Anyone who has suffered from hemorrhoids knows that this condition is excruciating. It is no surprise then that a person who has experienced this condition once will always have a tube of hemorrhoid treatment creams at home. Hemorrhoids can be described as swollen veins inside the rectum, and this condition is also known as piles.

There are two types of hemorrhoids – internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are located deep inside the rectum and cannot be seen or felt.

These are usually not very painful and will be noticed only if you start bleeding from the rectum. External hemorrhoids are located just under the skin of the anus. These are extremely painful and may bleed as well. In some cases, these hemorrhoids may grow bigger and become visible outside the anus. This is known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoids can be treated with both surgical and non-surgical techniques. Surgery is usually the last resort for this condition. Hemorrhoid treatment creams are readily available and are often the most preferred form of treatment. The focus of treating hemorrhoids is to sooth the itching and relieve pain. These should not be used continuously for more than a week. This is because the skin around the anus is very sensitive. If you develop an adverse reaction to this cream, you should stop using it immediately and consult your doctor. Apart from using hemorrhoid treatment creams, some of the things you could do include:

Sitz baths
Soaking yourself in a sitz bath is a great way to use warmth to heal hemorrhoid. Fill a tub with about 3 inches of warm water and sit in it for 15 to 20 minutes. You may repeat this as many times as you like during the day. The warmth of a sitz bath reduces the swelling in hemorrhoid and relaxes the muscles of the anus.
Soaking yourself in a sitz bath is a great way to use warmth to heal hemorrhoid. Fill a tub with about 3 inches of warm water and sit in it for 15 to 20 minutes. You may repeat this as many times as you like during the day. The warmth of a sitz bath reduces the swelling in the hemorrhoid and relaxes the muscles of the anus.

Petroleum jelly
Hemorrhoids are worsened by constipation and an inability to pass stool. Thus, a little lubrication could help relieve this pain. Petroleum jelly is the best form of lubrication in such conditions and should be applied just inside the anus.
Hemorrhoids are worsened by constipation and an inability to pass stool. Thus, a little lubrication could help relieve this pain. Petroleum jelly is the best form of lubrication in such conditions and should be applied just inside the anus.

Cold pack
Cold packs can also help relieve the pain of hemorrhoid. This is because it numbs the area and reduces inflammation. When using a cold pack, it is important to remember never to keep ice or anything that is frozen in direct contact with the skin. Also, do not keep it in the affected place for not more than 15 minutes at a stretch.
Cold packs can also help relieve the pain of a hemorrhoid. This is because it numbs the area and reduces inflammation. When using a cold pack, it is important to remember never to keep ice or anything that is frozen in direct contact with the skin. Also, do not keep it in the affected place for not more than 15 minutes at a stretch.

Have a high fiber diet
While hemorrhoid treatment creams can help treat hemorrhoids, having a diet that is rich in fiber and drinking plenty of water can prevent them from occurring. This is because fiber helps soften stools and prevents constipation. Fiber can be found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition to the fiber content in your food, a doctor may also suggest fiber supplements.
While hemorrhoid treatment creams can help treat hemorrhoids, having a diet that is rich in fiber and drinking plenty of water can prevent them from occurring. This is because fiber helps soften stools and prevents constipation. Fiber can be found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition to the fiber content in your diet, a doctor may also suggest fiber supplements.

If the home remedies and hemorrhoid treatment creams are not effective, a doctor may suggest medical procedures to address the condition. These include:

Sclerotherapy
Painful internal hemorrhoids can be treated with an injection to close the hemorrhoid. The procedure is not very painful and can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The injection works by numbing nerve ending at the site of the injection and hardening the hemorrhoid to allow it to dry and shrink.

Rubber band ligation
Prolapsed hemorrhoids that have not subsided with the use of hemorrhoid treatment creams can be addressed with this procedure. This involves shutting off the blood supply to a hemorrhoid by tying a rubber band around it. With no blood, the hemorrhoid will shrink, dry and fall off within a week.

Cauterization
This is also known as coagulation and involves directing a laser or infrared beam to the hemorrhoid to seal it. As with rubber band litigation, this stops the blood supply to the hemorrhoid and makes it fall off.

Surgery
Surgery is the last resort for hemorrhoid treatment. This process is advised in the case of large hemorrhoids and uncomfortable external hemorrhoids. Surgery may be performed as a traditional hemorrhoidectomy or staples may be used to remove the hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid treatment creams and home remedies can be beneficial in relieving pain caused by hemorrhoids, but unless you pay attention to your diet, this condition could recur. It is also essential for you to take a close look at your lifestyle and consider making a few changes. Never try to force yourself, if you are feeling constipated. At the same time, do not keep yourself from passing stool, if you feel the urge. Creating a routine of emptying your stomach at the same time every day can help prevent constipation and make it easier to pass stool. Squatting on the toilet can also make it easier for the stool to pass out of your body.