How to Cure Hemorrhoids or Piles

While these self-care methods may relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids, they won't make the hemorrhoid disappear. If you have a severe infection or don't feel relief after a few days, seek medical help and advice from your doctor.

 

Steps

1. Keep your anal area clean. Take tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water. ^[1] You do not need to use soap; in fact it could make the problem worse. ^[2] Moisture can cause irritation, so you may want to gently dry the anal area using a hair dryer. Cite error <cite_error_ref_no_input>; $2
2. Apply hemorrhoidal cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone to the affected area for a limited time. You could also try using pads containing witch hazel. Cite error <cite_error_ref_no_input>; $2
3. Apply a cold compress to the area in order to reduce swelling.
4. Use a sitz bath filled with warm water. A sitz bath is an over the toilet bath for your hips and buttocks. It can be used to ease the pain of hemorrhoids. ^[3] You can buy a sitz bath at a pharmacy or medical supply store
5. Increase your intake of fiber and fluids. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid (other than alcohol) each day. Eat fruits and vegetables. You may also want to use a stool softener or fiber supplement (like Metamucil or Citracel).
6. If these methods do not work, see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if your hemorrhoids cause pain or bleed excessively. In case you feel that your piles are getting worse you may need a procedure. Known as haemorrhoidal dearterialisation (THD) this procedure is not usually painful and is gaining popularity in the medical community.^[4]
   
   

Tips

• You will notice a marked improvement within 3 days. Don't quit this practice. If you wish to avoid this anus problem in the future, you will have to adopt this as an ongoing thing for as long as you live. Remember. Bacteria is the problem, and lots of Soap and Water is the answer!
• Bacteria play a key role in the complications of "the piles" or hemorrhoids, fissures ^[5] or dried cracking skin, itching, bad odor, etc.
• Your anus will become free of odor which may have clung to you in the past. This will indicate that you are free of bacterial action.
• This practice of washing after a bowel movement has been followed in India for many years, rather than the use of just toilet paper which we westerners commonly do.

Warnings

• Be sure to clean soap off all areas which you have washed to avoid irritation.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-bacterial soap. (It will tell you if it is anti-bacterial on the label of most brands.)