Hemorrhoids are a condition that is characterized by enlarged and bulged blood vessels in and around the anus, usually the result of hard stool. Mostly, hemorrhoids affect people ages 30 and above, but according to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, quite a good number of American children experience hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are very painful and they can cause severe discomfort to children if not properly treated. Home remedies are good to reduce the extent of the hemorrhoids and reduce the risk of secondary infection. If hemorrhoids are severe and complicated, surgery may be needed.
Step 1 – Keep The Area Clean
Using medicated soap can help prevent infection but soaps can cause irritation to a child’s delicate skin and irritate the hemorrhoids. You don’t need to use soap, just make sure that you use warm water every time you wash the hemorrhoids. After you finish washing, dry the anal region using a hair dryer.
Step 2 – Sitz Baths
You should assist your child to sit in warm water for 15 minutes, three times a day. Soaking of the anal area helps to reduce the bulging of the blood vessels thereby promoting and quickening healing. Dry the anal area again using a hair dryer.
Step 3 – Clean Area Well
After every bowel movement, your child should use soft toilet paper or wet wipes to clean the anal region well. Leaving feces on the anal region exposes the child to secondary bacterial infection which could further progress to systemic infection and further discomfort.
Step 4 – Reducing Pain
Hemorrhoids are very painful and they can result in a child becoming very irritable and cranky. Apply a cold compress to the anus of the child. This helps to reduce pain and also constrict the blood vessels around the anus. You can also give your child acetaminophen or related painkillers to relieve the pain.
Usage of Creams
There are many over the counter hemorrhoid creams that one can use. Before using one, you should seek your doctor’s advice because not all creams can effectively treat hemorrhoids. Normally, home remedies should be effective enough to treat hemorrhoids. However, if after two weeks there is no improvement or if a lot of bleeding occurs during treatment, then you should contact a doctor for more intervention.
Supportive Treatment Measures
Hemorrhoids, mostly, are the result of a diet that does not contain enough fiber. Digestion becomes a problem because food cannot be broken down efficiently. This is followed by constipation and the formation of very hard stool. When the urge to defecate comes, children normally use a lot of force to expel bowel movements through the anus. A lot of compression and irritation is subjected to the anal walls which then damages the blood vessel walls making them bulge.
Drinking eight glasses of water a day is advisable. Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables, whole grain bread and cereals further helps to reduce constipation. It is also important to remind your child to use the bathroom when they have the urge to, as holding it in can make the problem worse.
Do you want to find an effective Hemorrhoid treatment? Check out our top rated Hemorrhoid products
