Itching, burning, pain, rectal bleeding—all signs are pointing to hemorrhoids. But don’t worry! We’ve put together some practical advice to help you find relief quickly and avoid a recurrence.
Hemorrhoids occur when the anal veins swell and cause painful crises. There are two types of hemorrhoids:
Located inside the rectum, these are graded according to their severity:
|
Grade 1 |
Internal hemorrhoids that do not prolapse outside the anus. |
|
Grade 2 |
Hemorrhoids that may protrude when you strain (e.g., when using the toilet), but then return inside the anal canal. |
|
Grade 3 |
Hemorrhoids that protrude through the anus during straining but can be manually pushed back in. |
|
Grade 4 |
Hemorrhoids that remain prolapsed outside the anus and cannot be pushed back in. |
Located around the anus, external hemorrhoids can look like hard, round lumps. Like internal hemorrhoids, they may protrude from the anus. Sometimes, one or more of these lumps will have a purple or blue tinge. This is the result of a blood clot that’s formed within an external hemorrhoid. If this happens, rest assured that it isn’t dangerous.
Although hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on which vein is swollen, the most common are:
Hemorrhoids can happen to anyone. In fact, 60% to 70% of Canadians will experience a hemorrhoid flare up in their lifetime. However, they are more frequent in people aged 45 to 65.
Around one third of pregnant women deal with hemorrhoids during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, constipation, and increased pressure from the uterus on the anal canal.
1
Keep the anal area clean by gently patting it with a wet washcloth or toilet paper.
2
Moisten a compress or washcloth with very cold water. Apply the compress or washcloth to the anus for about 10 minutes to relieve itching. Repeat three to four times a day.
3
Fill a sitz bath with lukewarm water and soak the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Adding baking soda to your water can help relieve pain. You can also try taking a sitz bath with cold water. The cooler temperature helps numb the area and contract the veins, and stimulates blood circulation.
4
Topical products for treating hemorrhoids, which are available in cream, ointment, or suppository form, contain ingredients that relieve pain, soothe burning sensations, cool the area, and reduce inflammation. For the best possible results, follow dosage recommendations.
Taking an analgesic like acetaminophen can also help reduce pain.
Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice on the best treatment for your situation. This can be a sensitive topic, but don’t worry, you can rely on their discretion.
5
Constipation is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids. If you want to avoid or prevent them, good digestive health is essential.
Eat fibre-rich foods like legumes, oats, and avocado, and be sure to drink plenty of water. If you are constipated, increase your water and fibre intake.
Looking for fibre supplements or laxatives? Ask your pharmacist for advice; they’ll be able to recommend the right product for you based on your overall health (pregnancy, illness, etc.).
6
A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of constipation and hemorrhoidal vein swelling, as sitting for long periods increases pressure on the area.
Regular exercise will help stimulate your bowels and blood circulation.
7
Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge, and avoid pushing too hard. Straining can cause your hemorrhoids to prolapse. Don’t sit on the toilet for too long; this position relaxes the rectal muscles and draws blood into the veins in this area.
8
Whether it’s grocery bags filled to the brim, furniture, storage bins, or bulky work files, avoid lifting anything heavy! Doing so puts additional pressure on the anal canal.
If you have no choice:
If you work out, consider swapping out exercises that require you to lift weights while pushing with exercises that won’t put pressure on your anal canal.
The time it takes for hemorrhoids to heal varies. When hemorrhoids are small, they may quickly resolve without treatment.
Larger hemorrhoids may take a few days to a few weeks to fully resolve.
Although hemorrhoids are relatively benign, you may need to consult a doctor:
If none of the advice recommended above works, surgery may be an option. This treatment is recommended only in rare cases, but if you need it, your doctor will discuss the appropriate surgical procedure with you.
Talking about hemorrhoids can be embarrassing, but you can rely on your pharmacist to be discreet and offer advice on how to relieve your symptoms quickly.
Don’t hesitate to make an appointment at your Brunet pharmacy if you have any questions about your health or that of another member of your family. We’re here to help!
Last updated on May 8, 2025
You may change the store at any time.