Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. While a normal part of human anatomy, they can become problematic when inflamed, causing uncomfortable symptoms like pain, itching, or bleeding.
Factors Affecting Resolution Time
The duration for hemorrhoids to resolve varies considerably, from a few days to several weeks, depending on various factors. Small hemorrhoids often clear up within days. Larger or more severe cases typically require more time and dedicated care.
External hemorrhoids, located under the skin around the anus, can be particularly painful. While many resolve within days to a few weeks, healing time can be extended by friction from wiping or their size.
Internal hemorrhoids, found inside the rectum, usually cause less pain due to fewer pain-sensing nerves, but can cause bright red bleeding. If internal hemorrhoids become large, prolapse (protrude outside the anus), or become thrombosed, they may not resolve without medical treatment and can last for weeks or even become chronic.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids, which involve a blood clot, are often very painful and swollen. The intense pain typically subsides within 7 to 10 days as the body reabsorbs the clot, but the lump itself might take two to three weeks or longer to disappear completely. Individual health factors like diet, hydration, and activity level also influence healing time by affecting bowel regularity and straining.
Self-Care Approaches for Relief and Recovery
Managing hemorrhoid symptoms and promoting healing often involves specific self-care strategies. Increasing dietary fiber intake is a fundamental step. Fiber adds bulk and absorbs water, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass, which reduces straining during defecation and can worsen hemorrhoids. Adults should aim for 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily from sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Adequate hydration works with fiber to keep stools soft and prevent constipation. Warm sitz baths, soaking the affected area in shallow warm water for 10 to 20 minutes several times daily, provide significant relief. The warm water helps relax anal sphincter muscles, improving blood flow and reducing pain, itching, and swelling.
Over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories with hydrocortisone, witch hazel, or numbing agents can alleviate pain, itching, and inflammation. Witch hazel acts as an astringent, and hydrocortisone reduces inflammation.
Avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet and refraining from straining during bowel movements prevents increased pressure on rectal veins. Gentle hygiene, using water and fragrance-free soap or moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper, helps prevent irritation and keeps the area clean.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many hemorrhoids improve with self-care, medical attention becomes necessary in some instances. If hemorrhoid symptoms, such as discomfort, pain, or itching, do not improve within a week of consistent home treatment, consult a healthcare professional. Persistent or worsening symptoms may require further evaluation.
Significant rectal bleeding, such as large amounts of bright red blood, warrants immediate medical assessment. While hemorrhoids commonly cause bleeding, it is important to rule out more serious conditions like colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Severe pain, especially if it interferes with daily activities like sitting or walking, indicates a need for professional care. Signs of infection, though rare, demand prompt medical attention. These include increased pain and swelling, redness around the anus, pus or unusual discharge, or a fever.
If a hemorrhoid prolapses and cannot be gently pushed back inside, or causes severe pain or bleeding, a doctor’s visit is recommended. A healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis, assess severity, and recommend appropriate treatment.