How to Stop Hemorrhoid Bleeding

Hemorrhoids are a common problem that trouble most people at some point in their lives. Internal and external hemorrhoids bleeding have different symptoms. Although internal hemorrhoids do bleed, they are not that painful. External hemorrhoids on the other hand are both itchy and painful. Because hemorrhoid is a fairly common problem, knowing how to stop hemorrhoid bleeding is vital. A medical procedure is sometimes required for hemorrhoids that are serious, but mostly simple measures like dieting adjustments can help in stopping the bleeding. Pain and bleeding can also be controlled by over-the-counter medications.

How to Stop Hemorrhoid Bleeding With Home Remedies

1. Try Warm Water

Soak yourself in warm water for about 15 minutes for up to 3 times a day. The warm water is going to reduce the inflammation and soothe the bleeding hemorrhoids. This can help not only in stopping the bleeding but also in keeping the area clean.

2. Take a Sitz Bath

A Sitz bath requires you to make use of a bath device which allows you to sit comfortably on the toilet while a continuous soothing stream of water keeps soothing the hemorrhoids and areas around. It can reduce pain and limit the chance of hemorrhoid bleeding.

3. Use Topical Creams

Creams and ointments that are made for treating hemorrhoids can help in reducing irritation caused by bleeding as well as alleviating pain. However, make sure that you are using a cream that can be used while bleeding and follow the instructions on the product carefully.

Benzocaine ointments can help in numbing the hemorrhoid-affected area while over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation and pain. Suppositories that contain vasoconstrictors can help in preventing bleeding by shrinking the blood vessels that have become inflamed.

4. Apply Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the anus is a good means of reducing the itchiness and allows the natural defenses of the body to start shrinking the bleeding hemorrhoids. The cold compress will also prevent the formation of lesions on the irritated tissues which in turn will reduce bleeding.

5. Replace Toilet Paper with Milder Materials

If you want to know how to stop hemorrhoid bleeding, then don’t use toilet paper. Toilet papers are usually abrasive for bleeding hemorrhoids. Therefore, it is better to make use of towelettes that have been moistened with aloe and cooling substances to prevent the chances of bleeding and start the healing process. If no towelettes are available, blotting the area with a soft cloth moistened with cool water without rubbing is a suitable option.

6. Avoid Scratch

Although the itching will certainly make it hard for you not to scratch, it is imperative that you refrain from it as it is only going to increase the irritation and cause more bleeding. Moreover, continuous scratching can lead to infection as well. You might feel a momentary relief by scratching the hemorrhoids but shortly, they will become more painful.

7. Add More Fiber into Diet

If you have bleeding hemorrhoids, it is best for you to increase the quantity of fiber in your diet. Leafy vegetables, whole-grain cereals and bread made from bran and fresh fruits contain a healthy amount of fiber in them. Supplements that contain fiber or stool softeners are also recommended by doctors to hemorrhoids patients.

8. Keep It Clean

Keeping the area clean is also vital for a hemorrhoid patient. Make sure that you do not wipe the anus repeatedly after a bowel movement. Take a bath instead to clean yourself up and then use a soft towel to dry the anus. Applying zinc oxide in either powder or paste form can help you in cleansing the anus and protect it against irritation.

9. Drink Enough Water

Keeping yourself hydrated is another means of controlling constipation and managing hemorrhoids. Consuming at least 6-8 glasses of fluids is also advisable. When you are dehydrated, the body starts drawing fluid from organs like the intestines which causes you to have hard and dense stool. Water does the job of softening the bowel motions so that you do not have to strain yourself when pooping. This way, the internal hemorrhoids present won’t be irritated and thus won’t bleed.

10. Other Methods of Dealing With Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Apple cider vinegar, witch hazel and Aloe Vera juice are all astringents which when applied to hemorrhoids with a clean pad can help in preventing infection and minimize bleeding. Applying Neem oil can keep the anus area both elastic and soft.
After a bowel movement, make use of disposable baby wipes for cleaning instead of toilet paper. Make use of a hemorrhoid cushion, which is a donut shaped pillow for relieving the pressure on the hemorrhoids.

When to See a Doctor

Since bleeding from hemorrhoids can stop in 2 to 3 days, it is better to deploy the wait-and-see approach instead of getting so anxious about how to stop hemorrhoid bleeding. Keep on using home treatments to stop bleeding but call your doctor immediately if the bleeding:

Begins again
Goes on from a week without showing any signs of improvement
Occurs when it is not expected

You must tell your doctor about any family history of colon cancer especially if you are above the age of 50 and are experiencing symptoms like rectal bleeding, changing bowel habits, anal pain or blood in stools.