How to reduce inflammation of external hemorrhoids quickly

Hemorrhoids are defined as “normal pads of tissue that fill with blood vessels and are found at the end of the rectum, just inside the anus” ^[1] . Around the anus, the most distant end of the rectum, is the hemorrhoidal venous plexus which, together with the muscle called the sphincter of the anus, is responsible for regulating the movement of this portion of the digestive system.

We all have hemorrhoids, these are a normal anatomical formation, but in certain situations this tissue is enlarged due to the accumulation of blood at that level, causing the consequent symptoms.

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. The external ones are the ones that produce the most pain- like manifestation and are the most obvious, since they constitute palpable masses, painful or not , at the level of the external edge of the anus.

The degree of “inflammation” of them will depend on the accumulation of blood that occurs at that level, which is a manifestation of venous insufficiency.

There is no single definitive treatment to reduce inflammation of external hemorrhoids, but combinations of drugs are used to achieve the desired effect: to relieve pain and reduce its size.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers

The use of anti-inflammatory analgesics helps to reduce the pain picture and, albeit slightly, to reduce the size of the inflamed hemorrhoids, thus allowing the person to continue with their usual activities, in case the picture is moderate or severe.

Hemorrhoid ointments

Some creams are used to relieve symptoms. These are made from variable mixtures of:

• Astringents, which would partially help with size reduction.
• Lidocaine-type anesthetics, to reduce pain locally.
• Flavonoids, which increase venous tone and improve lymphatic drainage.
• Steroids, which would act as local anti-inflammatories.
• Lubricants, which would facilitate evacuations while they are inflamed.

In the case of recurrent severe episodes or thrombosed external hemorrhoids (formation of a clot that does not allow their reduction), the definitive treatment is surgery, for this there are currently several techniques: band ligation, sclerotherapy, coagulation infrared, radiofrequency ablation, among others. In the following article, we explain in detail when hemorrhoids are operated on .

There are some home remedies that can help reduce inflammation of external hemorrhoids quickly, they are recommendations that are generally made in order to alleviate the symptoms until the hemorrhoids regain their normal size.

Sitz baths with warm water

It consists of making sitz baths by placing warm water in a container, to which you can add 1 or 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts . They are preferred when there is suspicion of hemorrhoid thrombosis.

You should sit in this water for 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day.

Local cold

The opposite principle to sitz baths helps to quickly relieve pain and inflammation from hemorrhoids.

You can place compresses with very cold water or local ice (contained in an ice bag, never directly due to the risk of burns) for 10-15 minutes, three to four times a day, depending on your tolerance level.

Epsom salts and glycerin

Make a mixture by mixing 1 or 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts with 1 or 2 tablespoons of glycerin.

Apply it by placing gauze soaked in this solution on the hemorrhoids and leaving it there for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times a day.

Myrtle essential oil

It is extracted from Myrtus communis and you can use it in the same way as Epsom salts with glycerin.

Helps to quickly improve pain, irritation, bleeding and itching.

Use of “anti-hemorrhoid” pad or cushion

In addition to serving as effective prevention, it will help you a lot with the pain at the time of having inflamed hemorrhoids, allowing you to keep them in suspension and avoiding their contact with the surfaces where you sit.

Other tips to reduce inflammation of external hemorrhoids quickly and prevent them from reappearing are the following:

• Drink plenty of water during the day.
• Modify dietary habits, including foods rich in fiber. Only these two simple measures will prevent you from recurring hemorrhoid inflation.
• Avoid consuming gas-producing foods and fatty foods.
• Do not delay going to the bathroom to defecate.
• Make use of stool softeners to make evacuation easier.
• Perform physical exercise to avoid constipation.
• Avoid lifting a lot of weight and do not make great efforts during defecation.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to reduce inflammation of external hemorrhoids quickly , we recommend that you enter our Digestive System category .