Can hemorrhoids be washed with salt water?
Generally speaking, hemorrhoids can be washed with saline solution, but it should be determined according to specific circumstances. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the hemorrhoid symptoms are mild, with only slight itching or discomfort, washing with saline solution can provide some auxiliary benefits. Saline solution has certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, can clean the anal area, reduce local inflammatory reactions, relieve itching, and is simple and convenient for daily care. In this case, the saline concentration should not be too high, the temperature should be moderate, and the area should be dried promptly after washing.
When hemorrhoids are in an acute flare-up phase, with obvious swelling, pain, or bleeding, saline washing should be done cautiously. If the saline concentration is too high or the temperature is inappropriate, it may irritate the affected area, worsening the pain and discomfort. Particularly in cases of ulcers or bleeding, saline irritation may exacerbate symptoms. In such situations, blindly washing with saline will not only fail to relieve symptoms but may also delay treatment.
When washing hemorrhoids with saline, attention should be paid to preparing the appropriate concentration, keeping the water temperature between 38-40℃, performing the cleaning gently without vigorous rubbing. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, timely medical attention should be sought, and standardized treatment should be followed as directed by a physician.