To remove external hemorrhoids at home, complete removal is not usually possible without medical intervention, but symptoms can be effectively managed and the hemorrhoids can shrink with home treatments. Key home remedies are:
- Soaking in warm water (sitz bath) for 10-15 minutes several times a day, especially after bowel movements, to reduce pain and swelling.
- Applying topical treatments like witch hazel pads, hydrocortisone creams (short-term use), or numbing creams to relieve itching and discomfort.
- Using cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain.
- Maintaining good hygiene by gently cleaning the area after bowel movements with moist wipes or cotton pads.
- Increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake to soften stools and reduce straining, which helps prevent worsening hemorrhoids.
If a blood clot forms in an external hemorrhoid and causes severe pain, a healthcare professional can perform a thrombectomy to remove the clot, but this is not a typical home remedy. Avoid trying to pop or forcibly remove hemorrhoids at home to prevent severe bleeding or infection. If symptoms worsen, persist beyond a week, or involve significant bleeding, consult a doctor. These measures can reduce symptoms and help external hemorrhoids resolve on their own within days to weeks.
