Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus and rectum. They resemble varicose veins that occur on the leg. When irritated, hemorrhoidal veins may itch, burn, or bleed and cause painful swelling in the surrounding membranes. Hemorrhoids are frequently caused by straining during a bowel movement, heavy lifting, childbirth, severe coughing, and constant sitting.

The symptoms associated with hemorrhoids can be treated with topical medications such as hemorrhoid creams, changes in lifestyle and eating habits, or in extreme cases surgically removed. Hemorrhoids can arise internally or externally. Internal hemorrhoids are deep in the rectum and may go undetected until they bleed or protrude, causing severe pain.

Internal hemorrhoids are also known as prolapsed hemorrhoids and require prompt treatment to avoid more severe complications. There is a grading scale used to determine the severity of internal hemorrhoids. Grade one is the least severe and is described as mild distention. Grade two is protrusion of the hemorrhoid during a bowel movement that spontaneously reduces on its own. Grade three is a protrusion during a bowel movement that must be manually pushed back in. Grade four is a completely prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be reduced and the inner lining of the rectum is also starting to prolapse. External hemorrhoids tend to get the most attention due to their unpleasant symptoms. The painful burning itch requires prompt treatment. Cut off from the supply of blood, external hemorrhoids can develop clots and become painfully thrombosed.

Treatment and cure for hemorrhoids consists of first eliminating the symptoms and secondly, shrinking the hemorrhoids. Pain medication can be used to reduce the aching, but topical hemorrhoid creams and suppositories are best to stop the burning and itching. Sitting in a warm shallow bath several times a day should be helpful in both reducing burning itch and reducing the size of the hemorrhoid. A bulk fiber laxative or stool softener will make bowel movements more comfortable and eliminate straining.

Be sure to cleanse the rectal area thoroughly with warm water after each bowel movement. Pain relievers like naproxen sodium contain anti-inflammatory ingredients to lessen pain and swelling and the application of a hemorrhoid cream containing hydrocortisone is effective for further reducing the itch, burning, and swelling. Fast, aggressive treatment should improve hemorrhoids in two to three days, but several weeks of treatment may be needed to completely calm the hemorrhoids.

If treatment of your hemorrhoids at home has been unsuccessful or the problem disappears only to return or worsen, then you should see your physician, especially if you have other symptoms such as weight loss or blood in the stool. Surgical procedures and external treatments will be ineffective unless you prevent the cause of the hemorrhoids with changes to your diet and exercise habits.