What Are The 40 Most Asked Questions About Hemorrhoids?

Avoid foods that are too fatty, too sugary, or very spicy — especially if you notice they trigger hemorrhoid flare-ups.

Drink enough water regularly (at least 1.5 liters per day) and limit your alcohol consumption.

Take sitz baths with warm water (about 40°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day, to relieve the pain caused by hemorrhoids. Avoid sitting for long periods.

Preparation H is an over-the-counter medication for hemorrhoids. It helps reduce symptoms such as pain, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoid flare-ups, and is recommended for short-term use during hemorrhoid crises.

Pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can ease hemorrhoid pain. Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications are particularly effective in relieving pain from hemorrhoidal thrombosis.

Rectal creams likePreparation H help relieve pain and reduce hemorrhoid swelling. Suppositories can also be effective.

Here's a quick breakdown to help you choose the right product:

Yes — they usually disappear on their own within 2 to 3 weeks, either by gradually shrinking internally or by draining through a small opening in the skin (called sphacelation). In this case, the clot comes out, often accompanied by bleeding.

A well-known natural remedy is apple cider vinegar. It can be applied directly to external hemorrhoids using a cotton ball, or used in a cold sitz bath to relieve the entire anal area.

Drinking lemon juice several times a day can help. Phytotherapy with certain plants may also be beneficial, such as:

• Red vine & sweet clover
• Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
• Butcher's broom
• Milk thistle & witch hazel
• Black radish

The most common cause is straining during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can be internal (occurring inside the anus) or external (located just under the skin around the anus).

The main triggering factor is constipation. It slows down the intestines, decreases the frequency of bowel movements, and hardens stools — making them much harder to pass.

Excessive consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee, and spicy foods can irritate the mucous membranes lining the anal canal, triggering a hemorrhoid flare-up. Monitor your diet if you experience frequent episodes.

Yes. Stress can significantly affect the digestive system, sometimes causing diarrhea or constipation — both of which can lead to hemorrhoids through the associated straining during bowel movements.

The most common cause remains straining during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the anus) or external (found just under the skin around the anal opening).

Red fruits — known for their vein-toning and anti-inflammatory effects — are recommended. Blueberries in particular make an excellent snack to help manage symptoms.

Foods to avoid include:

• Starches: White bread, biscuits, certain pastries
• Spices: Chili, black pepper, curry, mustard, hot sauces, strong condiments

The best natural treatment is a healthy, fiber-rich diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. However, avoid bananas and carrots, as well as white pasta, white rice, and white bread.

Staying hydrated helps regulate bowel movements. Beyond fruits and vegetables (which are water-rich), drink plenty of water regularly. Opt for water rich in magnesium (like Donat Mg or Hépar), which has a mild laxative effect.

Avoid foods that are too fatty, sugary, or spicy, especially if you notice they trigger flare-ups. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, and limit alcohol consumption.

Snacking on nuts and dried fruits — including walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, peanuts, dates, figs, apricots, and macadamia nuts — is beneficial because they are rich in fiber and have strong anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce tissue swelling.

Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Bleeding visible on toilet paper, and pain during bowel movements
• Mucus leaking from the anus
• A feeling of swelling inside the anus, or hemorrhoids protruding as sensitive lumps

Yes — this is very common. As the swelling goes down and skin starts to recover, the area can become dry or irritated, which causes itching. Creams, excessive wiping, or sweat can worsen this during healing.

If frequent and severe, hemorrhoids can lead to anemia. A serious complication is strangulation of the hemorrhoids at the anus, causing intense and prolonged pain — especially if a clot forms (hemorrhoidal thrombosis).

If you notice blood in your stool or on toilet paper, this could indicate internal hemorrhoids. Pain or itching can often be relieved, and in most cases symptoms resolve on their own.

For treating polyps, doctors usually perform a polypectomy — a surgical procedure to remove the polyp along with a healthy tissue margin. This can be done during an endoscopy.

Pain and swelling generally decrease quickly. Blood clots typically disappear in 4 to 6 weeks.

Apply a cold compress or ice to the anal area for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and itching.

A typical flare-up lasts 2 to 4 days. Symptoms usually resolve on their own, but if the pain is severe or recurring, it's advisable to consult a doctor.

A flare-up usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the case. Symptoms are typically more intense at the start and gradually decrease over time.

Yes — engage in any physical activity regularly, but avoid cycling and horseback riding. Movement and regular exercise help activate circulation and digestion, which helps prevent hemorrhoids.

For internal hemorrhoids, quick treatments include:

• Pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Locally applied creams — doctors usually prescribe a short-term cortisone-based cream, which works quickly

It depends on what you need:

• Quick pain and swelling relief: Ibuprofen works well
• Direct treatment: Hydrocortisone cream helps reduce inflammation and itching
• Natural option: Aloe vera or witch hazel can soothe irritation
• Long-term relief: Improving your diet (more fiber and water) is just as important as any medication

Yes — Preparation H ↗ can help with hemorrhoids, but only for short-term relief. It reduces itching, swelling, and discomfort quickly. However, it does not cure hemorrhoids or fix the root cause, so symptoms may return.

The pain is usually worst when sitting. Avoid staying seated or standing for long periods. Ideally, alternate between sitting and standing, and engage in regular physical activity.

The best approach is to treat the root cause — constipation. Hard stools cause hemorrhoids. Adopt a diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) to prevent them from returning.

Pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for hemorrhoid pain. Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications are particularly effective for alleviating pain, especially in cases of hemorrhoidal thrombosis.