Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anal area. Swollen veins can form beneath the skin, around the anus, or within the rectum.

Hemorrhoids are usually itchy, painful, and may bleed during bowel movements. Pain may vary from mild to severe. The pain causes discomfort around the anus while sitting, standing, or passing stools.

How to relieve hemorrhoid pain

Aside from taking painkillers, you can relieve pain in a variety of ways, including:

Change sitting position

Hemorrhoids can make you feel uncomfortable when sitting. Sitting on a chair or stool with a hard surface can put pressure on the muscles in the buttocks, causing the area around the piles to stretch and push the swollen veins out, exacerbating the problem.

Use soft pillows or donut cushions to relieve pressure on the hemorrhoid area. This also helps to alleviate the discomfort caused by stretching the area surrounding the hemorrhoids.

Changing toilet habits

Some people prefer to pass stools by sitting on the toilet for an extended period of time. However, sitting on the toilet for too long can put pressure on the anal area and rectum, aggravating the hemorrhoids.

If you have trouble defecating, you should eat more fiber, drink plenty of water, stay active, exercise regularly, and set aside a regular time to defecate. Avoid straining and sitting for too long on the toilet.

When using a toilet seat, you can use a small stool as a footrest to relieve pressure on the rectum. Sitting with your feet on the stool can help change the angle of the rectum, allowing the stool to pass more smoothly and reducing pressure in the rectal area.

Read more: When Do Hemorrhoids Need Surgery, and Can They Reappear?

Sitz bath

Sitz baths, or soaking the buttocks in warm water, are recommended to help relieve hemorrhoid pain. It may not completely cure the condition, but it can help with pain, itching, irritation, and inflammation in the anal area.

First, fill your bathtub with warm water to the level of your pelvic area. Sit comfortably in warm water for 10–20 minutes before gently drying the anal area with a clean, soft towel or cloth. This soaking bath can be repeated up to three times per day to relieve pain and speed up hemorrhoid healing.

Using a cold compress

Cold compresses can help reduce swelling in the hemorrhoidal area. You can wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth or towel. Compress the hemorrhoid area for approximately 10–15 minutes. Do not place ice cubes directly on your skin. Also, avoid using the compress for too long or too frequently, as this can damage the skin or cause frostbite.

If the buttocks become numb during the compress and you feel a sharp sensation on the skin, stop immediately to avoid further skin damage.

Read more: Home Remedies To Prevent And Treat Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Maintaining a clean anus

Using a spray bottle to clean and soothe the anal area is a gentle way to keep it clean. Avoid using harsh soap formulas, which can dry out the anal area.

You can also apply aloe vera gel to the pile area using a cotton ball. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help hydrate the skin. In addition to aloe vera gel, you can moisturize the skin with virgin coconut oil.

Softens stools

Hard stools are one of the symptoms of constipation that can be alleviated by eating fiber-rich foods and drinking more fluids. Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas, as they can cause excessive urination and constipation.

If the pain persists or you have a bloody bowel movement, see a doctor right away.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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