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.
There are two types of hemorrhoids – internal and external. The external type you refer to develop under the skin, protrude around the anus and are the most uncomfortable. Their existence is linked with chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, from sitting on a toilet or standing for extended periods of time and pregnancy. Blood pools, vessels enlarge and additional pressure on the anal canal can cause the connective tissues to weaken, bulge and prolapse. Thus, the hemorrhoid.
There are a number of things you can try at home to relieve your symptoms. Initially, add fiber to your diet. Foods high in fiber include wheat and oat bran, broccoli, beans, whole grain foods, and fresh fruit or try over-the-counter supplements such as Metamucil. Be sure to consume plenty of water, as well, to avoid constipation. Keep in mind that if you don’t eat much fiber at this time, the increase can result in gas or bloating so be sure to begin slowly. You can then increase your intake to about 30 grams of fiber per day. And, how can you keep track of that? Read labels on the foods you eat. Cereals, multi-grain breads and a whole lot more will tell you how much fiber is in each serving.
There are a number of topical over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams containing a local anesthetic that will ease the pain. Check the appropriate aisle of your local pharmacy or ask your pharmacist which brand he recommends. Witch hazel wipes are available under the brand name Tucks. They will also help ease the pain without any harmful side effects.
If you have a tub, place an inch or two of quite warm water in the tub and sit in the water allowing it to come in contact with the hemorrhoids. The process will lessen the itching, pain and irritation. This is known as a sitz bath that can be performed in the privacy of your own bathroom, even if you do it prior to a shower.
Exercise. The simple act of walking will stimulate your bowel function and should reduce the stress of having to push to have a bowel movement.
Drink a glass of warm water 30 minutes before breakfast, or consider warmed apple or prune juice (or cider) each morning with your breakfast. All these liquids will help you remain regular.
Keep in mind that some hemorrhoids cannot be successfully managed with home remedies and may require the assistance of a physician. Such procedures might include rubber band ligation or a hemorrhoidectomy. Let’s keep things simple for the time being and try what you can successfully do by yourself; however, if you need additional help, be sure to ask your physician.
Readers who would like related information can order my Health Report “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to my attention at PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
