2) Medications
If hemorrhoids create only mild discomfort and pain, the doctor usually recommends ointments, pads suppositories or over-the-counter creams. These types of products have ingredients like lidocaine, witch hazel, or hydrocortisone meant to relieve itching and pain temporarily.
You should avoid the usage of over-the-counter steroid products more than a week except if recommended by your doctor, as it can cause damage to your skin and make it thinner.
» External hemorrhoid thrombectomy
If a painful thrombosis is found in external hemorrhoids, the doctor may take out the clot or thrombus with a slight incision and drainage, that can provide immediate relief. This process is most effective if performed within 72 hours of thrombus formation.
For painful hemorrhoids or continuous bleeding, the doctor can perform any other available procedures. These procedures can be performed within the physician’s office or anywhere else like outpatient setting and do not generally require any anesthesia.
» Rubber band tying
The doctor places some small rubber bands within the edge of internal hemorrhoid to avoid circulation around that area. The blockage of blood supply leads to the death of inflamed cells, resulting in falling off and fading of hemorrhoids in a week. This treatment is effective for many patients.
Rubber bands may cause discomfort and lead to bleeding within three to four days after this process, but it is not severe. Sometimes, serious complications may occur.
» Injection (Sclerotherapy)
Sclerotherapy involves the insertion of a chemical solution within the tissues of hemorrhoids in order to shrink it. This procedure is only effective for small-sized hemorrhoids. It causes less pain, but it is less advantageous than the rubber band ligation.
» Coagulation (laser, infrared or bipolar)
The procedure of coagulation uses heat, laser or infrared light to shrink the hemorrhoids.
While the coagulation process can cause little discomfort and may have some side effects, it is linked to the recurrence of hemorrhoids as they may return after some time. The rubber band treatment is more preferred than all coagulative procedures.
