Hemorrhoids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Hemorrhoids

are swollen blood vessels inside your rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or on your anus (external hemorrhoids). Sometimes a hemorrhoid may prolapse. This means it extends out of your anus.

Common signs and symptoms:

• Pain or itching around your anus or inside your rectum
• Swelling or bumps around your anus
• Bright red blood in your bowel movement, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl
• Tissue bulging out of your anus (prolapsed hemorrhoids)
• Incontinence (poor control over urine or bowel movements)

Seek care immediately if:

• You have severe pain in your rectum or around your anus.
• You have severe pain in your abdomen, and you are vomiting.
• You have bleeding from your anus that soaks through your underwear.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor if:

• You have frequent and painful bowel movements.
• Your hemorrhoid looks or feels more swollen than usual.
• You do not have a bowel movement for 2 days or more.
• You see or feel tissue coming through your anus.
• You have blood in your bowel movements.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment:

• Medicines can help decrease pain and swelling, and soften your bowel movement. The medicine may be a pill, pad, cream, or ointment.
• Procedures may be used to shrink or remove your hemorrhoid. Examples include rubber-band ligation, sclerotherapy, and infrared coagulation, also called photocoagulation. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these procedures.
• Surgery may be needed to shrink or remove your hemorrhoids.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Anucort-HC
• Preparation H Maximum Strength
• hydrocortisone
• Proctozone HC
• Proctofoam HC

View more treatment options

Manage your symptoms or prevent hemorrhoids:

• Eat a variety of high-fiber foods. Examples include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber is an important part of hemorrhoid treatment. High-fiber foods soften your bowel movements and increase the bulk. This helps you avoid straining. Ask your provider how much fiber you need each day. In general, 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day may be recommended. Over-the-counter fiber supplements may also help.
• Do not strain to have a bowel movement. Straining can increase pressure on the tissues in your rectum and anus. When you sit on the toilet, do it for short periods of time if you are able, such as 3 to 5 minutes.
• Take a sitz bath. Fill a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of warm water. You may also use a sitz bath pan that fits inside a toilet bowl. Sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day. The warm water can help decrease pain and swelling.
• Keep your anal area clean. Gently wash the area with warm water daily. Soap may irritate the area. After a bowel movement, gently wipe with moist towelettes or wet toilet paper. Dry toilet paper can irritate the area. Bidet toilet seats that spray water can be connected to your toilet. Portable spray bottle bidets can be used to clean your anal area. They can also be attached to a water bottle.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Liquids can help prevent constipation and keep your bowel movements soft. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. In general, 2 liters of water a day may be recommended. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Exercise as directed. Exercise, such as walking, may help prevent constipation and make it easier to have a bowel movement. Work with your provider to create an exercise plan.
• Avoid heavy lifting. This can cause you to strain and increase your risk for another hemorrhoid.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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