• Condition that occurs when veins in the anal area become enlarged
• Affects internal or external veins
• Symptoms may include constipation, bright red blood in the stool, anal pain and itching
• Caused most often as a result of increased pressure on the rectal area such as during pregnancy, obesity, chronic diarrhea, poor posture or may be hereditary
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but more common in middle age adults
• May appear suddenly or persist over long-term and may recur

• Keep anal area clean
• Soak in warm bath or sitz bath several times a day (a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum)
• Apply ice packs or cold compresses to area
• Apply petroleum jelly inside the anus to allow stool to pass less painfully
• Apply witch hazel on irritated hemorrhoids to reduce pain
• Increase high fiber foods
• Increase fluid intake
• Limit salt intake
• Avoid using dry toilet paper
• Avoid straining
• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• Avoid sitting for long periods
• Have bowel movement when urge is felt

Over-the-counter medicines for pain (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Diphenhydramine
• AVOID Aspirin and Ibuprofen

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:

• You have bleeding with bowel movements
• You have black, tarry stools, or blood clots
• You have a change in bowel habits
• Your hemorrhoids cause pain
• Your hemorrhoids don’t improve with home treatment

SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION IF:

• You have a large amount of rectal bleeding, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness