Top Tips to Relieve Hemorrhoids

Witch hazel has been a home treatment of choice for decades.Brian A Jackson/Shutterstock

Hemorrhoids are swollen, irritated veins in your bottom triggering discomfort and pain. Home treatments may reduce your discomfort as the irritation subsides.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Some of the most effective ways to relieve the immediate discomfort associated with hemorrhoids include using a sitz bath, applying cool witch hazel or an Epsom and glycerin compound, using ice packs and cold compresses, or applying pure aloe vera or coconut oil
• Hemorrhoids are swollen, bulging veins in the rectum or anus, often resulting from increased abdominal pressure such as during pregnancy, heavy lifting, chronic constipation, obesity or sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
• To reduce pain and discomfort, avoid using soaps or perfumed paper or wipes as they are irritating and drying; apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil may exacerbate symptoms, and resisting the urge to have a bowel movement may cause the stool to become more difficult to pass
• If the pain from hemorrhoids becomes difficult to manage, your physician may suggest one of several office treatments, including a rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy or infrared coagulation; each treatment has advantages and disadvantages to discuss with your physician

Although they aren’t life-threatening, hemorrhoids may be painful and affect your daily activities.[1] They more often affect adults from 45 to 65 years old, but younger adults and children may experience them as well. While they are common in both women and men, women have an increased risk during pregnancy, due to the pressure of carrying the baby and straining during delivery.[2]