How to Shrink Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids develop when the veins in the anal area become tight and swollen. Internal hemorrhoids are usually painless even when they bleed, but external hemorrhoids often cause pain and itching. Fortunately, there are ways you can shrink your hemorrhoids right now. See step 1 below to see how.

Table of Contents

Quickly shrink hemorrhoids

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Apply witch hazel extract. This is a natural plant extract that has astringent properties that help shrink hemorrhoids and relieve itching. Bottles of witch hazel are available at most drugstores. You can also look for topical creams that contain witch hazel.

Wash and clean the anal area after a bowel movement, then dip a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it to the hemorrhoids.
When you feel itching in hemorrhoids, you can apply more witch hazel if needed.

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Try over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams. These creams can help relieve pain. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to Source} Hemorrhoid ointments such as Preparation H contain phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor that works by constricting blood vessels in the anus. Follow the instructions on the package closely to shrink the hemorrhoid.

The ingredients in topical creams and ointments can damage your skin over time, so don’t use them for more than the recommended time on the package.

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Apply ice. Apply a small ice pack to the anal area for a few minutes. This method causes the veins to contract, thereby reducing pain and swelling. Apply ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

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Sitting bath. A sitting bath is a bath that soaks your buttocks and hips in warm water. Pour an adequate amount of warm water into a large basin (that can fit a toilet seat) or sit in a regular bathtub containing about 10 cm of warm water. Experts recommend soaking for about 20 minutes after each bowel movement and 2-3 times a day. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to source} This can help relieve itching, reduce irritation, and reduce muscle spasms.

Pay attention to gently pat dry the anal area after bathing. Do not rub or wipe vigorously, as this may cause bleeding and irritation. ^{[3] X Harvard Medical Schop Trusted Source Go to Source}
Some people find adding Epsom salt to a sitz bath has an additional soothing effect. Add a small amount of Epsom salt to the water according to the instructions on the package and stir until completely dissolved. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Change habits

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Do not strain during bowel movements. Try to avoid straining while sitting on the toilet. Straining during bowel movements is the leading cause of hemorrhoids. Don’t have a bowel movement until you feel the urge, and don’t sit on the toilet for more than 5 minutes.

The push is also known as the Valsalva maneuver. During straining, peripheral venous pressure increases, causing dilated veins to become more painful. ^{[5] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Try placing a mattress pad over the toilet (available at drugstores). Sit on a cushion instead of a hard surface to help reduce swelling and prevent new hemorrhoids from forming.

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Constipation prevention. Have a bowel movement every day or every two days to avoid constipation. Constipation makes it easier to push, so it is difficult to shrink hemorrhoids. To prevent constipation, you need to drink plenty of water and increase your intake of fiber to help keep activities regular.

A high-fiber diet with enough water intake will help soften stools and make them easier to pass, thereby reducing pain in hemorrhoids.
High-fiber foods include broccoli, beans, wheat and oat bran, whole grains, and fresh fruit.
Dietary fiber supplements are also helpful. According to Harvard Health, you can start small and gradually increase your fiber intake to 25-30 grams per day. ^{[6] X Harvard Medical Schop Trusted Source Go to Source}
Take a stool softener like milk of magnesia at night so you can have a bowel movement in the morning. Take care to use stool softeners so that they don’t interfere with your daily routine.

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Try unproven natural remedies. Some herbs and supplements are thought to help shrink hemorrhoids and prevent recurrence. There is currently no scientific evidence that these therapies work, but many people find relief with these therapies:

Take triphala capsules that are available at health food stores. This medicine contains herbs that promote gut health.
Use horse chestnut and broom. These herbs are commonly used in hemorrhoid creams. You can also drink it as a tea.
Use aloe. Eat a teaspoon of aloe vera after a meal and rub it on the hemorrhoids to cool.

Medical method

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Seek medical attention in severe cases. If moderate rectal pain persists for more than a week after using home remedies, call your doctor. You should also seek medical attention if the pain is severe or the tissue is enlarged outside the anus and persists after 3-7 days of home treatment. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Use a mirror to examine external hemorrhoids. If the hemorrhoids are larger than a dime, you need to seek medical attention quickly. Also, see your doctor if the hemorrhoid is so large that it makes it difficult to have a bowel movement.
In the elderly, hemorrhoids are often more severe and less responsive to home remedies. If you are old, it is best to see a doctor for treatment.

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Talk to your doctor about non-surgical treatment options. Hemorrhoids that do not atrophy after applying home remedies can be treated by many methods. Talk to your doctor about the following options to decide which is best for you:

Tie with rubber band. Rubber bands will be tied around the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply, gradually shedding the hemorrhoid. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Intravenous sclerotherapy. This is the most common hemorrhoid treatment. A liquid is injected into the hemorrhoid tissue and shrinks the hemorrhoid.
Infrared photocoagulation therapy. A probe will be used to shine on hemorrhoids that have not responded to other treatments.

Warning

Go to the doctor in the following cases .
- External hemorrhoids.
- Bleeding a lot.
- Family history of colon cancer.
- Change bowel habits.

Steps

Quickly shrink hemorrhoids

Change habits

Medical method

Warning

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