Treatment for internal hemorrhoids can be done with ointments such as ultraproct or hemovirtus, and analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, which can reduce inflammation and alleviate the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids.
In addition, measures such as taking 15-minute sitz baths with warm water and increasing the intake of liquids and foods rich in fiber, for example, are also recommended.
Sometimes, internal hemorrhoid treatment may also involve procedures such as band ligation or sclerotherapy, or surgery to remove the hemorrhoid. Therefore, the proctologist is the one who must advise the best treatment according to the degree of the hemorrhoid and the intensity of the pain.
Treatment options
The main treatment options for internal hemorrhoids are:
1. Pharmacy remedies
Medicines with bioflavonoids help circulate blood through the veins and can be used to treat internal hemorrhoids, relieving symptoms such as itching, discomfort and bleeding. Daflon, Venaflon, Flavenos or Venovaz are some examples of these medications and should be used according to medical advice.
In addition, analgesics and anti-inflammatories, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, may also sometimes be indicated.
2. Ointments
Although internal hemorrhoids are located deeper in the anal region, ointments for external application can alleviate discomfort when having a bowel movement and reduce pain when sitting, for example.
The ointments recommended for hemorrhoids contain anesthetics and anti-inflammatories and can be used 3 to 4 times a day, depending on the severity of the symptoms. They can be easily purchased in pharmacies, the most common being Proctyl, Hemovirtus and Ultraproct ointments. Check out how to use ointments for hemorrhoids.
3. Diet changes
Changes in the diet, such as increasing the intake of foods rich in fiber and water, are recommended so that the stool becomes more shaped, reducing the effort required to evacuate and avoiding hurting the anal region. Find out which foods are rich in fiber.
See the video below for the correct sitting position to facilitate the exit of feces, relieving pain.
Furthermore, you should avoid using toilet paper when cleaning yourself, preferring to wash the anal area with soap and water, as the paper irritates the lining of the anus and can cause minor injuries.
4. Sitz bath
Taking a sitz bath with warm water for about 15 minutes can relieve itching and discomfort, as well as helping to clean the anal area. When preparing a bath, it is usually not recommended to add salt, oils or lotions to the water, as they can cause inflammation of the hemorrhoid. See how to do a sitz bath.
5. Elastic bandage
Elastic ligation is a type of treatment indicated for grade I to III internal hemorrhoids and consists of placing an elastic band around the hemorrhoid, reducing blood flow and allowing it to be reduced. After about 5 to 7 days, this elastic is eliminated through the anus.
Sometimes more than one bandage session may be necessary. However, compared to surgery, recovery is faster and pain after the procedure is less.
6. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy consists of injecting medications, such as 5% phenol oil or vegetable oil, to promote healing around the hemorrhoid, allowing it to be reduced and relieving symptoms.
7. Photocoagulation
Photocoagulation can be done for grade I and II internal hemorrhoids and consists of applying infrared rays through a tube to prevent the flow of blood around the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
8. Surgery
Surgery for internal hemorrhoids may be indicated in cases of grade III or IV internal hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids that have become stuck in the anus or when other treatments have not been effective.
Surgery can be done to remove the hemorrhoid or using techniques to fix the hemorrhoid to the anal wall, for example, reducing recovery time and postoperative pain. Discover the main types of surgery for hemorrhoids.
9. Home remedies
Home remedies can be made with medicinal plants such as aloe vera and witch hazel, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to relieve pain and discomfort in the anal region caused by internal hemorrhoids. See more options for natural remedies for hemorrhoids.
Signs of improvement and worsening
Signs of improvement in internal hemorrhoids include a decrease in the size of the hemorrhoid and relief of symptoms such as discomfort, itching and blood in the stool.
Signs of worsening internal hemorrhoids include an increase in the size of the hemorrhoid, worsening discomfort or pain in the anal region, especially when having a bowel movement, and the amount of blood in the stool.
