How to effectively treat external hemorrhoids?
The treatment of external hemorrhoids aims to relieve symptoms and promote healing. This can be done through various methods:
|
Treatment method |
Effect |
|
Ointments with lidocaine or witch hazel |
Pain and itch relief |
|
Sitz baths with chamomile or oak bark |
Anti-inflammatory, soothing |
|
Cold compresses or cooling pads |
Reduces swelling, relieves pain |
|
High-fiber diet |
Prevents straining during bowel movements |
|
CANNEFF® SUP suppositories |
CANNEFF® SUP suppositories are an innovative aid to relieve itching. |
Used in combination, these measures can quickly relieve hemorrhoid symptoms.
Which ointments work best against external hemorrhoids?
Ointments are a proven method to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. They contain various active ingredients that are used as needed.
|
Active ingredient |
Effect |
|
Lidocaine |
Local anesthesia for pain relief |
|
Witch hazel |
Anti-inflammatory, relieves itching |
|
Cortisone (only short-term) |
Reduces swelling, anti-inflammatory |
|
Horse chestnut extract |
Vascular strengthening |
While over-the-counter ointments mostly contain herbal ingredients, some corticosteroid-containing products require a prescription.
Can external hemorrhoids disappear on their own?
Smaller external hemorrhoids can regress over time, especially if triggering factors like constipation or prolonged sitting are avoided. A healthy diet and gentle care of the anal area can support this process. Read more about targeted measures for preventing hemorrhoids.
Are sitz baths an effective treatment for external hemorrhoids?
Yes, sitz baths with anti-inflammatory additives like chamomile or oak bark can relieve itching and pain. They should be lukewarm and not last longer than 15 minutes.
When should external hemorrhoids be surgically removed?
Surgical intervention is necessary when:
-
the hemorrhoids cause severe pain,
-
blood clots (anal vein thrombosis) have formed,
-
no improvement occurs through conservative measures.
Common procedures include excisional hemorrhoidectomy or minimally invasive methods such as laser treatment. Read more about the different procedures in the hemorrhoid surgery article.
Which home remedies help with external hemorrhoids?
Home remedies can relieve symptoms and support healing.
|
Home remedies |
Effect |
|
Aloe vera gel |
Cooling, soothing |
|
Coconut oil |
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory |
|
Witch hazel tincture |
Stops bleeding, reduces swelling |
|
Oak bark extract |
Strengthens the vessels, reduces itching |
These home remedies can be applied to the affected area or used in sitz baths. Herbal ingredients can also provide gentle and effective support for hemorrhoid complaints – learn more in our blog article Hemorrhoid Treatment: Herbal Options.
How long does it take for external hemorrhoids to heal?
The healing time depends on the severity of the symptoms.
|
Hemorrhoid grade |
Healing time |
|
Mild swelling |
1–2 weeks |
|
Moderate hemorrhoids |
2–4 weeks |
|
Thrombosis or inflammation |
Several weeks to months |
Consistent treatment of hemorrhoids can significantly speed up the healing process.
Are there specific exercises to relieve external hemorrhoids?
Yes, targeted pelvic floor exercises can reduce pressure in the anal area and thus relieve symptoms.
|
Exercise |
Effect |
|
Kegel exercises |
Strengthening the pelvic floor |
|
Gentle yoga |
Improving blood circulation |
|
Walking |
Promoting bowel movement |
Regular exercise helps support the healing process. Special exercises for hemorrhoids can improve blood circulation in the pelvic area and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. Learn which exercises are especially effective in the blog post Exercises to Prevent Hemorrhoids.
Are external hemorrhoids dangerous?
External hemorrhoids are usually harmless but can cause uncomfortable symptoms. In rare cases, complications such as anal thrombosis or infections may occur. Early treatment helps prevent such risks.
An early doctor visit for hemorrhoids is therefore crucial to quickly start the appropriate treatment. The doctor can determine the stage of the condition and recommend individually tailored therapies – from anti-inflammatory ointments and suppositories like CANNEFF® SUP, to surgical procedures such as hemorrhoid surgery.
At the same time, the examination allows the cause of hemorrhoids to be determined. In addition to the acute treatment of hemorrhoids, prevention also plays an important role: By identifying risk factors such as a low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, or straining during bowel movements, targeted measures can be taken to prevent hemorrhoids.
In our detailed blog article, you will learn which foods are especially recommended, which dietary habits promote hemorrhoids, and how you can specifically adjust your diet to prevent symptoms: Preventing hemorrhoids: The role of nutrition.
Can external hemorrhoids be pushed back by yourself?
No, external hemorrhoids should not be pushed back. They are located outside the anal canal and cannot be manually repositioned. Instead, gentle treatment with ointments, sitz baths, and anti-inflammatory measures should be used. External hemorrhoids can be effectively treated with home remedies, ointments, and sitz baths. In severe cases, a medical procedure may be necessary. Early treatment of hemorrhoids helps relieve symptoms and prevent complications. CANNEFF® SUP suppositories offer herbal support for pain relief and regeneration with the unique active ingredient combination of CBD and hyaluronic acid.
