Hemorrhoids
In briefÂ
A hemorrhoid is a small swelling on the inside of your bowel, just in front of your anus (the poop hole). Hemorrhoids can itch, bleed and cause pain, often as a result of pressing hard during defecation. To prevent or reduce hemorrhoids, it is important to maintain soft stools. You can achieve this by drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, eating enough fiber and exercising regularly. If you experience severe pain or symptoms persist even after following this advice, contact your doctor.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are small swellings on the inside of the bowel, just in front of the anus. They can be located either inside or outside the anus.
What do I notice with hemorrhoids?
With hemorrhoids, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Blood in the stool or on the toilet paper after wiping.
- Mucus in the stool.
- Itching in the buttock crevice.
- A burning sensation around the anus.
- Pain at the anus.
- Feeling as if pressure is being exerted on the anus.
- Visible or palpable lump at the anus.
- Occasional loss of a small amount of stool.
How do hemorrhoids occur?
Hemorrhoids result from excessive pressure on the anus, such as from hard pressing during defecation, prolonged coughing, or intense exertion during childbirth.
Can hemorrhoids hurt?
In general, hemorrhoids are harmless and usually disappear on their own.
What can I do for hemorrhoids myself?
To keep your stools soft and prevent constipation, follow these tips:
- Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily.
- Exercise actively for at least half an hour a day, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming or gardening.
- Eat healthy food with plenty of fiber, including whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, brown rice, beans, vegetables, fruits and nuts.
- Go to the toilet immediately if you feel the urge to poop.
- Use soft toilet paper and avoid damp toilet paper with alcohol or perfume.
- Try to gently push hemorrhoids inward if possible.
Medications for hemorrhoids
Several medications are available at drugstores or pharmacies to relieve pain and itching. Although these medications are unlikely to reduce the hemorrhoids themselves, they can help with symptom relief. Examples include vaseline-cetomacrogol cream, zinc sulfate on the skin, zinc oxide suppositories, and lidocaine on the skin.
Medications for hard stools
If the advice does not help soften stools, medications such as lactulose or macrogol may be considered.
Treatments for severe or persistent symptoms
If hemorrhoids do not disappear on their own, treatments may be needed, such as:
- Rubber bands around the hemorrhoids, which fall off after a few days.
- Surgical procedures, laser treatments or injections into the hemorrhoid, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
When do I request a consultation with 247dermatologist for hemorrhoids?
Consult dermatologist if:
- You have blood or mucus in the stool and aren't sure if it's from hemorrhoids.
- You feel a lump near the anus and aren't sure if it's a hemorrhoid.
- You have a large, painful swelling near the anus.
- Pain or bleeding persists even after following the advice
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us via the 'start treatment' button at 247dermatologist. | https://247dermatologist.com