What are hemorrhoids and what do I have to do to relieve the discomfort? They are also known as piles and are caused by too much pressure on the anal veins which can lead to external or internal hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids do not have any lump outside the anal area that can be seen. While external hemorrhoids may be the easiest to see, they can also be the most painful. There are many people in the world who suffer from hemorrhoids and they mostly occur in people over the age of fifty. There are many ways to treat hemorrhoids, but one of the simplest methods is the sitz bath. A sitz bath can actually relieve some of the discomfort and reduce swelling.
What is a sitz bath? It is a bath where you sit in warm water that covers your buttocks and hips. The idea is that sitting in the warm water will help get more blood to the anal area, which can help promote healing and help with any discomfort from the hemorrhoids. It is a kind of hydrotherapy or water therapy for hemorrhoids.
In fact, you can buy a sitz bath, which is a plastic bath that fits over a toilet. However, using the bathtub is probably the easiest way to take a sitz bath. Fill your bath with warm water. You want it to be warm enough to be comfortable, but not too hot. Again, the water should cover the buttocks and hips and it is recommended that you partially lie down rather than sit in the bath to relieve pressure on the anal area.
You can also add some aromatherapy oils to the water to help you relax. Choose your favorite oil, but using lavender, lemon balm, or valerian oil makes a great relaxing bath. Another good option is to add epsom salts to the water, which is recommended by many doctors. Epsom salts help draw toxins out of the body, reduce swelling and relax muscles. Additionally, Epsom salt is also known to help relieve inflammation and pain. Epsom salts can be purchased at most drug stores.
You will want to stay in the bathroom for about twenty to thirty minutes several times a week to promote healing. When you get out of the bathroom, you’ll want to use a clean cotton towel to pat the area dry. Make sure not to rub but to dry the area with the towel. If you want, you can also let the area air dry, which some doctors recommend so that you don’t bother the area again.
