Alternatives To Ointment For Relief From Hemorrhoid At Home

Hemorrhoids or piles refer to swollen veins in the rectal and/or the anal region that causes pain and discomfort when sitting or passing stool. It may be mild enough to go unnoticed or severe enough to require surgery. It affects about 3 quarters of the population and in most cases can be treated at home. People use an ointment for hemorrhoid relief at home because they contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera and can be applied internally or externally. The problem with lotion is that after applying it, you have to wait for some time before using the washroom to avoid washing it off before it takes effect. If you want something more convenient or are out of cream then you can use the following options:

A gel is the most similar option to hemorrhoidal lotion with somewhat similar ingredients. You can apply it externally to the affected region with your finger or with the help of your toilet paper. If used conservatively, it can last up to 400 uses depending on how much the tube has. Using it with toilet paper makes it a more flush-friendly option than tucks or swabs. Like a cream, some gels can be applied internally with a dispensing tube. Read the label to be sure.

As the name suggests, they are wipes specifically manufactured for piles. They contain anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera or witch hazel and can be bought without a prescription. They are easier to use than pads because of a larger surface area and have moisture that prevents irritating the swollen veins, unlike a dry toilet paper. These swabs can also be used before applying a cream for the best results.

Pads are thicker than wipes so they absorb more moisture and can provide more relief. They also contain the same anti-inflammatory ingredients. But tucks are smaller than cloth so you might have some difficulty using them. Its thickness makes it tough and more likely to clog the drain.

If you are out of lotion you may not need special wipes for piles if you have some baby wipes lying around your home. Baby wipes are moist so they won’t irritate your swollen veins like dry toilet papers do and are soft on the skin. Just be sure to look out for some ingredients like some perfume that may irritate the blood vessels.

Soaking your anal region in warm water for fifteen minutes can relieve the pain. You don’t need to fill the tub, just pour a few inches of warm water. You need to do this two to three times regularly or every time after passing stool. Use mild scentless soap to wash yourself to prevent irritating the veins. You may add some Epsom salt if needed. This method is also used before applying the cream.

If you don’t want to waste water with baths, you can try a sitz bath instead. This bath is like a bowl that can be attached to the toilet seat. You can pour some warm water in it and wash your anal region for fifteen minutes. You should do this every time after passing a stool or two to three times a day. Your doctor may recommend adding something to the water for relief.

Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the anal region can reduce the pain and swelling by numbing the nerves. You will need to apply it to the spot many times a day. Be sure to wrap it in a cloth to prevent direct contact with your skin.

These are the options you can use for hemorrhoid relief at home if you are out of lotion. In most cases, the condition heals by itself after a week. But if you notice intense pain, blood in your stool or loss of control over the bowels then you should see a doctor as soon as possible.