A 40-year-old member asked:
how can you treat a possible hemorrhoid?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mark Hoepfner answered
General Surgery 39 years experience
Veins: Hemorrhoids are veins at the surface, under the anal-rectal mucosa. These veins are a normal part of the anatomy, but can become enlarged with constipation or straining for bowel movements. Avoid constipation. Avoid sitting & straining at the toilet too long. Warm bath soaks & high fiber diet.
5090 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
What to do: It is important not to make hemorrhoids worse. Cleaning off after a bowel movement should be gentle. Pre-moistened towlettes can be used to dab the anus. Don’t wipe/rub. Pat the anus dry after cleaning. Avoid using harsh soaps that contain dyes or aromas. Cotton underwear is helpful as it absorbs moisture well.
Sitz bathes can be helpful. Sit in a bathtub with warm water. There needs to >.
4936 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Provided original answer
enough water to submerge the anal area. Soak for about 15 minutes – several times a day. An alternative is placing ¼ cup of witch hazel & warm water in a basin. Soak for at least 15 minutes, at least twice a day.
There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can used for anal itching, burning & pain. Preparation H is one of the more well known products. Oral Tylenol can also help with discomfort.
It is important to try not to get hemorrhoids in the first place. Stay well hydrated (at least 8 - 8 ounces glasses of water per day). Try to get in 5 servings of vegetables and 4 servings of fruit per day – get that fiber in. Stay physically active if possible. There are a number of over the counter laxatives that can be taken orally to help pass retained fecal matter.
Please discuss your hemorrhoids with your physician. If hemorrhoids become really problematic, it could require a visit to a general surgeon.
Aug 13, 2013

Dr. Eduardo Krajewski answered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 22 years experience
Read bellow: it all depends on your symptoms. Most hemorrhoid symptoms will respond to changes in your diet and when flared, the use of topical medications. Go to my website www.thehdoctor.com. You will learn more about hemorrhoids there. All best!
3357 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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How can I alleviate piles?
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Dr. Parul Krishnamurthy answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 34 years experience
Avoid constipation: Eat fresh whole foods, grains, vegetables, fruits. Drink 6-8 glasses of plain water a day in addition to any other beverages you may be consuming. Brisk walk daily, 30 mins at least. Have a warm glass of water first thing in the morning. Avoid more than 1-2 cups caffeine/day, processed foods, white flour, excess cheese. Maintain a regular and consistent routine for meal times.
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A 21-year-old member asked:
Are there effective over-the-counter medication to reduce a hemorrhoid outbreak?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Eric Kaplan answered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 42 years experience
Depends: If you have a hemorrhoid problem and are helped by over the counter meds, you probably do not have a serious hemorrhoid problem. Prescription hemorrhoid meds help, but there is no substitute for proper dieet and fluid intake to treat or prevent hemorrhoid symptoms.
6148 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can you have more than one hemorrhoid at a time?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Eric Kaplan answered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 42 years experience
Yes: Everyone has 3 internal hemorrhoids and numerous external hemorrhoidal veins. Any combination can involve either/or both internal and external hemorrhoids. Please get it checked by a specialist if you have concerns.
6148 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 24-year-old member asked:
How do you keep a hemorrhoid from bursting open and leaking puss?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Eric Kaplan answered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 42 years experience
Don't: Henmorrhoids rarely get infected. If a swelling near the anus burst and discharges purulence it is more likely a rectal abscess and may have a fistula associated with it, which may require surgery to prevent recurrence. See a colon and rectal surgeon for evaluation.
6174 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 44-year-old member asked:
What does a hemorrhoid look like?
9 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Eric Kaplan answered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 42 years experience
Depends: External hemorrhoids are swollen tissue around the anus pink or red and soft but twender to touch. If it thomboses or clots, pain is increased and it will have apurple color and be firm/hard to the touch. If not sure what the swelling is, get an expert to evaluate and offer treatment options.
6118 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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