Living with hemorrhoids in Los Angeles can be a pain, but you don’t have to suffer from them idly. While your colorectal specialist can offer methods for hemorrhoid treatment with methods like THD, there are also many things you can do on your own to promote hemorrhoid healing and reduce painful symptoms.
A colorectal specialist will offer hemorrhoid care tips to aid in your specific case, and following them precisely is your best bet in making your recovery as painless as possible. These care tips may include things like:
Pain Relief
- Applying topical ointments can be a big help in reducing irritation and pain. Try petroleum jelly, zinc peroxide or any ointment that contains 1 percent or more hydrocortisone. Numbing agents and pads that contain witch hazel can also help.
- Trying over-the-counter pain medications will make it easier to deal with daily pain and swelling. Naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) tend to be the most reliable varieties, while you may want to avoid Excedrin for its caffeine content.
- Icing your anal area with cold compresses or ice packs can reduce swelling and numb the painful area. Do this for about 10 minutes at a time and follow it by applying a warm compress for 10 to 20 minutes. You can repeat this process several times a day.
Hygiene
- Using wipes after bowel movements instead of toilet paper can reduce irritation and keep the area clean. Dab gently instead of wiping and stick to unscented, non-alcoholic, pre-moistened towels (like baby wipes). If you don’t have wipes available, wet toilet paper is a good alternative.
- Washing up daily is an important step in keeping the anal area clean. The best choice is a warm bath, but gentle showers work as well. In addition to washing, you can take what is known as a “sitz bath” a few times a day by filling your tub with just enough water to cover the anal area and soaking for 15 minutes – this is especially valuable just after a bowel movement.
- Avoiding any soaps on the anal area. These may aggravate hemorrhoids. Warm water will clean the anal are nicely.
- Wearing cotton underwear can keep moisture from building up and causing irritation. Make sure your clothing is loose enough to keep pressure minimal in the anal area.
Dealing with hemorrhoids can be a pain, but there are many ways to find relief and promote better healing. If you suffer from hemorrhoids in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to contact our office for an appointment and more advice on dealing with this painful problem.
