Hemorrhoids Treatment

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Hemorrhoids Treatment

Medications

There are many over-the-counter products available for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Some of these include ointments, creams, gels, suppositories, foams, and pads. It seems that every type of product imaginable has at one point in time been tried to relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Some experimentation will be needed to see which product works best for you.

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A thing to keep in mind is that most often these medicines contain the same drugs that are used for treating common anal symptoms such as itching or discomfort and are not necessarily for the exact problem of hemroids. In fact there are very few medical studies showing that they do anything at all for hemorhoids. In fact more likely they probably only reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

However their effectiveness to their treatment of anal conditions other than hemorrhoids is of value as those conditions may increase the severity of hemorrhoids. So any suffering some over the counter medicine can relieve is a good thing and should defiantly be considered.

Be wary that use of ointments, creams, and gels around the anus area should never be applied in thick coats; rather apply only as a thin covering. When applying these to the anal canal, all products should be inserted or applied with fingers lightly. If trying a suppository a finger or application device can be used. If using an application pipe or tube the ones with venting holes on the sides as well as at the end are the most effective. All devices used around the anus should be lubricated prior to use.

Almost all products comprise more than one active ingredient though most all contain a protectant in addition to other ingredients. Studies have shown that suppositories and foams are not specifically more effective than ointments, creams, and gels. It is important to find a product that makes you comfortable and has the greatest relief of hemorrhoid symptoms.

There are some other options available apart from those over the counter products previously mentioned. Some of these are vasoconstrictors, local anesthetics, protectants, keratolytics, analgesics, and corticosteroids. I know, some pretty big words but lets go through them one at a time.

Vasoconstrictors are chemicals that resemble epinephrine which is a naturally occurring chemical. When vasoconstrictors are applied to the anus area they make blood vessels become smaller which may result in reduced swelling. They have also in some cases reduced pain and itching due to their mild anesthetic effect. Vasoconstrictors can be taken orally and by injection as well as applied to the anal area. Some vasoconstrictors which are taken orally or by injection have had some reported side effects, such as high blood pressure, nervousness, tremors, sleeplessness, and aggravation of diabetes or hyperthyroidism. If you are susceptible to any of these conditions medical advice should be pursued before use.

Some people have found that the use of local anesthetics can also help relieve pain and discomfort. Local anesthetics will in addition provide temporary relief of burning and itching by numbing the nerve endings. When using these types of products you should apply to the outside area and lower anal canal. If burning and itching increase with the application of anesthetics you may be allergic to them and they should be discontinued immediately.

Protectants prevent irritation of the anal area by forming a physical barrier between the irritated skin any anything which would aggravate the area such as liquid or stool from the rectum. Protectants can reduce burning, itching, irritation, and pain. Many of the products discussed in this area contain protectants in addition to their active ingredients.

Keratolytics are chemicals that cause the outer layers of skin or other tissue to fragment. These are used primarily in conjunction with other products so that the skin and tissue disintegration will allow the other medications applied to the anus area to penetrate deeper into the tissue increasing their effectiveness.

The last two we will discuss are analgesic and corticosteroid products. Analgesic products act much in the same manner as anesthetic products. They relieve pain, itching, and burning by depressing receptors on pain nerves.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and may relieve itching, but their chronic use can cause permanent damage to the skin. These should only be used for short periods of time like a few days to a couple of weeks. Only products with weak corticosteroid effects are available without a prescription. Stronger corticosteroid prescribed for other ailments should not be used for treating hemorrhoids. As with other stronger medicines available, medical advice should be taken before use.

Next we will discuss other treatments such as surgical and other procedures available through medical facilities and consultation.

You can find more information about hemorrhoids treatment by type here