Hemorrhoid Remedies

Reduce the pain, itching, and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. These solutions can be used simultaneously and/or as needed. 

None of these solutions are intended for long-term use. Please consult your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse. 

Do you have other remedies that have helped you? Contact us. We'd love to hear about them.

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Medicated Wipes

Hemorrhoid wipes or pads, such as Tucks, cleanse your rectum with a quick wipe. Also, apply to the skin around the rectum as a compress for additional relief. Tucks suggests applying for up to 15 minutes though some midwives and OBGYNs may suggest longer. The pad can be folded and placed between your cheeks for on-the-go relief but note your underwear and pants may become wet after sitting. For severe pain, consider placing wipes in the fridge for additional cooling relief. Please note: the active ingredient in most wipes and pads is witch hazel. While most people do not experience adverse reactions, if your skin becomes irritated, stop using immediately.

Avoid witch hazel pads that contain alcohol as an active or inactive ingredient.

Hemorrhoidal Ointment and Cream

Preparation H has been the leading hemorrhoid treatment on the market since 1935. To find the best product Preparation H offers, use their Relief Finder, which creates a custom solution plan. Most pharmacies and grocery stores offer generic and more affordable brands as well.

Ointments can be used both internally and externally and usually include applicators to help with internal application. Instead of an applicator, you could use your hand with a glove or apply ointment to toilet paper and then directly on your rectum. In general, Preparation H (or generic ointments) helps to shrink the hemorrhoids, reduce discomfort/pain and protect the skin from additional irritation. Below is a video demonstrating application:

Pain Relief Spray

Is your discomfort intolerable? Sprays like Dermoplast Pain Relief Spray and Preparation H Cooling Spray can provide immediate relief for itching, pain, or burning caused by hemorrhoids. 

One great reason to use these sprays is for a touchless application - just spread em' and spray. 

Use these sprays as directed. 

Suppositories

Suppositories are solid forms of medications that are inserted rectally. Suppositories for hemorrhoids help reduce pain, discomfort, and itching of internal hemorrhoids. According to the Preparation H website, suppositories should be inserted while lying down for at least five minutes and after a bowel movement, making it an ideal remedy for nighttime. 

If you cannot lie down for 5 minutes while the suppository melts, consider using an ointment with the included applicator and then using the suppository when you can lie down.

Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is simply a shallow bath filled with warm tap water. It provides instant relief for pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids. The term “sitz” is derived from the German word “seat”. They were invented in 1842 in Malvern England where their spring water was said to have healing properties. A sitz bath can be done in a regular-sized bathtub or a small basin that fits over your toilet, like this one. Sit for at least ten minutes. The upside to a full-body bath is that it offers your whole body a chance to relax.

Fun tip: add Epsom salt to your bath, which has anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Although many healthcare providers recommend Epsom salt, there is no scientific data that confirms its healing properties, but we still use it! Here's a link to our favorite bath soaks by Thistle Farms.

Bidet

A bidet is used for cleaning your genitals and anus after using the bathroom and can be very helpful to get your butt clean without agitating it with toilet paper or wipes. The water can also mimic the benefits of using a sitz bath because it can reduce pressure and thoroughly cleanse the area.

Bidets are not common in the United States, but toilet add-ons from Tushy, Whisper Bidet, and Omigo are gaining traction.  

Stool Softener

When bowel movements become hard or large, hemorrhoids become irritated and inflamed. To quickly reduce the firmness of your stool, consider a stool softener while increasing your water intake.

Fiber

In addition to stool softeners, fiber supplements like psyllium husk powder or a diet high in fiber can soften your stool. Fiber softens your stool, making it easier to pass, which reduces irritation of your anus. Preventing irritation is essential to quick healing.

Our favorite high-fiber foods:

  • Raspberries

  • Beans

  • Apples

  • Green peas

  • Whole wheat pasta

  • Oatmeal

Click here for more high-fiber food ideas from Mayo Clinic.

Hydrate

Firm stool can irritate your hemorrhoids because you will be more likely to strain when you are using the bathroom. One great way to soften your bowel movements in addition to stool softeners and fiber is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! More water in your body equals softer bowel movements.

Ways to increase your water intake:

Alcohol and high-sugar drinks should be avoided because they are dehydrating and cause constipation.

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are no longer believed to be dehydrating as long as you stick to moderate intake. 

Wet Wipes

If a bidet or witch hazel pads are not available, use wet wipes. Proper and complete cleansing of your anus after a bowel movement removes all fecal material. Leftover fecal matter is irritating to your skin and hemorrhoids.

There are downsides to using wet wipes, however. The perfumes and chemicals in some wet wipes may further irritate your skin, and the wetness left behind can add to the irritation. Try using fragrance-free wipes and blotting with dry toilet paper after use.

Oh, and they are terrible for plumbing systems and possibly the environment. Yikes! Only flush the ones that say "flushable" on the packaging, but also consider wrapping them in toilet paper and throwing them in the trash after use instead of the toilet. 

Go When You Feel the Urge

Abstaining from using the bathroom can make hemorrhoids worse. The longer the stool remains in your intestines, the more dehydrated and harder the stool becomes. Firm stool can irritate your rectum, making it difficult for hemorrhoids to heal. As soon as you feel the urge to defecate, go to the bathroom.

Do Not Strain

When using the bathroom, do not force your stool out. If you find yourself pushing, take a deep breath and practice relaxing your rectum and anus to let the bowel movement pass with minimal pressure. Using a footstool like a Squatty Potty or a foldable stool so that your knees are above your hips is also highly recommended. This position relaxes your pelvic floor muscles and keeps you from straining.

Exercise/Be Active

Light and moderate movement can shrink existing hemorrhoids because it increases blood flow and moves blood away from the swollen veins. Exercising can also tone the muscles that help ease bowel movements and help your digestive system function better, decreasing the likelihood of hard, irritating stool.

Need some activity and exercise ideas? Here are some of our favorites:

Some exercises may add more pressure on your rectum and worsen your hemorrhoids, such as weight-lifting or biking. If you experience discomfort, try modifying the activity or intensity of your routine.

Surgery

Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called hemorrhoidectomy. According to the University of Michigan: 

Hemorrhoidectomy is appropriate when you have:

• Very large internal hemorrhoids.

• Internal hemorrhoids that still cause symptoms after nonsurgical treatment.

• Large external hemorrhoids that cause significant discomfort and make it difficult to keep the anal area clean.

• Both internal and external hemorrhoids.

• Had other treatments for hemorrhoids (such as rubber band ligation) that have failed. 

Surgeries vary in their invasiveness. According to Mayo Clinic, "Only a small percentage of people with hemorrhoids require surgery." If your hemorrhoids are severe and persistent, talk to your primary care provider about your options. 

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