Hemorrhoids is a medical condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the renal veins. Also called as piles, hemorrhoids usually occur due to constipation when an individual needs to exert excess pressure on the renal veins in order to pass his/her stools. Any other factor that leads to excess pressure buildup in the renal veins can also cause piles.
Piles are generally of two types, internal and external. External piles usually form in and around the anal region at the base of the renal canal. The hemorrhoids usually form on the outer skin of the anal region and are also called as External Hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids usually appear as lumps on the skin surface and can be easily felt by hand. These lumps are prone to irritation and itching during bowel movements. They can also rupture and cause bleeding. In certain cases, the lumps would start to collect blood and transform into blood clots (a condition called Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids) which can be even more painful to handle.
Simple And Effective Home Remedies For External Piles
Although standard medications and surgical options are readily available for the treatment of external hemorrhoids, doctors usually ask patients to try certain home remedies and wait for a period of time to see if the lumps disappear on their own (not in the case of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids though which need to be treated surgically).
Standard treatments for external piles usually result in a lot of pain and side effects. Home remedies though are devoid of all that and offer the best possible treatment for the condition and its symptoms. Some of the more common home remedies usually recommended for external piles include:
1. Eat Fiber Rich Foods
One of the main causes for hemorrhoids (both internal and external) happens to be constipation. Therefore, treating constipation is considered as the first step to effectively treat hemorrhoids at home. Ensuring soft bowel movements can thwart constipation to a great extent. Therefore, it is considered wise to eat foods that are easy to digest and help regulate the bowel movements.
Some of the best sources of fiber include fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals and grains. Fiber supplements like methyl cellulose and Psyllium can also be taken on a regular basis. Accordingly, foods rich in fiber are considered very beneficial for individuals suffering from constipation as well as external hemorrhoids [1].
Excess fiber in the system would aid in the digestion process and make the stools soft enough to pass through the colon easily. This in turn would regularize the bowel movements and offer relief from the pain caused by hardened stools (when they brush against the external growths) in addition to preventing the formation of external hemorrhoids to a great extent.
2. Drink Lots Of Fluids
Drinking plenty of water on a regular basis can flush out harmful toxins from the body, thereby preventing conditions like constipation and external hemorrhoids that can possibly be fuelled by these toxins. Excess water in the system would also ease the bowel movement and make it easier for the concerned individual to pass stools without causing pain or bleeding. The best option would be to drink at least 10 glasses of water every day for best benefits [2].
3. Apply Cold Compresses
Applying an ice pack or placing a cold compress on the anal region can help offer relief from the symptoms of external piles (mainly discomfort, itching, irritation, pain and inflammation). Sitting on a cold towel (dipped in cold water) can also help provide relief from the symptoms of external hemorrhoids to an extent [3].
4. Opt For Sitz Baths
Adding some epsum salts to a tub of warm water and soaking in the same can help reduce the symptoms of external hemorrhoids to a great extent. The best option would be to sit in the warm water for about 20 minutes, and to repeat the process at least 5 times every day for maximum benefits [4].
Kitchen Counter Remedies You Can Try Out
5. Radish
Radish is known to be very effective in treating external piles. 2 glasses of fresh radish juice every day can relieve the symptoms of external hemorrhoids to a great extent and prevent recurrences. Alternatively, grating a radish and swallowing it with some honey every day (twice for best benefits) can effectively help treat external hemorrhoids. Blending some white radish and milk, and applying the paste on the hemorrhoids can effectively bring down the swelling and pain associated with the condition [5].
6. Black Berries
Black berries can effectively provide relief from bleeding external piles. The best option would be to either eat them raw or blend them and drink the resultant juice (without any artificial sweeteners) at least twice a day for desirable results [6].
7. Dried Mango Seeds
Dried mango seeds can also cure bleeding piles to an extent. Mixing the powdered seeds (dried mango seeds) with spoon of honey and consuming the same at least thrice a day can stop bleeding piles in addition to offering relief from the discomfort, swelling and pain associated with the condition [7].
8. Bitter Gourd
Blending a fresh bitter gourd or the leaves of the vegetable to form a juice and drinking the same can offer relief from bleeding hemorrhoids. A glass of bitter gourd juice first thing in the morning every day can be very beneficial for individuals suffering from external hemorrhoids [8].
Read More:
4 Foods That Cure Piles
9 Best Home Remedies For Bleeding Piles
6 Foods That Cure Piles
9. Avoid Potential Triggers
Certain triggers can lead to the formation of external hemorrhoids, or can aggravate the symptoms of an existing condition. As such, it is considered necessary to avoid these potential triggers at all costs until the condition is completely cured, and limit their consumption/usage to prevent recurrences in the future.
Accordingly, some of the potential triggers of external hemorrhoids include alcohol, coffee, tea, other caffeinated drinks, beet, sodas, fizzy drinks and strong spices etc. In addition to causing discomfort in the stomach, these triggers can also cause excessive itching and irritation (even bleeding in certain cases) when they pass through the colon [9].
10. Change Your Eating Habits
Hurried eating or eating too much food at the same time can lead to the food getting stuck in the stomach and colon. Improper chewing of food can also lead to indigestion which in turn can cause constipation and external hemorrhoids. And eating late at night can also lead to indigestion and the formation of external hemorrhoids in the long run [10].
It is considered wise to eat slowly and chew the food properly before swallowing it. Limiting the amount of food consumed in each meal can also relive the stomach and make it easier for the organ to digest the food properly. And the best option would be to eat early in the night (at least 3 hours before bedtime) to avoid issues like indigestion and constipation which can easily cause external piles or aggravate the symptoms of an existing condition.
11. Additional Home Remedies For External Piles
Physical activeness is considered very important for individuals who are prone to conditions like constipation and external hemorrhoids. A sedentary lifestyle would only contribute to the formation of external hemorrhoids on a large scale. Regular exercises can help regularize the bowel movements and enable the easy passage of stools.Conditions like obesity can also fuel constipation and external piles. Therefore, it is considered important and maintain a healthy weight in order to thwart such issues [11].
Individuals with external piles should refrain from sitting continuously at the same spot for long hours. Sitting continuously for extended periods without breaks can cause excess heat to accumulate near the anus, thereby causing external hemorrhoids.