When it comes to treating hemorrhoids, a very painful anal disorder/disease, it can be somewhat of a challenge.

What are Hemorrhoids?

A precise definition of hemorrhoids doesn’t exist, but they can be fairly described as masses or clumps of tissue within the anal canal that contain blood vessels and the surrounding supporting tissue made of muscle and elastic fibers. Most people would think that hemorrhoids are abnormal, but they are present in everyone. It is only when hemorrhoid cushions enlarge that causes hemorrhoids to cause problems and can become a very painful disease. Though they occur in everyone, they can only cause problems to a meager 4% of the general population, with their prevalence occurring between 45 and 65 years for both men and women.

Surgical Relief for Hemorrhoids

There are a number of surgeries designed for hemorrhoid relief. However, they should only be considered by people that have painful and bleeding hemorrhoids.

1. Hemorrhoidectomy – the general surgery used to remove hemorrhoids.
2. PPH or Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids – A minimally invasive procedure for external hemorrhoid treatment and/or prolapsed, a condition in which the hemorrhoids or anal tissue slips down out of the anal canal.

General Measures for Curing Hemorrhoids

It is believed that constipation and hard bowel movements promote hemorrhoids; and hard stools can traumatize existing hemorrhoids. As first measure, it is recommended that people with hemorrhoids soften their stool by increasing the fiber in their diets. 20-30 grams of fiber per day are recommended, whereas the average American diet would consist of less than 15 grams. People can also take supplemental fiber (calcium polycarbophil, psyllium and methylcellulose) to increase their fiber intake. However there is no scientific support for the benefits of fiber, liquids or stool softeners.

Over the Counter Medications for Relieving Hemorrhoids

There are different over the counter medications promoted as a cure for hemorrhoids. These medications often contain the same ingredients made for anal discomfort and itching. Studies are limited that shows the effectiveness of these medications for hemorrhoid cure. They are, however, sure to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids and it is also possible that their effectiveness somehow relates to their treatment of anal conditions other than hemorrhoids, for example idiopathic anal itching which accompanies hemorrhoids as a symptom.

Know your drugs

Most products contain more than one type of active ingredient, and almost all contain a protectant in addition to another ingredient. The following brand-name products are enumerated below:

Local Anesthetics

Local anesthetics temporarily relieve the pain, burning and itching by numbing nerve endings. The use of these products should only be limited to lower anal canal and perianal area. Since they can cause allergic reactions with burning and itching, it is recommended that usage be discontinued if burning and itching increases with the application.

Local anesthetics include:

• Benzocaine 5% to 20% (Americaine Hemorrhoidal, Lanacane Maximum Strength, Medicone)
• Benzyl alcohol 5% to 20%
• Dibucaine 0.25% to 1.0% (Nupercainal)
• Dyclonine 0.5% to 1.0%
• Lidocaine 2% to 5%
• Pramoxine 1.0% (Fleet Pain-Relief, Procto Foam Non-steroid, Tronothane Hydrochloride)
• Tetracaine 0.5% to 5.0%

Vasoconstrictors

These are chemicals that resemble epinephrine, which is a naturally occurring chemical. Vasoconstrictors, when applied to the anus, make the blood vessels smaller, which reduces swelling.

Vasoconstrictors include:

• Ephedrine sulfate 0.1% to 1.25%
• Epinephrine 0.005% to 0.01%
• Phenylephrine 0.25% (Medicone Suppository, Preparation H, Rectacaine)

These are just some of the medications used for external hemorrhoid treatment. As with any medication or treatment, it is important that a consultation with your local health provider be done before doing anything else.