie on your left side and insert the suppository. Lie on your side with the top leg bent and the bottom leg extended. Use one hand to lift the upper buttock and gently push the suppository into the rectum with the other hand. Make sure the suppository is inserted about 2.5 cm deep.
- You may need to use a finger to help push the suppository further in. It may feel a bit uncomfortable, but it will pass quickly!
Stay on your side for 5-10 minutes while the medication works. You may need to tighten your sphincter muscle for a few seconds to hold the suppository in place. Try to relax; hopefully, you'll feel better soon.
- You might feel cold while waiting, so keep a blanket nearby.
- Watch some funny videos on your phone to distract yourself and make the time pass faster.
Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands one last time. Use warm water and soap to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, then dry them with a clean towel. The suppository will dissolve, but you may notice some leakage when walking. In this case, you can use a liner to prevent cocoa butter from staining your clothes.
- You can use suppositories up to three times if necessary to soothe the hemorrhoids.
Seek medical care.
See a doctor if the hemorrhoid is bleeding, painful, or not improving. Most hemorrhoid cases resolve within a week without medical treatment, and if yours does, that's great. However, hemorrhoids can sometimes bleed and may be very painful. In such cases, your doctor may suggest alternative treatment options.
- Let your doctor know that you have been treating your hemorrhoids at home with witch hazel extract.
- It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are over 40 and experiencing bleeding. While it's likely to be hemorrhoids, bleeding can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue.
Tip: It’s normal to feel embarrassed about having hemorrhoids, but remember that this condition is very common, and doctors have treated many cases just like yours.
Go to the emergency room if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These could be symptoms of a more serious condition or an infection. You need to see a doctor or visit the emergency room for an evaluation. They will have the right treatment to help you recover quickly.
- Don’t drive if you’re feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Call a cab or ask someone to give you a ride.
Allow the doctor to examine you and conduct necessary tests. The doctor will perform an exam to confirm the diagnosis. If you have internal hemorrhoids, the doctor might perform a quick exam by feeling the hemorrhoids with a finger. You might feel a little uncomfortable or embarrassed, but the exam will be over quickly.
- In rare cases, the doctor may decide to perform a colonoscopy if they suspect a condition other than hemorrhoids. This test is usually painless, though it may be a little uncomfortable.
Ask your doctor about hemorrhoid creams. If witch hazel extract doesn’t work, over-the-counter creams, ointments, and suppositories may be helpful. You can purchase hemorrhoid cream and hydrocortisone suppositories at pharmacies or online. If your hemorrhoids don’t improve within a week, consult your doctor about other treatment options.
- Always read the medication label and follow the instructions carefully.
Consult your doctor about alternative treatments if hemorrhoids are interfering with your daily life. If the above methods don’t work, your doctor may recommend trying other approaches. There are several minimally invasive procedures for treating hemorrhoids. The doctor might suggest the following treatments:
- Tying off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid by placing a rubber band around it. This method will cause the hemorrhoid to fall off.
- Injecting chemicals to shrink the hemorrhoid.
- Using heat from a laser or infrared light to shrink and coagulate the hemorrhoid.
- In rare cases, the doctor may choose to cut or clamp the hemorrhoid to alleviate symptoms.
Advice
- Use a hairdryer to dry the anal area. Towels may irritate the hemorrhoids further. You can hold the hairdryer about 20 cm from the skin and move it back and forth until the area is dry.
- Increase your fiber intake and avoid sitting for prolonged periods to prevent hemorrhoids.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements. Straining can cause hemorrhoids or worsen existing ones. Try to relax and go slowly to avoid pressure on your blood vessels.
- Hemorrhoids are very common during pregnancy. They usually resolve within a few weeks after delivery, but make sure to inform your doctor if the pain is severe.
Warning
- If you notice blood after using the restroom or experience pain during bowel movements, you should contact your doctor.
- Always check with your doctor to confirm that the issue is hemorrhoids. While hemorrhoids can often be treated at home, it’s important to ensure that there’s no underlying serious condition. Additionally, if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may perform some procedures in the clinic to help relieve discomfort.
- If witch hazel extract causes itching or irritation, you may be allergic, and you should stop using it immediately.
Items You Will Need
External Hemorrhoid Treatment
- Epsom Salt
- Witch Hazel Extract
- Witch Hazel Ointment
- Towel
- Medical Cotton Balls
Using Suppositories to Treat Internal Hemorrhoids
- Small Bowl
- Cocoa Butter
- Witch Hazel Extract Tincture
- Measuring Spoon
- Plastic Wrap
- Water-Soluble Lubricant
- Disposable Gloves
