Hemorrhoid is a common condition affecting millions – chiefly adults aged above 50 years. It can develop either inside the rectum (internal Hemorrhoids) or around your anus (external Hemorrhoids). Most people seldom realise living with a Hemorrhoid. This is because the symptoms can be mild or may remain unnoticed at large. However, when symptoms do show up, they are quite unmistakable. These include itchiness, pain, swelling, and rectal bleeding. Most of these signs bring down the quality of your daily life. Do you know which is the best Hemorrhoid cream? It pays to know more.
The widely known causes of Hemorrhoids include sitting for very long, excessive straining during bowel movements, chronic spells of diarrhea / constipation (difficulties to pass stools), obesity / being overweight, pregnancy and not getting enough fiber into your daily diet.
What are the categories of Hemorrhoids?
Clinicians classify Hemorrhoids as four (4) distinct grades, based on the severity levels:
- Grade I Hemorrhoids remain swollen but do not prolapse;
- Grade II involves prolapse during defecation with spontaneous reduction;
- Grade III is characterised by manual reduction after prolapse; and
- Grade IV represents permanently prolapsed Hemorrhoids that cannot be reduced
This classification system helps guide physicians of what treatment options to pursue and for how long.
Best Hemorrhoid cream
If you are living with symptoms of Hemorrhoid(s), a few over-the-counter creams are available. These can provide significant relief by reducing inflammation, pains and irritation.
Some of the best options are hydrocortisone-based creams, which contain mild steroids (between 0.5–1% hydrocortisone) and helps reduce swelling and itchiness of skin around your anus. This cream is more effective for inflammatory hemorrhoids. You are advised to consult a qualified caregiver before using such cream for longer than a week’s time. Beware of excessive use; it can lead to thinning down of your skin.
Additionally, if you are feeling a sharp pain or allied discomforts, one of the widely used creams is lidocaine (2–5%) or pramoxine (1%). Chief chemicals numb the irritated area by blocking pain signals. Popular brands like Americaine Hemorrhoidal Ointment (with 20% benzocaine) and Tronolane (with pramoxine) are proven options for external Hemorrhoids. You are advised not to sit for long or make strained bowel movements to avoid such anal conditions.
For irritation of skin around your anus, zinc oxide or petrolatum-based ointments can create a protective barrier, This barrier helps lock moisture inside and thus prevent further irritation. Through this process, the creams enable faster healing. Also, these creams are useful for Hemorrhoids that show up with small skin-tear or signs resembling eczema.
When you are selecting a Hemorrhoid cream, always read-through all the instructions listed on its package. If you have persistent symptoms, consult a doctor; this is because you may need a potent prescription or other interventions.
What are the types of Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are of two types – typified mainly based on where they show up. Traces of blood in stools are indicative of internal Hemorrhoids. These are mostly painless, and may originate deep within your rectum. Frequent pain, swelling, and itchiness are common symptoms of external Hemorrhoids; these are found underneath your anal-skin.
In some remote cases, external haemorrhoids may develop blood clots. These clots may occur inside the hemorrhoidal veins (thrombosed Hemorrhoids). You tend to experience a severe, sharp pain and a hard lump near your anus. Internal Hemorrhoids are also classified into I through IV, based on their prolapse severity. Figuring out which type ails you is important to find the right treatment.
Diagnosis of a Hemorrhoid
Treating doctors usually figure-out incidence of a Hemorrhoids using a few methods. They start with a visual examination to spot any external Hemorrhoid. For internal Hemorrhoids, they perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for issues inside your rectum.
If a closer look is needed, anoscopy is used. This is a tool to examine your anal canal and the lower part of the rectum. Such tests help confirm presence of Hemorrhoids, their location, how serious are these, and also help rule-out other problems, if any.
Do home remedies cure Hemorrhoids?
Home remedies can ease symptoms of Hemorrhoids, But, they do not provide a complete cure to your anal condition. A few helpful methods include soaking perineal area in warm water for about 15 minutes a couple of times a day. This can lessen swelling and improve healing.
Intake of a high-fiber diet - with 25 - 30 grams of fibers each day helps. Also, drinking plenty of water can soften your stools; this practice prevents straining when bowels move.
Additionally, you need to avoid sitting for a long time (especially in your toilet). You also need to avoid straining in order to reduce spells of irritation. These tips can work only for milder cases. But if Hemorrhoids are severe or are not going away, medical treatment is needed. In some cases, surgeries are done if medications fail to improve your condition.
When to consult your physician for Hemorrhoids?
There are many instances wherein Hemorrhoids are managed with suitable home remedies. But, if such remedies do not yield results, you need to consult a qualified caregiver. If you are in a lot of pain that is not improved with regular pain relievers, it might mean your condition requires medical intervention.
It is also important to see a doctor if you have a Hemorrhoid that is not retracted (Grade III-IV) or develops tissue discoloration. Other warning signs are: losing weight without trying, or if you are aged over 40 and are experiencing rectal bleeding for the first time.
Doctors do a thorough check-up which might include a digital rectal exam or anoscopy. They pursue these techniques to make sure the condition is not an anal fissure or an abscess. They may recommend potent drugs, treatment(s) in their clinics or, in serious cases, a surgery is done to obtain long-term relief. It is advised to see a doctor early to prevent complications and get the right treatment.
Over-the-counter creams work well for mild to moderate forms of hemorrhoids. But if your pain is not subsiding, talk to your caregiver on an urgent mode. Also, making simple changes like eating more fibers and drinking ample volume of water can bring discomforts under control.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.