Introduction
Hey there, readers! Welcome to your ultimate guide on banishing external hemorrhoids from the comfort of your own home. These pesky little bumps can be a real pain, but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of external hemorrhoids, explore effective home remedies, and provide tips to prevent these annoying intruders from coming back.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s get rid of those hemorrhoids once and for all!
Causes of External Hemorrhoids
Before we delve into removing hemorrhoids, let’s understand what causes them in the first place.
Straining During Bowel Movements
When you’re straining to pass stool, it puts excessive pressure on the veins in your rectum and anus. This can lead to swelling and inflammation, resulting in external hemorrhoids.
Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Sitting or standing for extended periods can also contribute to hemorrhoids. Gravity causes blood to pool in your lower body, which can put strain on the veins in your rectum.
Low-Fiber Diet
Eating a diet low in fiber can make your stools hard and difficult to pass. This leads to straining during bowel movements, which can aggravate external hemorrhoids.
Home Remedies for External Hemorrhoids
Now that we know the culprits behind external hemorrhoids, let’s explore some tried-and-true home remedies to get rid of them.
Warm Sitz Baths
Soaking in a warm sitz bath can help soothe inflamed hemorrhoids and promote blood flow to the area. Add Epsom salts or baking soda to the water for added relief.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel contains astringent properties that can help shrink hemorrhoids and relieve itching and pain. Apply a witch hazel-soaked cotton ball to the affected area several times a day.
Over-the-Counter Hemorrhoid Creams
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams contain ingredients that can reduce inflammation, shrink hemorrhoids, and numb pain. Apply the cream as directed on the package.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent External Hemorrhoids
In addition to home remedies, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent external hemorrhoids from recurring.
High-Fiber Diet
A diet high in fiber helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass, reducing straining during bowel movements. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are all excellent sources of fiber.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise, especially activities that involve lower body movement, can improve blood circulation and prevent hemorrhoids. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Avoid Straining during Bowel Movements
If you struggle with constipation, don’t strain to pass stool. Use a stool softener or laxative as needed to soften your stools and make them easier to pass.
Table: Summary of Home Remedies for External Hemorrhoids
| Remedy | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Warm Sitz Baths | Soothes inflammation, promotes blood flow |
| Witch Hazel | Shrinks hemorrhoids, relieves itching and pain |
| Over-the-Counter Hemorrhoid Creams | Reduces inflammation, shrinks hemorrhoids, numbs pain |
| High-Fiber Diet | Softens stools, makes them easier to pass |
| Regular Exercise | Improves blood circulation, prevents hemorrhoids |
| Avoid Straining during Bowel Movements | Reduces pressure on veins, prevents hemorrhoids |
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! These home remedies and lifestyle changes should help you get rid of external hemorrhoids and prevent them from coming back. Remember, if your hemorrhoids are severe, painful, or don’t respond to home treatment, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to check out our other articles on health and wellness!
FAQ about How to Remove External Hemorrhoids at Home
Q: What are external hemorrhoids?
A: External hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form around the anus. They are usually painful and can cause itching and bleeding.
Q: What are the symptoms of external hemorrhoids?
A: Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
- Pain
- Itching
- Bleeding
- A lump or swelling around the anus
Q: What causes external hemorrhoids?
A: External hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on the veins in the anus. This pressure can be caused by:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Q: How can I prevent external hemorrhoids?
A: There are a few things you can do to prevent external hemorrhoids, including:
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
- Getting regular exercise
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
Q: How can I treat external hemorrhoids at home?
A: There are a few things you can do to treat external hemorrhoids at home, including:
- Applying a cold compress to the area
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Using witch hazel pads or wipes
- Sitz baths
- Sitz baths are warm baths that you sit in for 10-15 minutes several times a day. They can help to relieve pain and itching.
Q: When should I see a doctor about external hemorrhoids?
A: You should see a doctor if:
- Your hemorrhoids are very painful
- You are bleeding heavily
- You have a fever or chills
- Your hemorrhoids do not improve with home treatment
Q: What are the surgical options for external hemorrhoids?
A: If home treatment does not improve your hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options include:
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This is the surgical removal of the hemorrhoids.
- Laser hemorrhoidectomy: This is a less invasive surgery that uses a laser to remove the hemorrhoids.
