Hemorrhoids are swollen anal varicose veins. These veins can become so stretch that they push with extreme force, then rupture and bleed. The hemorrhoids cause rectal bleeding, pain, burning, inflammation, irritation and itching, since the swollen tissues are difficult to keep clean.
There are several potential causes of hemorrhoids. The most typical causes include excessive straining during a bowel movement, aging, pregnancy, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, and anal intercourse. Those who are already experiencing hemorrhoids can irritate them further by excessively straining, cleaning, or rubbing the area.
There are several things a person can do at home to treat hemorrhoids, though most treatments are meant to relieve the symptoms and do not necessarily get rid of the problem. One of the best treatments a person can use to get relief from hemorrhoids is to soak in a tub of warm water for approximately ten minutes. Nothing should be added to the water while soaking.
Women are even more likely to get hemorrhoids while they are pregnant, as the excess weight of the fetus coupled with hormonal changes in the body can combine to put extra pressure on the rectal area. If you are experiencing burning and itching, there are several home remedies for hemorrhoids which you can use to ease your symptoms.
What causes hemorrhoids?
The causes of hemorrhoids include genetic predisposition (weak rectal vein walls and/or valves), excessive time (over 1 minute daily) and straining during bowel movements, and chronic bowel straining or pressure due to poor posture or muscle tone. Constipation, bouts of diarrhea, poor bathroom habits (reading on the toilet or multiple cleaning attempts), pregnancy, and fiber-deprived Western diet can all foster the conditions that cause hemorrhoids.
Other factors that contribute to hemorrhoids include aging, heredity, bouts of diarrhea, using laxatives. For women, pregnancy is often a factor as the fetus puts pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins.
Fortunately, in most instances, hemorrhoids self-heal. This means that unless you do something to cause flare ups (i.e. continue to strain when defecating or have chronic constipation or diarrea) most hemorrhoids resolve themselves without any intervention.
Home remedies for hemorrhoids
# Apply some baking soda to help with the itch from the hemorrhoids.
# Mix sliced onion and honey, put some on a cotton wool pad and apply on the hemorrhoids for 3 hours.
# Chop onions and garlic cloves, put on a cotton wool pad and wait for 3 hours. Then apply on the hemorrhoids.
#Apply vitamin E oil topically to the anal area or cutting off the end of a vitamin E capsule, and squeezing the oil inside into the anus also brings a great deal of pain relief.
#Aloe Vera gel applied to the anal area also soothes the pain and witch hazel applied with a cotton ball a few times a day can do the same while also keeping the area clean.