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Itchy Hemorrhoids

If you have hemorrhoids, chances are you’ve experienced anywhere from mild to severe itchiness. Itchy hemorrhoids are not only annoying, but they can also cause embarrassment. Fortunately, there are plenty of available over-the-counter treatments that are designed to help the symptoms subside and provide you with temporary relief. For any hopes of achieving permanent relief, however, you’ll need to opt for a doctor-administered treatment such as the CRH O’Regan System.

Temporary Relief from Hemorrhoid Itching

While this non-surgical procedure is your best bet for getting rid of symptomatic hemorrhoids once and for all, here are a few at-home treatments and lifestyle changes that might provide the temporary relief you need:

  • Try a sitz bath. You can find a sitz tub that fits over the toilet seat or simply fill up your bathtub. Either way, sitting in a few inches of warm water with salt for about 15 minutes a few times each day can relieve itchiness and irritation. Doctors also recommend taking a sitz bath after each bowel movement.
  • Get more fiber and liquids. Whether it’s from food or a supplement, fiber helps to soften stools and decrease pressure to your hemorrhoids. Try eating more broccoli, beans, whole grains, and fresh fruit to increase your fiber intake, or incorporate two tablespoons of a soluble fiber supplement into your diet daily. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
  • Go when you have to. If you feel the urge to go, take some time and head to the bathroom right then. Postponing a bowel movement can increase pressure to hemorrhoids and make them worse. On the other hand, don’t sit on the toilet for longer than you need to. The more time you spend on the toilet, the more likely you are to strain and put pressure on your itchy hemorrhoids.
  • Use topical treatments. It’s easy to find various topical ointments and creams that contain a local anesthetic and/or hydrocortisone. Although these can temporarily sooth your itchy hemorrhoids, you shouldn’t use them for more than a week at a time.

These methods are a great way to find temporary relief from itchy hemorrhoids and can even reduce flare-ups, but chances are you’ll only find permanent relief through some sort of professional treatment such as the CRH O’Regan banding procedure. All you have to do is contact a doctor near you to learn more.