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The Treatment of Hemorrhoids -

Part 1

Constipation and constant straining during bowel movement causes hemorrhoids. Hard stools are also generally the primary cause of trauma on existing hemorrhoids. Persons with hemorrhoids are advised to include fiber-rich foods in their diet. Fiber can be consumed from fresh and dried fruits, grains, cereals and vegetables.

An average diet contains less than 15 grams of dietary fiber whereas the recommended amount is 20 to 30 grams. To increase fiber intake, supplemental fiber may also be used. Drinking lots of water also helps a lot in softening stools.

For the treatment of hemorrhoids, several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are available, most of which are also used in the treatment of anal itching or discomfort. But there is no strong scientific support that they affect cure for hemorrhoids. These drugs only reduce the hemorrhoidal symptoms or even cure other conditions that accompany the hemorrhoids like anal itching.

The products used for treating hemorrhoids come as creams, foams, gels, ointments, suppositories and pads. Creams, gels and ointments should only be applied thinly around the anus. Application inside the anal canal must be aided by the finger or a lubricated pile pipe with hoes on the sides and at the end.

These products contain more than one kind of active ingredient. Most of them has a protectant plus another ingredient. Some of these products are the following:

1) Local Anesthetics—relieve burning, itching or pain by numbing the nerve endings. Limit use to the perianal area and lower anal canal. Must be discontinued when allergic reactions persist.

a. Tetracine (0.5 to 5%)

b. Benzocaine (5 to 20%)—Americaine Hemorrhoidal, Lanacane Maximum Strength, Medicone

c. Pramoxine (1%)—Fleet Pain-Relief, Procto Foam Non-Steroid, Tronothane Hydrochloride)

d. Benzyl Alcohol (5% to 20%)

e. Lidocaine (2% to 5%)

f. Dibucaine (0.25% to 1%)—Nupercainal

g. Dyclonine (0.5% to 1%)

2) Vasoconstrictors—make the blood vessels in the anus become smaller to reduce swelling. Must not be taken orally as this may cause high blood pressure, sleeplessness, aggravation of diabetes, nervousness, hyperthyroidism and tremor.

a. Epinephrine (0.005% to 1.25%)

b. Phenylphrine (0.25%)—Medicone Suppository, Rectacaine and Preparation H

3) Protectants—prevent irritation of the perianal area caused by the rectal fluid or stool getting in contact with the perianal skin. The barrier formed also reduces itching, pain and burning.

a. Cod liver oil or shark liver oil

b. Aluminum Hydroxide gel

c. Zinc Oxide or Calamine in concentrations of up to 25%

d. Cocoa butter

e. Starch

f. Glycerin

g. White Petrolatum

h. Kaolin

i. Mneral Oil (Balneol)

j. Lanolin

4) Astringents—cause clumping of proteins in the perianal cells or anal canal lining that in turn promotes skin dryness to relieve burning, pain and itching.

a. Zinc Oxide (5% to 25%)—Calmol 4, Tronolane, Nupercainal

b. Calamine (5% to 25%)

c. Witch Hazel (10% to 50%)—Fleet Medicated, Tucks, Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Pads