How to Relieve Hemorrhoids: Tips and Effective Solutions

In this article, we review all the effective ways to combat hemorrhoids. For those in a hurry, here is a list of natural solutions to implement right away.

Hemorrhoids: fast and natural relief

1. Adopt a high-fiber diet: fiber helps prevent constipation, which is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. Consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to increase your intake.

2. Drink enough water: proper hydration softens stools and limits straining. Aim for about 1.5 liters per day.

3. Stay active: physical activity improves venous circulation and prevents constipation. Walking, swimming, cycling: everything helps.

4. Use plant-based creams and suppositories: many preparations are traditionally used to soothe symptoms. Aloe vera, witch hazel, and chamomile are particularly renowned for their calming properties. Ask your pharmacist for advice on which product is suitable for your situation.

5. Avoid clothes that are too tight: they exert pressure on the area and can worsen discomfort. Opt for loose and comfortable clothing.

6. Avoid sitting or standing for too long: prolonged static positioning worsens venous congestion. Take regular breaks and walk around a bit.

7. Try cold: applying cold compresses or taking a cold sitz bath is the most common traditional reflex to soothe a flare-up. Never apply ice directly to the skin: wrap it in a cloth.

8. Use a sitz bath or a portable bidet: this is the most practical and hygienic option for daily use. They allow you to clean the anal area with water, gently, without the friction of toilet paper—which limits irritation.

The sitz bath to soothe flare-ups

Sitz baths are small basins designed to be placed on the toilet. Some are equipped with a bulb and spray to clean the anal area comfortably. They are particularly appreciated during periods of constipation or diarrhea, as they allow for cleaning the perineal area much more gently than with toilet paper alone. A cold water sitz bath (10 to 20°C, 10 to 15 minutes) is the most common traditional method used to quickly soothe a hemorrhoidal flare-up.

The portable bidet, for washing with water everywhere

Portable bidets are small devices that allow you to clean intimate areas with a jet of water. They are especially useful for people who travel often or who do not have a handheld bidet in their bathroom. Easy to use and carry anywhere—on vacation as well as at work—they come in manual or electric versions for all budgets. Some run on batteries, others by simply pressing your hand on a flexible reservoir.

By applying these tips and using a sitz bath or a portable bidet, you can soothe symptoms while addressing the causes. Note that hemorrhoids, while unpleasant, are generally not dangerous and often disappear on their own within a few weeks. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Find more detailed advice in our e-book: 10 tips to soothe hemorrhoids. Simple and concrete solutions to support you in your daily life.

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What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins located in the anal and rectal region. These dilated and inflamed veins around the anus can cause bleeding, itching, pain, burning, and discomfort during defecation.

They are common and can occur in anyone, but are more frequent in cases of family predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, chronic constipation, being overweight, pregnancy, or after childbirth.

There are several types of hemorrhoids:

• Internal hemorrhoids, located inside the rectum. They generally do not cause pain but may bleed during bowel movements.
• External hemorrhoids, located outside the anus, which cause pain and itching.
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids, which protrude from the anus and cause pain and discomfort.

Natural solutions

Several natural approaches are traditionally used to soothe hemorrhoids: soothing ointments and balms, suppositories or herbal capsules like horse chestnut, cypress, or red vine—the three plants most associated with venous comfort—or even soothing wipes and lotions.

Fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes) help prevent constipation and facilitate bowel movements. Certain spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are renowned for their soothing properties. Cypress essential oil is traditionally used in aromatherapy for circulatory comfort—always diluted, and never pure on mucous membranes.

Also, make sure to drink enough water to facilitate stool evacuation.

It is also important to prevent recurrence: regular physical exercise to support venous circulation, avoiding prolonged sitting, and maintaining a stable weight.

Other possible treatments

There are several treatments to relieve anal varicose veins, which vary according to the stage and severity.

Medication includes anti-inflammatories, analgesics, veinotonics (to support venous circulation), laxatives, and suppositories intended to relieve pain, itching, and bleeding.

Local treatments include ointments, balms, and wipes to soothe pain and itching.

Surgical or instrumental treatments include rubber band ligation, which involves ligating the dilated veins with elastic bands, and excision (removal) of the hemorrhoids via incision. Cryotherapy, laser coagulation, or sclerotherapy injections can also be performed. These interventions are done under local or general anesthesia.

Consult a doctor (general practitioner or proctologist) in case of rectal bleeding, pain, or persistent anal discomfort: this can be a sign of other pathologies. It is essential not to self-medicate for long periods, in order to rule out, in particular, an anal fissure or colorectal disease.

The sitz bath and the portable bidet are hygiene and comfort accessories. They do not replace medical advice or prescribed treatment.