Jun 20 2011
First Aid for Itching Hemorrhoids: Save Yourself from Severe Discomfort
Itching almost goes hand in hand with hemorrhoid, whether it is external or internal. However, did you know that itching hemorrhoids can be prevented and treated? Read on and discover first aid treatments for itching hemorrhoids.
There are several reasons hemorrhoids start to itch. Irritation is one of the major causes of itching. Internal hemorrhoids can irritate the mucus membrane that is lining up the anal canal. When this happens, the membrane secretes more mucus for the region’s lubrication. When the mucus dries up, it irritates the skin in the area, which causes the itching.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, itch because of infection and failure to take care of the condition well. Soap products and fecal matter can easily irritate the hemorrhoids and then cause itching.
First Aid Treatment Options
Once itching hemorrhoids attack, there are certain first aid solutions that you can do. Luckily, they are purely easy remedies that you can always perform at home.
Sitz Bath. Fill a small basin or your bath tub with warm water, at least a few inches of water. Soak in the water with your knees elevated to help blood flow freely into the area. The warm water will help ease the itch and pain, if there is any.
Aloe Vera. Extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf and apply it onto the itchy hemorrhoids. This will offer a great relief from itching.
Anti-itch Creams. The market offers over-the-counter hemorrhoidal ointments and creams that can be a good remedy for itching hemorrhoids. The best creams for itch relief are those with herbal ingredients like witch hazel extracts and one percent hydrocortisone. Simply follow the instructions as provided by the product’s manufacturer to find the best relief. However, always take note that topical treatments for hemorrhoids are not recommended for long-term use. Check with your doctor or with the product labels to ensure only safe usage.
Preventing Itching Hemorrhoids
Proper care of the hemorrhoid when it is at its peak is helpful in preventing itching hemorrhoids. For one, a good diet is very important in this situation. A diet that can lower the acid ph balance of the stool is a good preventive technique against itching hemorrhoids. An anti-itch diet includes getting rid of caffeinated beverages, alcoholic drinks, and soda. Drinking plenty of water as well as vitamin C-rich fruit juices must be observed, too.
A fiber-rich diet is also helpful in preventing itching hemorrhoids. Fiber-rich foods can improve digestion, which prevents constipation. Constipation can put more pressure to the hemorrhoids and may cause itching. Besides dieting, bathroom habits must be improved, too. When cleaning the anal area, for example, use moistened toilet paper or pad as this will less likely irritate the hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are painful, that is given. When it is coupled with itching, the hemorrhoids become more of a trouble. But since there are a lot of first aid treatments that you can do to treat and even prevent itching to occur, make an effort on your part so as to save yourself from the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.

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