1.Apply topical OTC medications to shrink your hemorrhoids. Different hemorrhoid creams, suppositories, and ointments made with cortisone can help ease some of your itchiness, pain, and overall discomfort—all while helping your hemorrhoids shrink in the process. Check the instructions on the box for guidance on how to apply the product (as well as how often it can be applied).
- Look for products with labels like Hemorrhoidal Cream, Hemorrhoidal Ointment, Hemorrhoidal Suppositories, and Anorectal Cream. Preparation H is a common brand that sells these types of products.
- Other topical medications contain steroids, anesthetics, astringents, and antiseptics. Check the “Drug Facts” section on the package to see which active ingredients are in the product, as well as what they do.
- Your doctor can also prescribe an ointment or cream for your hemorrhoids.
- Warning: Don’t use over-the-counter hydrocortisone topicals for longer than 1 week unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
2.Take a sitz bath for 15 minutes. Pour a little bit of warm water (around 104 °F (
40 °C)) into your bathtub so it’s 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) full. Sit down in the shallow water for 15 minutes, giving yourself the bath around 2-3 times each day.A brief sitz bath helps ease the pain and discomfort—plus, the warm temperature helps shrink the hemorrhoids.
- You can also use a special sitz bath seat that’s designed to go over your toilet seat.
- Never use hot water for your sitz baths, as this can make your hemorrhoids even more swollen.
3.Apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time. Wrap an ice pack or cold compress with a cloth and place it beneath your anus for 15-20 minutes—the cool temperature provides relief while also shrinking the hemorrhoid. Feel free to use ice once per hour, or follow your doctor’s recommendation if they give you one.
4.Wipe with flushable wet wipes after using the restroom. Once you’re finished on the toilet, wipe yourself down with a flushable wet ripe rather than a dry sheet of toilet paper (which can irritate your hemorrhoids even more). Steer clear of baby wipes, since these can block up your toilet.
- Ointments and rectal wipes made with zinc oxide can also provide some relief when you’re wiping.[
- Some people also like to treat their hemorrhoids with Tucks pads.
5.Manage any pain or discomfort with OTC pain relievers. OTC painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin (Bayer) can help your hemorrhoids feel a little less sore and uncomfortable. Always check the dosage info on the bottle before you take any medication, and be sure to only take the recommended amount of medication per day.
- Acetaminophen dosage (for adults): 325 mg once every 4-6 hours; up to 1000 mg per day
- Ibuprofen dosage (for adults): 200-400 mg once every 4-6 hours; up to 3200 mg per day
- Naproxen dosage (for adults): 550 mg once every 12 hours (or 550 mg and then 275 mg once every 6-8 hours); up to 1375 mg on the first day and 1100 mg on the following days
- Aspirin dosage (for adults): 300 to 650 mg once every 4 to 6 hours; up to 4 g per day
6.Practice good hygiene around your anal area. One of the best things you can do to care for hemorrhoids is keeping your anal area clean. Bathe or shower daily, and clean the skin in and around the anus with water and fragrance-free soap.
Avoid straining as much as possible during bowel movements. One of the most common causes of hemorrhoids is excessive straining while going to the bathroom, which can be caused by constipation, chronic diarrhea, and long periods of sitting on the toilet. Stick with short, 1-2 minute bathroom breaks without any straining to help prevent hemorrhoids from forming in the first place.
- Try elevating your feet slightly while sitting on the toilet. This may help your bowel movement be a little less strenuous.
- Constipation is a side effect of many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking, and see if you can switch to something less likely to cause constipation.
