Hemorrhoids are becoming quite common as by the age 50 at least 50% of people will have had them in one form or another. In some people they come and are gone within days, but with others through their life style they may become more of a nuisance. But in others it may require a more drastic measure either as an outpatient or major surgery.

With the anal itching, swelling and pain of hemorrhoids many over the counter remedies can help to relieve the discomfort. Witch hazel, creams and lotion that contain hydrocortisone will help get rid of itching and pain and give some comfort. Some medicated pads can be used for extra cleaning after wiping the rectum after a bowel movement. Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance as the anal area should be clean and dry.

It may take a bit to get rid of them but there are many remedies and you’ll need much perseverance. Treatment for external hemorrhoids will readily relieve the discomfort by using home remedies such as sitz baths, drug store products, non alcohol creams, pads and extra care with personal hygiene. Sometimes hemorrhoids are not painful and you may not know you have one until blood is noticed on toilet paper or in the stool.

There are a few non evasive procedures which the doctor can perform in his office. These treatments of external hemorrhoids will alleviate the problem and give much relief from the suffering. There is the laser therapy and rubber-band ligation treatment which would cut off the supply of blood to the hemorrhoid making it dry up and be eliminated.

However, sometimes a very large internal hemorrhoid will enlarge and come out of the rectum. This is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid and can be painful and bring on heavy blood and mucous discharge. It is the mucous from the hemorrhoid that causes irritation and itching in the area. The prolapsed hemorrhoid can be gently pushed back into the rectum to relieve some pain and discomfort but you should receive medical attention if you think you have one.

A strangulated hemorrhoid may occur if a blood clot is situated in its blood supply and with the pressure of the blood clot be too enlarged to push gently back into the rectum. In this instance it will be very painful and emergency medical attention should be sought.