Hemorrhoid Treatment: Fast Relief, Home Care, and What Works

Hemorrhoids are painful and awkward, but most can be treated at home. Below you’ll find straight-forward steps that actually help — from quick relief to longer-term fixes. No fluff, just what to try now and what needs a doctor.

Quick Home Relief

Start with a sitz bath: sit in warm water for 10–15 minutes, two to three times a day. Warm water eases pain, reduces swelling, and helps the area heal faster. After bathing, pat the area dry—don’t rub.

Use cold packs for the first 24–48 hours to cut swelling. Apply for 10–15 minutes, with a cloth between skin and ice. For comfort, try witch hazel pads or medicated wipes designed for hemorrhoids; they clean gently and calm irritation.

Over-the-counter creams or suppositories with hydrocortisone or lidocaine can ease itching and pain short-term. Don’t use steroid creams longer than a week unless a doctor says so. For hard stools, use a stool softener like docusate and take fiber supplements (psyllium or methylcellulose) to make bowel movements easier.

Avoid straining and long sitting on the toilet. If you feel the urge, go—don’t hold it. Small diet changes help fast: add more water and 20–30g of fiber daily (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to prevent repeat problems.

When to See a Doctor & Medical Options

See a doctor if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or a lump that won’t shrink. Also get checked if symptoms last more than two weeks despite home care. Those signs can mean a bigger problem or need for a medical procedure.

Common office treatments include rubber band ligation (small band cuts blood supply so the hemorrhoid falls off), sclerotherapy (injected solution shrinks it), and infrared coagulation. These usually take minutes and work well for internal hemorrhoids. For very large or persistent hemorrhoids, surgery (hemorrhoidectomy) or stapled procedures may be recommended.

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids (a painful clot) sometimes need prompt care. If pain is severe and it’s within a few days of onset, a doctor can remove the clot to relieve pressure. Don’t try to lance it yourself.

Prevention is simple and steady: eat fiber, drink plenty of water, stay active, and avoid prolonged sitting. Use a footstool while on the toilet to change the angle—many people find this reduces straining.

If you’re unsure which step to pick, or if symptoms change, talk to your healthcare provider. For clear guides and reviews of treatments, check RXConnected articles and ask your doctor about the safest option for you.