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 |
Decongestant, pain-relieving |
|
Fiber-rich diet |
Prevents strong 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, itch-relieving |
|
Cortisone (only short-term) |
Anti-swelling, anti-inflammatory |
|
Horse chestnut extract |
Vascular strengthening |
While over-the-counter ointments mostly contain herbal active ingredients, some corticosteroid-containing preparations require a prescription.
Can external hemorrhoids disappear on their own?
Smaller external hemorrhoids can regress over time, especially if triggering factors such as constipation or prolonged sitting are avoided. A healthy diet and gentle care of the anal area can support this process. Read more here about targeted measures for the prevention of 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 thromboses) 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 for hemorrhoid surgery here.
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 duration |
|
Mild swelling |
1–2 weeks |
|
Moderate hemorrhoids |
2–4 weeks |
|
Thromboses or inflammations |
Several weeks to months |
Consistent treatment of hemorrhoids can significantly accelerate the healing process.
Are there special 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 of the pelvic floor |
|
Gentle yoga |
Improvement of blood circulation |
|
Walks |
Promotion of bowel movement |
Regular exercise helps support the healing process. Special exercises for hemorrhoids can promote 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 unpleasant symptoms. In rare cases, complications such as anal vein thrombosis or infections may occur. Early treatment prevents 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 therapy measures – from anti-inflammatory ointments and suppositories like CANNEFF® SUP, up to a surgical procedure, the hemorrhoid surgery.
At the same time, the examination allows the cause of hemorrhoids to be explored. Besides 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 excessive straining during bowel movements, targeted measures can be taken for the prevention of 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 discomfort: 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 applied. 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 discomfort 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.
