Swollen anorectal veins that develop in to hemorrhoids often cause bleeding during bowel movement. These bleeding hemorrhoids are very painful and are difficult to manage through simple home remedies. Bleeding occurs due to breakage of the sensitive skin lining the hemorrhoid tissue. Bleeding hemorrhoids treatment you follow should aim at repairing the damaged portion of the anal tissue. Bleeding hemorrhoids can be either internal or external hemorrhoids. Hence, to address the problem correctly know the type of hemorrhoid and use the bleeding hemorrhoids treatment accordingly depending on the severity of the condition. In few cases, bleeding may not be due to hemorrhoids hence, know the exact cause for bleeding before starting the treatment. Bleeding of dark colored blood is often an indication for presence of hemorrhoids.
Factors responsible for bleeding of hemorrhoids
- Presence of sensitive skin: Internal hemorrhoids are covered by a thin mucous membrane while external hemorrhoids are covered by a thin layer of skin. Both the coverings are very sensitive and tear easily due to force exerted by hard stools during straining or during cleaning with dry wipes.
- Passing of stools: Passage of hard stools causes stretching of anus. Extensive stretching of the anus breaks the thin skin covering the external hemorrhoids and thus bleeding.
- Trauma: Use of inappropriate clothing such as tight fitting abrasive clothing causes breakage of skin and bleeding of external hemorrhoids.
- Sitting or standing for long hours.
- Pregnancy.
Use of hemorrhoid creams
If the problem is not very severe then hemorrhoid creams with astringent, anti-inflammatory or anti-septic properties can be used to reduce the inflammation, pain and irritation. There are many creams available in the market. Few are made of natural ingredients such as Witch Hazel and few are medicated. Choose a cream that best addresses your problem. While choosing the cream check if you are allergic to the ingredients contained in them.
- Creams containing hydrocortisone aid in relieving itching and inflammation.
- Creams containing vasoconstrictors such as phyenylephrine constrict the blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
It should be remembered that creams offer only temporary relief and an alternative bleeding hemorrhoids treatment should be used for permanent relief i.e. to get rid of hemorrhoids forever.
Hemorrhoid surgery
Alternative bleeding hemorrhoids treatment for hemorrhoids that do not respond to topical creams is surgery. There are different types of surgical procedures to remove hemorrhoids. Of all the procedures the conventional procedure is associated with the risk of severe post operative complications. Other procedures such as stapled hemorrhoidectomy, infrared coagulation and laser treatment are less painful and also give excellent results. Mild bleeding internal hemorrhoids can be treated using non-surgical medical procedures such as sclerotherapy and rubber band ligation. These procedures cut the blood supply to the hemorrhoid tissue and cause it to fall off.
Home remedies to treat bleeding hemorrhoids
When the bleeding is mild, then certain home remedies work as efficient bleeding hemorrhoids treatment.
- Taking fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation. Take berry juice and apple juice mixed in 1:1 ratio to treat the swollen veins.
- Consider using herbal creams made of Witch hazel, Aloe Vera or Butcher’s Broom to treat itching and pain associated with hemorrhoids.
- Use of cold ice packs and warm sitz baths.
- Cleaning the area by gently spraying the water without rubbing with cloth or wipes. Add very little amount of Epsom salt to the warm water. Epsom salt aids in cleaning the area as well as heals the damaged portion.
- Taking well balanced diet rich in all nutrients especially vitamin K that controls bleeding.
Measures to prevent worsening of the disease
- Use moist wipes to clean the anus region after bowel movements.
- Use medicated pads to keep the region dry.
- Taking plenty of water to prevent constipation.
- Avoid foods that cause diarrhea.
- Avoid sitting or standing continuously for long hours.
After the hemorrhoids are cured it is the responsibility of the patient to follow preventive measures to prevent recurrence. Visit a doctor immediately after you notice bleeding in stools to prevent complications.