What should I do if my hemorrhoids are itchy?
Oct 30, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
Itching caused by hemorrhoids can be managed through warm sitz baths, maintaining anal hygiene, increasing dietary fiber intake, avoiding irritants, and using medications. Warm sitz baths are an effective method for relieving itching and discomfort from hemorrhoids. Sitting in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and relieve itching. Taking sitz baths several times a day, especially after bowel movements, can quickly alleviate discomfort.
Hemorrhoids refer to piles. In general, itching caused by hemorrhoids can be managed through warm sitz baths, maintaining anal hygiene, increasing dietary fiber intake, avoiding irritants, and using medications. Specific measures are as follows:
1. Warm sitz bath: A warm sitz bath is an effective method to relieve itching and pain from hemorrhoids. Sitting in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and relieve itching. Taking multiple sitz baths daily, especially after bowel movements, can quickly alleviate discomfort.
2. Maintain anal hygiene: Keeping the anal area clean is essential to prevent infection and further irritation. Gently wash the area with warm water and a mild soap, then pat dry with a towel.
3. Increase dietary fiber intake: Increasing dietary fiber by consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products helps soften stools and reduce constipation, thereby alleviating hemorrhoid symptoms, including itching.
4. Avoid irritants: Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol may worsen itching from hemorrhoids. Try to avoid or minimize consumption of these items.
5. Use medications: If the above measures fail to relieve symptoms, topical treatments such as Anusol ointment or Yunnan Baiyao hemorrhoid ointment may be used under a doctor's guidance.
If symptoms persist or become severe, patients should seek medical attention.
