Hemorrhoids are a common problem among adults, but that doesn’t mean one doesn’t need to cure it. Hemorrhoids, which are more commonly referred to as piles, is a condition where the veins present in the rectum and the anus become swollen. Some of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding, pain, and itching. These can develop in both interior and exterior lining of the rectum and anus and are accordingly termed as internal and external hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are considered a very common ailment, and it is estimated that about 75 percent of people in the country suffer from this problem at one point or the other. Even though it is supposed to go away within a week or two, they pave the way for mild to severe discomfort. If you are looking for relief from hemorrhoids, you can try home remedies for making the symptoms more tolerable.

Three home remedies to try

Witch hazel
This remedy can be helpful in reducing the pain as well as the itchiness, which are the primary symptoms of hemorrhoids. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and providing effective relief from hemorrhoids. You will have to purchase it in liquid form and apply directly to the affected area. It is also found in anti-itching soaps and wipes.

Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is easily available at the drugstores if you don’t have access to the natural aloe vera derived from plants. According to the reports of the Cleveland Clinic, aloe vera has active anti-inflammatory properties for treating any skin issue. When you are looking for relief from hemorrhoids, you should use a pure form of aloe vera. However, make sure that you are not allergic to aloe vera as that may aggravate your condition. If you are allergic to onions and garlic, it is highly likely that you are allergic to aloe vera as well. You can check for any allergic reactions by applying a small amount of aloe vera on your forearm. If no reactions occur within a day, then you are free to use it as relief from hemorrhoids.

Epsom salt
Warm baths are exceptionally helpful in soothing the irritation caused by hemorrhoids. You can choose between a sitz bath or take a full bath to get relief from hemorrhoids. According to reports from Harvard Health, to get rid of the discomfort caused by piles, you should take a warm bath with Epsom salts for about 15 to 20 minutes after each bowel movement.

Stool softeners
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases have reported that the use of fiber supplements or stool softeners such as psyllium can reduce constipation. With this, you can have quick and painless bowel movements. Many of these stool softeners are available in the form of capsules, powders, and liquids that you can take between one and three times a day.

Cold compresses
When you are looking for relief from hemorrhoids, you should not use toilet paper after a bowel movement since it can aggravate the condition. You can use wipes instead that can help you clean without any discomfort or irritation. For an added relief, you can look for wipes that have soothing ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel. The wipes must not contain perfume, alcohol, or any other type of irritants. These symptoms can aggravate the symptoms in place of relieving them.

Over the counter medications
If your hemorrhoids are giving you only mild and tolerable discomfort, your doctor may suggest some antibiotics and over the counter medications with lidocaine and hydrocortisone for relieving pain and itching. However, you should not use over the counter steroid creams for over a week unless your doctor has asked you to do so as it may make your skin thinner.

Surgery options
If other procedures have failed to remove your large hemorrhoids, your doctor may advise you to consider a surgical procedure to obtain relief from hemorrhoids. It may be conducted at an outpatient’s department and sometimes require an overnight stay at the hospital. Here are two procedures that can provide relief in severe cases.

• Haemorrhoidectomy
  Your surgeon will remove all the tissues in excess that is responsible for bleeding in this surgery that can be done with a local anesthetic along with sedation or general anesthesia. This operation is the most effective way of removing the hemorrhoids completely. You are likely to experience some pain after this procedure and soaking in a warm bath can help in relieving the pain.
• Hemorrhoid stapling
  This procedure helps in blocking the flow of blood to the haemorrhoidal tissue by removing internal hemorrhoids.

Although hemorrhoids are very common, it does need timely treatment.With these options, you can get an overview of the ways to get a relief from hemorrhoids. In case you have been suffering from it for long, talk to your doctor for more information.