A sore, itchy, bleeding anus is commonly referred to as a "hemorrhoid" (or "hemroid", "hemaroid", "piles", "haemorrhoids", or some other variations) but may actually be something else. Hemorrhoids can exist alone or in conjunction with fissures, pruritis ani, or even cancer. Learn the differences so you can choose the best treatment.

Google Search results for "hemorrhoid pictures" (Not for the squeamish!)

Anal Fissures

Fissures, or tears in the mucous membrane of the anus, are very common in all ages. The main symptoms are bleeding and pain during or after a large, hard bowel movement. For most people, a small fissure will naturally heal itself provided it is protected from further trauma. Sometimes an anal fissure itches intensely during healing, or if it has trapped feces and toilet paper debris. You can protect a fissure by gently cleaning your anus and rectum with warm water via a bulb syringe; lubricate with petrolatum or oil before inserting. Follow up with a soothing suppository or ointments.

To prevent tearing your anal fissures, try dietary capsules or powders containing psyllium, flaxseed, or other bulk fibers. These plants work well to ease constipation. relieve painful fissures, and promote healing. You especially want to avoid both constipation and diarrhea, so don't overdo the fiber, and be sure to drink plenty of water while taking fiber supplements.

Itching

Pruritis ani, literally "itchy anus," is another condition that may or may not be caused by hemorrhoids. When a hemorrhoid itches, it is usually because it is secreting mucus, or is irritated by retained feces. A fissure itches for the same reasons. But pruritus ani can also be caused by diabetes, hormonal changes, yeast infection, pinworms, sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia and herpes, and even cancer. Severe anal itching that does not respond to over-the-counter treatment should always be checked by a doctor.

Natural products that help with anal itching may contain ingredients such as extracts of horse chestnut, sophora japonica, stone root, cod liver oil, and shark liver oil. Each of these plant or animal products has proven to soothe anal itching. Extracts of horse chestnut and sophora japonica, though primarily used in creams and ointments, are also found in capsule form. Oral supplementation with horse chestnut extract or sophora japonica works directly in the bloodstream, improving circulation and promoting healing of irritated anal tissues.

 

Itch Relief Products

 

Rule Out The Worst

Though not pleasant to think about, you should have a rectal exam yearly to detect any changes in tissue that could be cancerous. For example, human papillovirus is a cause of many cases of anal cancer, yet often shows no symptoms and may not be detected by the patient. A lab culture is a nearly 100% foolproof way to determine the presence of HPV or pre-cancerous cells in the anus. Also, because hemorrhoid sufferers are used to seeing blood in the toilet and on the paper after using the toilet, it's important to be sure the blood is really from hemorrhoids or fissures, and not due to cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends annual testing for colorectal disease after the age of 40. We make it easy for you - get the EZ-Detect Home Test for Early Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer. Now at drugstore.com.

Whether it's a case of simple hemorrhoids, or something more serious, don't ignore the symptoms. If your anal problems persist for more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Did You Know...

Prolonged sitting can lead to anal vein compression and hemorrhoids. To relieve pressure on your posterior, take frequent walking breaks. Be sure to get enough aerobic (cardiovascular) exercise to maintain good circulation throughout your body. And strengthen those pelvic floor muscles. Kegels are for everybody! Click for specific exercises you can do to strengthen your core abdominal cavity and prevent hemorrhoids.




If you absolutely have to sit all day, try a soothing cushion. We carry several brands, and can link you to merchants who have a wide range of rectal pain relievers, from gel pads, to cold packs, to cold suppositories.

Even the good old-fashioned foam doughnut cushion works great for many people.

And how about this marvelous contraption? It's called the HemAway Hemorrhoid Relief Seat. Fits right on top of your toilet seat, and is specially designed to create a gentle vacuum effect that pulls swollen, hanging hemorrhoids back into your rectum.

Why Are You Here?

On our site, you will find a variety of well-known brands for relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. You will also find dietary supplements, healing oils, and other products you may have never heard of. The field of hemorrhoid care research has expanded quite a bit past simple temporary relief. In a quest to avoid painful rectal surgery and its side effects, people are realizing they need to make lifestyle changes: diet and exercise are at the top of the list. Alternative and complementary medicine works holistically to support these needed yet often difficult changes.

I hear from people all the time that they are looking for health care products that are based on clinical research, proven to work to ease symptoms, made from organic ingredients, processed according to homeopathic principles, and even those that can correct body imbalances that result in chronic hemorrhoids. Sounds like a tall order. But take a look at what we've got, look at the research, and decide for yourself.

Scientific evidence is accruing that proves that many plant components are effective in treating hemorrhoids. Leading manufacturers are realizing this and ensuring their products get to market and are promoted more widely.