Hemorrhoid Treatments
Treatments for hemorrhoids (also haemorrhoids or piles) vary widely in their cost, risk and effectiveness. For many people hemorrhoids are mild, temporary conditions that either heal themselves, or respond to preventative measures, such as changes in diet, careful washing, improving posture and muscle tone, etc.
More severe cases of hemorrhoids can benefit from more aggressive treatments. These can be divided into three categories: physical treatments, that are applied directly to the hemorrhoids; medicinal treatments, that are taken orally; and surgical treatments, that actually remove or destroy the hemorrhoids.
Physical Hemorrhoid Treatments
Many over-the-counter remedies are available for treating hemorrhoids. These are usually in the form of ointments, creams, gels, suppositories, foams and pads that are applied at regular intervals directly to the hemorrhoids or the anal region. Natural astringents and soothing agents, such as Witch Hazel, Cranesbill, Aloe Vera, and honey, can have similar effects.
Commercial remedies usually include some form of anesthetic to help relieve the pain, burning and itching, and nearly all include a protectant that forms a physical barrier on the surface of the skin to prevent contact with the aggravating material. Many also include ingredients that act to reduce the swelling of the hemorrhoids.
Ointments, creams and gels should be applied as a thin covering around the anus, and can be applied to the anal canal by insertion of a finger or ‘pile pipe’. Pile pipes are most efficient when they have holes in the sides as well as at the end, and should be lubricated with ointment prior to insertion.
Suppositories and foams are specifically targeted for application inside the anus, but generally do not have significant advantages in terms of effectiveness over ointments, creams and gels – their use is largely a matter of personal preference in the method of application.
While such treatments can be effective at relieving symptoms in the short term, especially for relatively mild cases of hemorrhoids, their effect is only short-lived and they do not tackle the underlying causes. They therefore have to be continually reapplied. However, they are generally not recommended for prolonged or indefinite use, and remedies containing steroids can weaken the skin and therefore contribute to further flare-ups.
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