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Hemorrhoids, though not a deadly illness can be one of the most excruciatingly painful conditions. Thanks to our faulty dietary habits as well as unhealthy lifestyles, the number of people suffering from this condition is increasing in leaps and bounds.
Certain measures of self-care may be adopted to bring in symptomatic pain relief. These are:
- Consumption of minimum eight to ten glasses of water each day should be made a habit. Increase your fiber and roughage intake to soften stool and minimize creation of pressure in the lower intestine area.
- Keeping the lower region dry and clean is absolutely mandatory. While having a shower or a bath everyday, you must look into cleaning the skin near your opening very softly preferably using warm water. Soap is not required and may even acerbate the condition. Pat dry with a gentle towel in order to prevent further irritations.
- Sometimes pain relief in case of external hemorrhoids can be brought about by gently moistening the region with a damp, cool, and soft cloth. Application of ice packs and cold compressions on the affected area of the lower intestine will help in reduction of pain and inflammation. This ice may also be used as a normal suppository by inserting it through the opening hole in a bid to bring relief from sensations of burning pain due to hemorrhoids. Ensure that the ice is slippery and wet, without being sticky.
- A Seitz bath fitted on to the toilet can also help in reducing inflammation and pain effectively. A plastic tub filled with warm water is required to get this treatment done. This should be carried out thrice daily for fifteen minutes. Epsom salts bath for ten minutes also relieves pain caused by hemorrhoids.
- Toilet paper should not be used dry when you are wiping your opening area. Toilet paper that is wet or moist towels should be used instead.
- You can use a hemorrhoid cushion for bringing in effective relief from pain. The cushion is a rubber ring which is inflatable, resembling those rings used by children on the beach. The use of the hemorrhoid cushion helps to minimize the pressure at the point of contact between the hemorrhoid and the sitting area.
- At certain times consumption of laxatives can help in stool softening thereby reducing the discomfort due to hemorrhoids.
- Certain exercises like the kegel and pelvic exercises can work like miracles in fighting against pain or swelling due to hemorrhoids.
- Do not sit or stand for a lengthy period of time. Try and develop a correct posture to prevent pressure from building up in the lower area. Take frequent breaks in between your work to take a short stroll.
In addition to these self-care tips there are certain medications which provide instant relief to pain associated with hemorrhoids.
- Oral medications known to relieve pain are aspirin and ibuprofen like Advil and Motrin. Acetaminophen drug like Tylenol also work to bring relief to pain, albeit temporarily.
- A hemorrhoid suppository or cream which contains hydrocortisone can be used to bring in some pain relief. Anusol, Preparation H, and Zenmed Zero are examples of some popular hemorrhoid creams. Certain creams containing zinc oxide can also be used. The use of witch hazel pads may also provide relief from the discomforts associated with hemorrhoids.
- Creams or lotions containing local anesthetics also numb the nerve endings alleviating pain and inflammation. An example of a good anesthetic is any cream containing tetracaine.
- Vasoconstrictors can reduce the swelling of the blood vessels and provide relieve to pain.
- Protectants act as guards or barriers on the perianal region skin. The creams or ointments containing protectants prevent the sensitive skin from coming into contact with any stool or liquid, thereby reducing itching, burning, or pain related to hemorrhoids.
- Certain astringents help to bring about dryness in the skin around the perianal region through proteins coagulation inside the cells. Dryness of the skin helps to reduce such sensations as pain, burning or itching.
- A few of the antiseptics used for hemorrhoids are Bepanthen, and Proctosedyl. The main use of the antiseptics in hemorrhoids is inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Keratolytics are products which cause disintegration of the skin's outer layers. These help the medicines which are applied on the lower intestine area to penetrate deep and work better. This indirectly brings in relief from pain and discomfort to the patient suffering from hemorrhoids.
When using the gels, ointments, or creams, you should ensure to apply these gently as thin coverings close to the lower intestine. If you are to apply these products into the lower passage, you must use your finger or a "pile pipe".
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