Treatment Haemorroids
This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.
- Please check all ingredients, do not use if allergic or sensitive to ingredients
- For external use only.
- Not for face for zits and/or spots
Aim:
- To sooth the area, to reduce itch and discomfort and shrink the piles (hemorrhoids).
Treatments are available in a variety of forms:
| Creams |
Easy to apply |
| Ointments |
More oily believed to stick longer to area, especially if area is dry and irritated |
| Suppositories |
Ideal if one wishes to shrink piles internally. |
| Spray |
Ideal if you don’t wish to touch area or is extremely sensitive |
Soothing Astringents creams/ointments/ suppositories and/or wipes
(Zinc oxide, Bismuth salts, Peru balsam, Witch hazel)
- They provide a protective layer and shrink the piles by absorbing water and some have mild antiseptic properties (Peru balsam) and cooling effects (Witch hazel).
Numbing agents creams/ointments/ suppositories and/or wipes
(Lidocaine, Benzocaine or Cinochaine)
- They can be used before emptying your bowels to relieve pain or when passing stools and help to decrease itch, numb the area thus helping to decrease the discomfort and pain.
- These should not to be used longer than three to four days as it can decrease the sensitivity of the skin.
Steroids
- These contain hydrocortisone and will help to reduce the inflammation (hot, red and swollen areas).
- It should not to be used in pregnancy without medical advice.
- These creams are only used sparingly when one has a flare-up on unbroken skin.
- It can only be used up to seven days and restrictions do apply.
- Do not apply on:
- The face
- Genitals
- Any orifice i.e. inside mouth, earholes, anus without medical advice.
- Under sweaty skins/skin folds i.e. armpits, under breasts, big belly folds, without medical advice.
- Between toes
- Under bandages or dressings.
- Any suspected viral infection i.e. cold sores, shingles, genital herpes, chicken pox.
- If one wants to use it outside the restricted rules then one must see a medical doctor for a prescription, because the medical doctor must asses if it is suitable to use.
- They help to reduce redness and inflammation
- Do not use creams/lotions at the same time with steroidal products as this makes the steroid less effective.
- Ointments tend to be used at night or in more severe ‘flare ups’.
- Creams are generally used in mild ‘flare ups’ and are easier to apply.
Stool softeners
(e.g. Docusate, Arachis oil)
- They are useful if one has large and hard stools and/or pellet stools, as they soften them (by reducing the surface tension and increasing the fluid in the faeces and breaking up the faeces) and also work like stimulant laxatives allowing one to go to the bathroom.
- Docusate oral takes approx 12-72 hours to work.
- Docusate enema’s take 5- 20 minutes to work.
- Arachis oil takes 30 mins to work.
- They should not be taken with antacids as they won’t work properly and should be taken at least an hour apart.
- Only take this when required because the bowels can become lazy/slow and get more constipated.
- It is only intended for short term use.
- If one has a peanut allergy, do not use arachis oil.
Bulk laxatives
- These are ideal for small hard stools as they retain more water and make the faeces more bulky, this then stimulates the bowels.
- Do not take if one has difficulty in swallowing and one must drink plenty of water and sit or stand upright for at least an hour.
- It can take several days to work and side effects include abdominal cramp and flatulence.
- They do take 24-36 hours to work and can be used in pregnancy.
Other treatments
(shark liver oil)
- They help to lubricate and protect the skin and hence reduce the swelling.
Witch Hazel
It contains tannins which has:
- Antioxidant properties
- Anti-inflammatory activity
- non anti-inflammatory activity that fights against bacteria
- Can act as an astringent by drying out the skin
- Always use a high quality forms (many cosmetics contain perfumed products and other additives which may not agree with your skin)- preferably non alcohol and/or contain aloe vera (has antiseptic properties and good for sunburns as well as moisturising properties) and/or hyaluronic acid (act as a good moisturiser)
- It does not help to get rid of itchiness
- It is not be advisable for certain skin conditions, such as rosacea and/or extreme dryness as it can be very drying, which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
- If one have any open skin areas, the product also cause the skin to burn when applied and/or one may want to use with caution if you have sensitive skin. If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
- If you’re trying out witch hazel for the first time, it’s a good idea to test it out in a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm. If you don’t see any redness, rash, or dryness after a couple of days, then you can try it out on your face.
- Do not apply under the skin directly to help bags under the eye (mix with other creams and/or lotions).
- If using this product and have signs of an allergic/anaphylaxis reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.
Rubbing alcohol/Surgical spirit
- Kills bacteria but doesn’t necessarily prevent their growth (if rubbing alcohol is mixed in with another solution, it must be more of more than half to be effective)
- It can also kill fungus and viruses.
- Never drink rubbing alcohol it can be fatal.
- One should only use it on your skin and never let children use it without supervision.
- Never use rubbing alcohol topically to reduce fever and in hot baths — it’s ineffective as well as alcohol can absorb in the skin and become toxic
- Rubbing alcohol is also highly flammable, so never use it near an open flame or high heat.
- Rubbing alcohol can cause the skin to get very dry as it has anti-stringent properties, it can be very drying to skin so don’t use on any dry areas i.e. acne and dry skin eczema , which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
- Applying it after shaving or to open acne areas can cause a burning sensation. Best to avoid as it can cause a chemical burn.
- Best to avoid if one has neurological conditions and/or heart conditions.
- If one finds condition is getting worst after using witch hazel then stop using it.
- If using this product and have signs of an anaphylaxis/allergic reaction, such as problems breathing, hives, facial swelling, or swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, call for an ambulance and seek emergency medical attention.
Phlebotonics i.e. Diosmin/Hesperidin
- Phlebotonics (or venoactive drugs) are a class of medications, including flavonoids (like diosmin) and synthetic compounds (like calcium dobesilate), that treat venous diseases such as haemorrhoids and chronic venous insufficiency. They primarily work by enhancing blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the structural integrity of blood vessels.
- Increased Venous Tone: They increase the strength and tension of the vein walls, which reduces venous stretching and pooling.
- Reduced Capillary Permeability: They stabilize and strengthen capillary walls, preventing fluid from leaking into surrounding tissues, thus reducing oedema (swelling).
- Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage: They improve the efficiency of the lymphatic system, aiding in the reduction of tissue swelling.
- Anti-inflammatory Action: They reduce the inflammatory processes within the microcirculation, specifically by reducing leukocyte activation and trapping in the veins.
Cochrane
Pubmed
Vitamins
Multivitamins are not intended to prevent long term conditions, reduce infection and is not proven (or data is weak) to help with cancer.
These are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to function properly.
Herbal