Hemorrhoid medication

Hemorrhoids are clumps ("cushions") or masses of tissue found inside the lower intestine canal. This canal is the last stage in the passage extending to about four centimeters from the rectum which allows stool to pass through. The lower intestine canal consists of blood vessels with the adjoining supporting tissue made of elastic fibers and muscle. To put it simply, hemorrhoids are veins that swell either within the lower intestine canal or close to the opening end. The former condition refers to internal hemorrhoids whereas the latter one is external hemorrhoids.

Excessive pressure put in the pelvic area while passing stool causes the swelling of the veins leading to hemorrhoids. Constipation and diarrhea, both are contributory factors to hemorrhoids. Sometimes obesity, pregnancy, childbirth also do contribute to excessive strain on the pelvic region blood vessels.

Pain along with bleeding while passing stool are the general signs of internal as well as external hemorrhoids.

Increased intake of fiber along with plenty of fluids can help prevention of hemorrhoids. Even this is the only form of treatment doctors usually resort to unless the hemorrhoids are excessively painful and large. In this case in addition to dietary changes to improve bowel habits, fixative and surgical procedures may also be incorporated.

Certain over - the - counter medications are commonly used for treating hemorrhoids. However the components for these medications are more effective in decreasing the symptoms of discomforts associated with hemorrhoids rather than curing the condition.

The medications for treating hemorrhoids are usually available in these forms:

• Ointments
• Creams
• Gels
• Suppositories
• Pads
• Foams

When using the gels, creams or ointments around the anus region, care should be taken to apply these as thin coverings. When using these products inside the lower intestine canal, "pile pipe" or finger should be effectively inserted. Pile pipes are to be lubricated by ointment before their insertion into the canal. Here are some categories of the medications used for treating hemorrhoids:

• Local anesthetics: These products help in temporary easing of pain and other forms of discomforts. Itching or burning sensations are alleviated by these medications. These effectively cause the nerve endings to become numb thus reducing those discomforting sensations. It should however be noted that the local anesthetics can sometimes result in allergic reactions along with itching and burning. If these kinds of symptoms persist, one should immediately stop the usage of these anesthetics and consult the doctor. Some of the components of local anesthetics include Tetracaine 0.5% - 5.0%, Pramoxine 1.0%, Lidocaine 2% - 5%, Dyclonine 0.5% - 1.0%, Dibucaine 0.25% - 1.0%, Benzyl alcohol 5% - 20%, Benzocaine 5% - 20%.
• Vasoconstrictors: These products contain chemicals which are akin to epinephrine, a chemical occurring naturally. When these products are applied the blood vessels in the affected area turn smaller thereby reducing swelling. Pain or itching may also be relieved on account of their low anesthetic effects. Vasoconstrictors application is known to cause less serious side effects than taking vasoconstrictors in oral form or by injection. The composition of vasoconstrictors includes Phenylephrine 0.25%, Epinephrine 0.005% - 0.01%, and Ephedrine sulfate 0.1% - 1.25%.
• Protectants: These products help in preventing discomforts or irritation in the perianal region by creating a physical guard over the skin. The irritated or sensitive skin is prevented from coming in close contact with liquid or any stool passing out of the lower intestine and thus aggravating the discomfort. The protectants or barriers help decrease burning, pain, itching and other forms of irritation. The components of protectants include Aluminum Hydroxide gel, Glycerin, Cocoa butter, Kaolin, Lanolin, Mineral oil, Starch, white petroleum, Zinc oxide and Cod liver oil.
• Astringents: Astringents are effective in proteins coagulation within the skin cells in the perianal region. This results in skin dryness leading to easing of pain, burning or itching sensations. Astringents contain Witch Hazel 10% - 50%, Zinc oxide 5% - 25%, and Calamine 5% - 25%.
• Antiseptics: Some examples in this category include Phenol, Boric acid, Cetylpyridinium chloride, and Resorcinol. These products prevent bacterial growth.
• Keratolytics: The chemicals in these products cause disintegration of tissues or the skin's outer layers to help applicative medications to work effectively inside the lower intestine canal. The two types of keratolytics are Resorcinol and Aluminum chlorhydroxy allantoinate.
• Analgesics: Certain examples of analgesics include Camphor, Juniper tar, and Menthol. These products act as relievers of pain or itching.
• Corticosteroids: Usage of corticosteroids decrease itching and inflammation. However prolonged use may cause irreversible harm to the skin. Weak corticosteroid products are found as over - the - counter medications. Stronger ones are only available as prescription drugs.