Most hemorrhoids can be treated at home and will improve within a week using a combination of simple strategies: warm soaks, over-the-counter topicals, more fiber, and a few habit changes. The key is addressing both the immediate discomfort and the underlying cause, which is almost always straining or prolonged pressure on the veins around the anus.
Warm Sitz Baths for Quick Relief
A sitz bath is the single most reliable way to ease hemorrhoid pain and itching at home. Fill your bathtub or a plastic basin (sold at most pharmacies) with a few inches of warm water, around 104°F (40°C), and soak your anal area for 15 to 20 minutes. You can do this three to four times a day when symptoms are active. The warmth increases blood flow to the area, relaxes the surrounding muscles, and reduces swelling. Pat dry gently afterward rather than wiping, since friction will irritate inflamed tissue.
Over-the-Counter Creams and Wipes
Hemorrhoid ointments work by combining a few different ingredients. Most contain protectants like petrolatum and mineral oil that coat the irritated skin, making bowel movements less painful. Many also include phenylephrine, which tightens blood vessels to temporarily shrink swollen tissue and reduce burning. Apply a thin layer to the outside of the anus after a sitz bath or bowel movement for the best effect.
Witch hazel wipes are another option. Witch hazel is a plant-based astringent that tightens tissue on contact, which helps reduce swelling and soothes itching. You can use pre-soaked pads to gently clean the area after a bowel movement instead of dry toilet paper, which tends to make things worse. These are for external use only.
If itching is your main symptom, a hydrocortisone cream (available in low-strength versions without a prescription) can calm inflammation. Don’t use hydrocortisone for more than a week without guidance, though, because prolonged use thins the skin.
Increase Fiber to Stop Straining
Straining during bowel movements is the most common cause of hemorrhoids, and the most common cause of straining is not eating enough fiber. The recommended daily intake is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Most people fall well short of that. Fiber softens stool and adds bulk, so it passes through more easily without forcing.
Good sources include beans, lentils, oats, whole grains, berries, broccoli, and avocados. If you struggle to get enough from food, a fiber supplement like psyllium husk works well. The critical rule when adding fiber: increase your water intake at the same time. Fiber absorbs water, and without enough fluid it can actually make constipation worse. Aim for at least 48 ounces of water daily when you’re boosting your fiber intake. Increase fiber gradually over a week or two rather than all at once to avoid bloating and gas.
Change Your Bathroom Habits
How you use the toilet matters more than most people realize. Sitting on the toilet for long stretches puts constant downward pressure on the veins in your rectum. Try to limit your time on the toilet to no more than 10 to 15 minutes per bowel movement, and ideally closer to one to two minutes of actual effort. That means putting the phone away. If nothing is happening, get up and try again later rather than sitting and pushing.
Avoid straining or holding your breath while bearing down. If your stool is too hard to pass comfortably, that’s a fiber and hydration problem, not something to muscle through. Going when you first feel the urge also helps, since waiting allows stool to dry out and harden in the colon.
Other Habits That Speed Healing
Sitting for long periods outside the bathroom also contributes to hemorrhoid flare-ups. If you have a desk job, stand up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. Physical activity stimulates your digestive system and keeps things moving, which reduces the likelihood of constipation. Even a daily 20-minute walk makes a difference.
Switch from dry toilet paper to unscented wet wipes or a bidet attachment. Rough wiping irritates swollen tissue and can slow healing. When sitting, a donut-shaped cushion can take pressure off the affected area. At night, sleeping on your side rather than your back may reduce discomfort.
What to Expect and When It’s More Serious
With consistent home care, hemorrhoid symptoms often improve within a week. Small external hemorrhoids and mildly inflamed internal hemorrhoids respond well to the strategies above. If you’re not seeing improvement after a full week of treatment, it’s worth having a professional take a look, since some hemorrhoids need procedures like banding or removal that can’t be replicated at home.
Don’t assume that all rectal bleeding comes from hemorrhoids, especially if your bowel habits have changed or your stool looks different in color or consistency. Seek emergency care if you experience large amounts of rectal bleeding along with lightheadedness, dizziness, or faintness.