2 months ago I had some very minor itching and slight pain with bowel movement. I got some witch hazel wipes and figured it would go away. About 2 weeks ago I had some constipation and there was a small amount of blood on the toilet paper, since then I have been eating more fiber and have been going more regularly but the mild pain, itch and burning persist. Would I be able to use an otc hydrocortisone cream for a week? I wanted to but have been nervous to use it because of the skin thinning side effects... Any advice?
External hemorrhoid?
- Asked
- 19 Oct 2016 by Sharksfan19999
- Updated
- 29 Oct 2016
- Topics
- constipation, hemorrhoids, pain, pruritus, witch hazel, hazel, bowel movement
Responses (2)
Hi Shark,
You are on the right track. There are Internal & External hemorrhoids.
Rectal bleeding is a symptom of other diseases so it would be wise to have your doctor verify them at your next visit.
Causes :
Low fiber
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Sitting on the toilet for prolonged period
Rectal sex
Obesity
Pregnancy
Treatment:
-High fiber diet
-Witch hazel wipes
-Lidocaine suppositories
-Steroid suppositories but no more than a week due to skin thinning, like you mentioned.
***Warm sitz baths 3 x day for 10-15 min. -Sitz baths can be placed over toilet seats.
-Don't strain for bowel movements.
-Don't use toilet paper. Wipe instead with moist towelettes treated with witch hazel.
-Apply cold compresses for swelling.
-Pain relievers like Ibuprofen.
-Use of a foot stool when using the toilet. It's a more natural position.
If you are over 30 and never had a colonoscopy, definitely bring it to your doc's attention.
Knowing what you have will allow you to be proactive in changing your lifestyle.
Best wishes
Shark; Yes just as Windchime has put down. Very easy to get under control You may want to go to the pharmacy and talk with the Pharmacist they sell over the counter now a product called Anusol HC CREAM and you can apply it to the external ones and as they shrink I have just pushed them back in with very little discomfort. But use the cream until your back to normal. Also, you should think of a stool softener like DSS is the generic name for Colace 100mg twice daily. If you continue to have problems see your doctor. But when I was going through Chemotherapy and still now due to some of the medications I'm still on I use this all the time and the cream really helps the irritation and burning but I really would continue with the fiber but take the stool softener also. and baby wipes are great too. good luck my friend.P.S. I find when they were very bad to apply the cream externally and just put a little bit of pressure on them and they well just kind of fall back in place but try not to strain. also, Stool softener are not habit forming to you like some Laxatives are. Best of luck Chuck1957 Do not worry about the cream that enters the rear. It's safe to put some there too.

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Hi Chuck,
I saw this product on a Shark Tank (Lol... sorry Shark) that made a lot of sense to me. Why do toilets have to be as high as they are. Convenience on getting up?
However, the most natural is squatting, just like childbirth.
So the Mom & Pop invented a little stool that you rest your feet on, raising your knees up to a higher degree to simulate squatting. It's specifically for constipation and hemorrhoids. It pushes right up against the toilet and you keep it there.
May I have your humble opinion on one of these devices? You can always blame it on the grandkids!
Windchime; Yes I have seen those stools also, And anything is worth a try, As long as nobody pushes too hard on the back of the toilet the tank snaps pretty easy. Mine is still lifted from when the hospital set up my trailer home, bless them and I still need the handles. have a good day. And I never did mention if sitting down is hard to get one of those blow-up donuts also or foam ones are better. Chuck1957
Hi Chuck,
I missed your comment.
I can visualize the toilet scene! ROTFLMAO!
I think the blow up is better for storage and cleanliness. The foam is porous and will absorb as the toilet flushes.
I hope you are felling better.