Summer Habits That Can Make Hemorrhoids Worse
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| Summer Habits That Can Make Hemorrhoids Worse |
Last Updated: June 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research
Summer is a time for fun, travel, and relaxing outdoors.
But if you suffer from hemorrhoids, some of your favorite warm-weather habits might actually be making things worse.
A few simple adjustments can help you enjoy the season without the discomfort.
Here's what to watch out for.
Dehydration: the biggest summer culprit
When it's hot outside, you sweat more — and if you're not drinking enough water to compensate, you can get dehydrated quickly.
Dehydration leads to harder, drier stools, which means more straining during bowel movements.
And straining is one of the most direct causes of hemorrhoids.
Many people drink more alcohol, coffee, and sugary sodas in summer — all of which can dehydrate you further and irritate your digestive system.
What to do: Drink water consistently throughout the day.
If you're spending time in the sun or exercising outdoors, aim for more than the standard 6–8 glasses.
Keep a water bottle with you at all times.
Barbecue and summer foods
Summer cookouts are great, but the typical menu — grilled meats, chips, white bread, alcohol, and very little fiber — is rough on your digestive system.
A low-fiber diet leads to constipation, and constipation leads to straining.
Spicy foods, which are popular in summer, can also irritate hemorrhoids directly, especially external ones, causing burning and discomfort during and after bowel movements.
What to do: Add fruit, salads, corn, and beans to your summer meals.
These are naturally high in fiber and easy to include in outdoor eating.
Go easy on spicy sauces and alcohol.
Sitting for long periods
Whether it's a long road trip, a beach chair, a deck chair, or a pool float, summer tends to involve a lot of sitting.
Prolonged sitting puts sustained pressure on the veins in your rectal area, which can cause hemorrhoids to swell or worsen.
Even sitting on hard surfaces — like bleachers at a summer event or a picnic bench — can aggravate symptoms.
What to do: Get up and move every hour. Bring a soft cushion or a donut-shaped pillow if you're going to be sitting for extended periods.
When at the beach, take regular walks along the shore.
Heat and sweating
Hot weather increases sweating in all areas of the body — including the anal area. Excess moisture can cause irritation, itching, and inflammation around existing hemorrhoids, making them much more uncomfortable.
Tight swimwear or synthetic fabrics that don't breathe can make this worse by trapping heat and moisture.
What to do: Keep the area clean and dry. Pat gently after sweating rather than rubbing.
Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing when possible, and change out of wet swimwear promptly.
Swimming pool chemicals
While swimming itself is actually great exercise for hemorrhoid sufferers, heavily chlorinated pool water can irritate sensitive skin around the anal area, especially if you already have external hemorrhoids.
What to do: Rinse off after swimming in a pool, and avoid staying in the water for excessively long periods if you notice irritation.
Skipping your routine
Vacations and summer schedules often disrupt your regular routines — including your eating habits, sleep, and bathroom schedule.
Irregular bowel routines lead to constipation or holding in stools, both of which are bad for hemorrhoids.
What to do: Try to maintain regular meal times and stay consistent with fiber intake even when you're away from home.
Pack a fiber supplement if needed.
Conclusion
Summer doesn't have to mean suffering with hemorrhoids.
Most of the seasonal habits that make hemorrhoids worse are easy to address with a little awareness.
Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods even at cookouts, take breaks from sitting, and keep the affected area clean and dry.
With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy summer to the fullest — without the flare-ups.
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📚 Medical sources
- Mayo Clinic — Hemorrhoids
- Cleveland Clinic — Hemorrhoids
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — Hemorrhoids
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). "Hemorrhoids."
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). "Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment."
- Mayo Clinic. "Hemorrhoids - Symptoms and Causes."
- WebMD. "Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment."
- Harvard Health Publishing. "Hemorrhoids and What to Do About Them."
