The Best Ways to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids at Home

If you have hemorrhoids, you know all too well that the itchiness, rectal bleeding and hard lumps that are sore and tender can make it challenging to sit comfortably and to go about your daily life.

And if you’re tired of running to the local pharmacy every time you need some relief, you might want to consider trying some home remedies for hemorrhoids instead.

Natural remedies for hemorrhoids have proven to help shrink them down, but make sure you’re informed before you start treating these unpleasant guests at home.

“First, realize that hemorrhoids are a normal part of our anatomy. Usually, they don’t cause pain.” says colorectal surgeon Jeremy Lipman, MD.

Dr. Lipman says that any change you notice around your anus should prompt an exam by your doctor to make sure nothing more serious is going on — especially if you see blood.

Once you’re sure the symptoms are from hemorrhoids, there are many ways people may try to treat them at home. So what works? And what doesn’t?

While you may be wondering how to remove external hemorrhoids at home, just know that popping a hemorrhoid can lead to severe bleeding, swelling and even infection.

The goal instead? To reduce or shrink the size of your hemorrhoids and manage your symptoms.

Dr. Lipman shares how to get rid of hemorrhoids at home and when it may be time to see your doctor.

Remedies to get rid of hemorrhoids at home

Before you try hemorrhoid relief at home, proper diagnosis is critical.

“It’s important to see your doctor for bleeding, especially if you have never had hemorrhoids before,” Dr. Lipman says.

It’s after you’re properly diagnosed that you can start exploring how to heal hemorrhoids with these home remedies.

Sitz baths

Generally, experts recommend people with painful hemorrhoids sit in warm water for 15 minutes, several times a day — especially after a bowel movement.

A sitz bath for hemorrhoids is generally available at a local pharmacy. This small bowl fits right over your toilet and offers a convenient way to soak and soothe the area. You can also just sit in a bathtub filled with warm water.

“This is one of the best treatments,” says Dr. Lipman.

Psyllium husk

Psyllium husk is a supplement that helps increase your fiber intake and softens stools to make them easier to pass. Be careful not to increase fiber too much, too quickly, as it may also cause gas or stomach cramping.

“Use this to soften stool and make bowel movements more regular,” explains Dr. Lipman. “When your stools are soft and easy to pass, your hemorrhoids are more likely to resolve. Be sure to drink plenty of water if you take this supplement.”

Over-the-counter medications

If home remedies aren’t providing relief, look for medications that contain lidocaine or hydrocortisone to help manage symptoms. These can help with swelling and relieve burning, itching and pain. Options include creams, ointments, suppositories and medicated wipes.

You may also consider taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.

“To get the best effect, apply over-the-counter medicines right after doing a sitz bath,” says Dr. Lipman. “If the symptoms are getting worse, or not getting better in a few days, you should see your doctor.”

Hemorrhoid remedies to skip

Some patients say that apple cider vinegar can bring instant relief to hemorrhoids, reducing itching and pain.

“I don’t recommend using this remedy as it may burn the skin with overuse and exacerbate problems,” says Dr. Lipman.

Additionally, some people say the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil may reduce swelling and itching caused by hemorrhoids. Some early research found that a gel made with tea tree oil decreased symptoms, but studies are lacking. Dr. Lipman recommends not trying this remedy as it isn’t well studied.

You may also think aloe vera may help soothe inflammation of hemorrhoids since research shows its benefits for other inflammatory skin conditions. But Dr. Lipman says he doesn’t recommend using aloe vera since there isn’t research available for its use specifically on hemorrhoid relief.

When to see a doctor

In most cases, your hemorrhoids should go away on their own without treatment. But you should see your healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• Your symptoms are interfering with your daily life.
• If it’s been about a week and you haven’t seen any improvement.
• You start seeing blood where you didn’t before.

Medical treatment options for hemorrhoids

Your doctor may suggest the following medical treatments:

• Rubber band ligation. This is when a small rubber band is used to cut off the blood supply to hemorrhoids.
• Electrocoagulation. This treatment involves using an electric current to stop blood supply.
• Infrared coagulation. During this procedure, a small probe is placed inside your rectum to transmit heat to remove the hemorrhoid.
• Sclerotherapy. Hemorrhoid tissue is destroyed by a chemical injection to swollen veins.
• Surgical treatments such as hemorrhoidectomy. During this procedure the hemorrhoids are removed. It’s very effective, but recovery can be painful.

Bottom line?

Hemorrhoids are no fun. And while they’re typically harmless, there are a few things you can do to help prevent them:

• Drink more water.
• Increase your fiber intake.
• Exercise.
• Avoid long periods of sitting.
• Don’t delay or force bowel movements.

If you have questions on how to shrink hemorrhoids, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.

“If your hemorrhoids are stopping you from doing the things you want, go see your doctor to talk about options,” says Dr. Lipman.