Hemorrhoids are extremely painful and disruptive to your daily activities. Once hemorrhoids flare up, it is hard to keep your mind on anything else. Read on for more information about this difficult and uncomfortable condition.

A top priority for hemorrhoids sufferers is making sure that the area is clean. Moist wipes are better for cleaning than toilet paper, and they will probably feel more comfortable. For added relief from the swelling and pain of hemorrhoids, try a lukewarm sitz bath. You will want to sit in it for 20 minutes at least.

You can decrease the likeliness of forming external hemorrhoids by stepping up your hygiene practices in the bathroom. Try using softer toilet paper that doesn’t leave any behind, and keeping moistened wipes for using after doing your business.

To relieve some of the pain and swelling of hemorrhoid flare-ups, try alternating hot and cold treatments. Switching between the heat and the ice will help shrink your hemorrhoid and help heal it. A 10 minute application of ice can be followed by 20 minutes with a moist heat application for maximum results.

You can use witch hazel to help deal with the uncomfortable side effects of hemorrhoids. Witch hazel relieves pain because it shrinks hemorrhoid tissue. Gently rub some witch hazel onto your hemorrhoids with a delicate cotton ball. Allow it to sit on your skin for about 10 minutes.

Hemorrhoids can be irritated by scented products containing perfumes or dyes, so avoid these if at all possible. These products can cause your hemorrhoids to sting, itch or swell.

There are actually a lot of things in your own kitchen that you can use to relieve yourself from hemorrhoids. Ice packs are an effective home remedy for discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Applying ice helps to alleviate the soreness and tenderness that goes along with the condition. A chilled ice pack can be applied to the area, reducing swelling and offering some relief from the pain.

Do not use laxatives if you are constipated and have hemorrhoids. Laxatives are meant to be a temporary solution to constipation, not hemorrhoids. If your constipation is chronic, you need to make dietary changes, such as adding more fiber to help regulate your bowel movements.

Create soft stools by taking in lots of water and eating high-fiber foods. When you soften your stool, you can help relieve any hemorrhoids that might be causing you stress and pain. There are many different foods you can try here. Nuts and seeds, corn, grapes, watermelon and many other food sources will help soften your stool. Vegetables, such as okra and cabbage, are loaded with fiber and also help with the process. Drink as much water as you can between meals to help soften your stool.

Hemorrhoids are usually very painful, but a little knowledge can go a long way to minimizing the pain. With the right knowledge, including the information above, you can successfully treat or even prevent this painful condition. Treating your hemorrhoids actively will make them disappear quicker, and help you go through your daily life without having to worry about the pain.