By age 50, roughly half of all adults have experienced hemorrhoid symptoms — itching, pain, swelling, or bleeding during bowel movements. Despite how common they are, most people suffer in silence rather than seeking treatment. The reality is that you can treat hemorrhoids at home effectively in the majority of cases without ever seeing a doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, home treatment resolves hemorrhoid symptoms within a week for most people. This guide from our medical conditions guide covers every proven home remedy, from immediate pain relief to long-term prevention strategies.
Understanding Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, similar to varicose veins in the legs. They come in two types. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are usually painless but may cause bleeding during bowel movements — you might notice bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl. External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and can be painful, especially when a blood clot forms inside them (thrombosed hemorrhoid).
According to the National Library of Medicine, common causes include straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for extended periods, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, obesity, and a low-fiber diet. Age is also a factor — the supporting tissues around the rectal veins weaken over time, making hemorrhoids more common as you get older.
Sitz Baths: The Gold Standard Home Treatment
A sitz bath is the single most effective immediate remedy for hemorrhoid symptoms. Fill your bathtub with 3-4 inches of warm (not hot) water and sit in it for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, purchase a sitz bath basin that fits over your toilet seat — these cost $10-$20 and are more convenient for frequent use. The Cleveland Clinic recommends sitz baths 2-3 times daily, plus after each bowel movement.
The warm water increases blood flow to the area, relaxes the anal sphincter muscles, reduces swelling, and soothes irritation. Adding Epsom salts (1/4 to 1/2 cup per bath) may enhance the anti-inflammatory effect. Pat the area dry gently after each sitz bath — rubbing can worsen irritation. Some people find that alternating between warm sitz baths and cold compresses (wrapped ice pack applied for 10 minutes) provides the best combination of pain relief and swelling reduction.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Topical Creams and Ointments
Preparation H, the most recognizable hemorrhoid brand, contains phenylephrine (a vasoconstrictor that reduces swelling) along with cocoa butter and other skin protectants. Apply a thin layer to the external hemorrhoid area up to 4 times daily. Creams containing hydrocortisone (such as Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream) reduce itching and inflammation but should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days, as prolonged use can thin the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, products containing witch hazel or lidocaine provide additional relief from itching and pain.
Medicated Wipes and Pads
Pre-moistened hemorrhoid pads like Tucks (containing witch hazel) can be used instead of dry toilet paper, which can irritate hemorrhoids. Pat gently rather than wiping, or use these pads as a compress held against the area for several minutes after a bowel movement. Flushable wet wipes marketed for general hygiene can serve a similar purpose, but choose fragrance-free and alcohol-free versions to avoid further irritation.
Suppositories
For internal hemorrhoids, over-the-counter suppositories deliver medication directly inside the rectum. These typically contain ingredients like cocoa butter (as a protectant), phenylephrine (to reduce swelling), or hydrocortisone (to reduce inflammation). Insert the suppository after a bowel movement and after a sitz bath for best results.
Dietary Changes for Long-Term Relief
The most effective long-term strategy for treating hemorrhoids at home is preventing the straining and constipation that caused them in the first place. The National Institutes of Health recommends increasing dietary fiber to 25-30 grams per day. High-fiber foods include fruits (pears, apples, berries), vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes), whole grains (oats, quinoa, whole wheat bread), and legumes (lentils, black beans, chickpeas).
Increase fiber gradually over 1-2 weeks to minimize gas and bloating. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day — fiber without adequate hydration can actually worsen constipation. A fiber supplement like psyllium husk (Metamucil) can help bridge the gap if dietary changes alone are insufficient. According to a meta-analysis published in PubMed, fiber supplementation reduced hemorrhoid symptoms by approximately 50% compared to placebo.
Lifestyle Changes That Help
Toilet Habits
Do not sit on the toilet for longer than necessary. Extended sitting increases pressure on the rectal veins. Leave your phone outside the bathroom. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, go promptly — delaying can lead to harder stools and more straining. Never strain or bear down forcefully. If a bowel movement is not happening easily, get up and try again later.
Exercise
Regular moderate exercise helps prevent constipation by stimulating bowel motility. Walking for 20-30 minutes daily is sufficient for most people. Avoid heavy weightlifting during a hemorrhoid flare-up, as the bearing-down pressure (Valsalva maneuver) increases rectal vein pressure. Once symptoms resolve, you can gradually return to normal exercise routines.
Sitting Modifications
If you sit for long periods at work, take standing or walking breaks every 30-60 minutes. A donut-shaped hemorrhoid pillow can reduce pressure on the rectal area during prolonged sitting, though evidence for its effectiveness is limited. Some people find that a regular pillow placed under one hip (alternating sides) provides similar pressure redistribution.
When to See a Doctor
While most hemorrhoids respond to home treatment, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. See your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a week despite consistent home treatment, if you experience heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, if you notice a hard, painful lump near the anus (possibly a thrombosed hemorrhoid), or if hemorrhoid symptoms significantly impact your daily activities. Our detailed guide on when to see a doctor for hemorrhoids covers warning signs in greater depth.
It is important to note that rectal bleeding should never be automatically attributed to hemorrhoids without a medical evaluation, especially if you are over 45 or have a family history of colorectal cancer. According to the CDC, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 for average-risk adults.
When to seek emergency care: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience heavy, continuous rectal bleeding, dizziness or lightheadedness from blood loss, or severe anal pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do hemorrhoids take to heal?
Small external hemorrhoids typically resolve within 1-2 weeks with home treatment. Thrombosed hemorrhoids (those containing a blood clot) may take 2-4 weeks. Internal hemorrhoids that prolapse (protrude from the anus) can take longer and may require medical intervention if they do not retract on their own. Consistent home treatment significantly shortens healing time compared to doing nothing.
Can hemorrhoids go away on their own?
Yes, many hemorrhoids — particularly small ones — resolve on their own without any treatment. However, without addressing the underlying causes (constipation, straining, low fiber intake), they are likely to recur. Active home treatment speeds resolution and the dietary and lifestyle changes recommended above help prevent recurrence.
Is it safe to push a hemorrhoid back in?
If an internal hemorrhoid has prolapsed (protruded outside the anus), you can gently push it back inside using a lubricated finger. This is generally safe if done gently. Apply a bit of petroleum jelly or hemorrhoid cream for lubrication. If the hemorrhoid cannot be pushed back in, is extremely painful, or keeps prolapsing repeatedly, see a doctor — you may need a medical procedure.
Do hemorrhoids cause cancer?
No. Hemorrhoids are not cancerous and do not increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, the symptoms of hemorrhoids (rectal bleeding) can overlap with symptoms of colorectal cancer. This is why it is important to have rectal bleeding evaluated by a doctor rather than assuming it is “just hemorrhoids,” especially if you are over 45 or the bleeding pattern changes.
Can I exercise with hemorrhoids?
Moderate exercise like walking, swimming, and yoga is not only safe but beneficial for hemorrhoid management. Avoid heavy lifting, squats with heavy weights, and exercises that involve bearing down during an active flare-up. Kegel exercises (pelvic floor contractions) may help improve blood flow to the rectal area and strengthen supporting tissues.
What to Do Starting Today
Start a sitz bath routine today — 15 minutes in warm water, 2-3 times daily. Pick up witch hazel pads and a hemorrhoid cream from your pharmacy. Add a fiber supplement to your daily routine and increase your water intake. These four steps alone resolve hemorrhoid symptoms for the vast majority of people within one to two weeks. Knowing how to treat hemorrhoids at home is straightforward — the challenge is consistency. Stick with the routine even as symptoms improve, and make the dietary changes permanent to prevent the cycle from repeating.