How to Prevent and Proper Treatment Hemorrhoids

The inflammation and swelling in the veins around the anus is commonly referred to as hemorrhoids and piles. The two can be develop in either inside or outside the anus. The veins will become enlarged and inflamed is sometimes due to the straining to pass hard, compacted stools.

Some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids includes the tenderness or pain and sometimes bleeding. A small lump at the opening of the anus is sometimes also noticed. Hemorrhoids generally last several days and mostly often recurring it not treated.

The itching of the rectum (or rectal itching) is usually caused by other causes and conditions. One cause could be attributed if the anus is not kept clean. Any fecal seepage that comes with diarrhea causes the skin around the anus to become irritated. Another cause is that trying to keep the area too clean by rubbing with dry toilet paper or using excess soap may also injure the skin.

To prevent hemorrhoids, the following suggestions are recommended:
 

1. Ensuring that your stools are kept soft. To do this, you must ensure that your diet includes plenty of water, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Adding two tablespoons of bran or Metamucil to your diet each day is also recommended.

2. Sitting for a long period of times restricts the blood flow around your anus. This should be avoided by standing every now and then.

3. During bowel movements, try not to strain. Take your time and never hold your breath.

Some suggestions that will treat hemorrhoids include the following:

1. The anal area should be keep clean. After bowel movement, it is advisable to take a warm bath. As warm bath are soothing and cleansing. Also, you can do a sitz bath (hot baths with just enough water to cover the anal area) to relieved the cause of hemorrhoids. Pre-moistened tissues or baby wipes is recommended to use to replace toilet paper.

2. You can apply a Zinc oxide (in paste or powder form) to the painful area after drying. Another alternative for this is the use of petroleum jelly. Application of this two protects against further irritation and eases the passage of stools.

3. Loose clothing and cotton underwear is advisable as they are more convenient and allows air to pass through the skin.

4. The itching can be relieved by using cold compresses on the anus for ten minutes four times a day.

5. Itching and irritation can also be relieved by application of zinc oxide, petroleum jelly, hydrocortisone (0.5%), or an over-the-counter medicated cream or suppository. Products that contain local anesthetic should be avoided as it can cause an allergic reaction. Usually, these products comes with a suffix “-caine” in the name or ingredients.

When to ask for medical help?

1. It is better to call for medical help when the bleeding is heavy (usually more than a few bright red streaks), or sometimes if the blood is dark red or brown.

2. If the problems recurs despite of home treatment or the bleeding continues for more than one week.

3. Or if the pain is already severe or already lasted for a week.

4. And if for no apparent reasons the bleeding occurs and is not associated with straining to pass stools.

Further reading and in-depth discussion about the subject can be found on these sites:

http://www.medicinenet.com/hemorrhoids/article.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hemorrhoids/article_em.htm

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