Teen with hemorrhoids embarrassed

May 19, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m a 15-year-old girl. I’ve had external hemorrhoids for about three years now. I did not mind it until last week. It got very painful when I had a bowel movement. I’m very embarrassed to tell anyone in my family about it. I searched online for remedies and one site said that Vicks VapoRub works. Does it really relieve and reduce hemorrhoids? What about witch hazel? Thank you so much.

DEAR READER: I can certainly appreciate your degree of embarrassment but hemorrhoids are quite common and you should feel free to ask other family members or your personal physician for some direction. It may be your entire family has a similar problem and they, too, have been unwilling to share the information.
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Some causes for rectal bleeding

January 26, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am an 18-year-old male and would like to know if I have a problem or if it is normal. Personally, I think it is a problem. For a while I have been bleeding from my anus. Sometimes it will stop and start but it only occurs when I use the bathroom.

I haven’t told anybody or seen a doctor about it because I am scared. I hope you have an answer or some suggestions. Thank you.

DEAR READER: There are a number of causes for rectal bleeding, to include hemorrhoids, colon polyps, diarrhea, anal fissures (tears in the anal skin), ulcerative and ischemic colitis, Crohn’s disease, proctitis, cancer, and more.
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Vicks for hemorrhoids?

April 13, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Seven or eight years ago, you suggested using Vicks VapoRub for relief of the discomfort associated with anal hemorrhoids. It has worked really well for me. I have used both the Vicks and store-brand equivalents. I have no more pain from my two hemorrhoids but now wonder if I should keep using the product or have the hemorrhoids removed. I am a 67-year-old male.

DEAR READER: I had all but forgotten this advice for the treatment of hemorrhoids, so thank you for writing to inform me of your positive results.

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins in the lower rectum and/or anus. They can be internal or external and are usually the result of straining during bowel movements, chronic diarrhea or constipation, or from increased pressure on the veins due to obesity, pregnancy and more. [Read more...]

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Husband, wife need advice

February 6, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m interested in your no flour, no sugar diet. I’m 5’ 5” and weigh 140 pounds which is not a problem for me. I was a very skinny teenager and think the extra pounds look good. My husband, however, needs to lose weight and to help him, I thought we could try the diet together.

I also have a big problem with hemorrhoids. I’ve checked on the internet and can’t seem to find any help except for drugs. I’ve been plagued for 30 years with this problem since having my three children. It does get better but flares up often and is very painful. Is there any solution other than surgery?
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