Often, the first steps in hemorrhoid treatment consist of relieving or reducing the painful symptoms hemorrhoids may cause. Taking warm baths several times a day and increasing the amount of fiber and fluids in one's diet may help alleviate these symptoms.
As part of managing hemorrhoids, it is also important to set aside a certain time each day to have an unhurried bowel movement without vigorous wiping or rubbing. Patting, using a soft, moist pad, can be used as an alternative to wiping.
In some cases, sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation, or infrared coagulation are used to reduce or eliminate hemorrhoids. In severe cases, treatment may require surgery.
(Click Hemorrhoid Treatment to learn more about these and other aspects of treating hemorrhoids, such as hemorrhoid creams, stool softeners, and fiber supplements. You can also click on any of the links in the box to the right for more specific information.)
