Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. It is important to always consult a medical professional for any health issues.
Many people are affected by hemorrhoids. In fact, based on research and statistics, about two out of three people experience hemorrhoids at one point in time in their lives. These are really unpleasant and can affect the day-to-day living of an individual due to the itching, burning, pain, and bleeding that they can cause. [1]
Hemorrhoids are also referred to as piles. They pertain to the swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, which are similar to varicose veins. They can develop inside the rectum, which are called internal hemorrhoids, or under the skin around the anus, which is referred to as external hemorrhoids. This condition has a number of causes, but most of the time, the cause is unknown. But fortunately, there are many effective options available today to treat them.
Often, hemorrhoids go away on their own without any treatment. But you can also take steps and use medications and products that may help ease the symptoms. Among those, one of the effective products is medicated wipes, which are made specifically for hemorrhoids. If you are curious about these and want to learn more, you’re in the right place. In this post, we are giving you a guide to medicated wipes for hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids
The signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids often depend on the type of hemorrhoid an individual has. There are external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids, and thrombosed hemorrhoids. Below are their symptoms:
External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids are those under the skin around the anus. Some of the signs and symptoms include itching or irritation in the anal region, pain, discomfort, swelling around the anus, and bleeding. [1]
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are those found inside the rectum. These are not seen or felt, and they rarely cause discomfort. However, straining or irritation when passing stool might cause painless bleeding during bowel movements. With this, you might notice tiny blobs of reddish-orange blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl. It may also cause hemorrhoids to push through the anal opening, which may result in pain and irritation. [1]
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
A thrombosed hemorrhoid is a type of external hemorrhage that has amassed blood and formed a clot. The symptoms of this type of hemorrhoid may include severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and a hard lump near the anus. [1]
If you experience bleeding during bowel movements or you have hemorrhoids that do not improve after a week of home care, it is important to reach out to your doctor. Also, you should not assume rectal bleeding is always due to hemorrhoids, particularly if you have changes in bowel habits or if your stool change in color or consistency. Keep in mind that rectal bleeding may occur with other diseases. Make sure to seek emergency care if you have large amounts of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness, or faintness. [1]
Causes of Hemorrhoids
Usually, straining creates pressure on the veins in the anus or rectum, which results in hemorrhoids. They are quite similar to varicose veins that affect your bottom. Anal and rectal veins may swell and inflame as a result of any strain that puts more pressure on your abdomen or lower extremities. [2]
Hemorrhoids may also develop due to pelvic pressure from weight gain, particularly during pregnancy. In addition to that, pushing hard to have a bowel movement due to constipation, as well as straining to lift heavy objects or weightlifting, may also cause hemorrhoids. [2]
Other causes of hemorrhoids may also include sitting for a long period in the toilet, chronic diarrhea, and a low-fiber diet. It can also be due to aging since the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids
One of the best ways to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft so that they can pass easily. Below are some of the other tips that you can follow to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids:
Eat Foods High in Fiber: Eating more fruits, whole grains, and vegetables can help soften the stool and increase its bulk. This way, you can avoid straining that can cause hemorrhoids. But you should add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid issues with gas. [1]
Drink Lots of Water: Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water, as well as other liquids, each day can also help keep stools soft.
Take Fiber Supplements: Many people do not get the recommended amount of fiber in their diet, which is 20 to 30 grams per day. Based on studies, over-the-counter fiber supplements may also help improve overall symptoms and bleeding from hemorrhoids. But remember that when taking fiber supplements, it is also essential to drink plenty of water to prevent constipation. [1]
Do Not Strain: Holding your breath and straining when trying to pass a stool can create great pressure in the veins in the lower rectum. Therefore, avoid doing this.
Go Immediately When You Feel the Urge: If you wait to pass a bowel movement, the urge may go away, and your stool could dry out and be more difficult to pass. [1]
Exercise: Staying active to prevent constipation and reduce pressure on veins is also essential. Exercise can also help you lose weight, that might be contributing to your hemorrhoids.
Do Not Sit for Long Periods: Sitting too long, especially on the toilet, may increase the pressure on the veins in the anus, which can lead to the development of hemorrhoids. [1]
What are Medicated Wipes for Hemorrhoids and How Do They Work?
After bowel movements, it is very important to clean your anal area. However, the use of toilet paper can only irritate the skin more. To avoid that, using moist toilet paper, washcloths, and medicated wipes are your best options. Medicated wipes are usually infused with witch hazel and aloe, which are both soothing. But remember that medicated wipes are different from baby wipes as they are made specifically for individuals suffering from hemorrhoids.
Aside from helping you in cleaning the affected area thoroughly, medicated wipes are also used to alleviate the common symptoms of hemorrhoids. These wipes are infused with the same ingredients found in hemorrhoid creams, gels, and ointments. Some also contain herbal extracts like aloe vera and witch hazel, making them more soothing.
Many hemorrhoids medicated wipes contain common cosmetic ingredients, like glycerin, alcohol, and parabens. That is why they can give enough lubrication and ease the strain of bowel movement. In addition, they can ensure that the anal canal is clean and uninfected.
Medicated wipes can reduce the irritation, pain, and swelling that come with hemorrhoids. But it is still best to use these wipes along with other remedies for faster relief. Medicated wipes for hemorrhoids also contain antiseptic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent ingredients, which offer additional benefits. However, these ingredients are not supplied in enough amounts to treat hemorrhoids completely.
These wipes serve as personal hygiene products, and they are made to replace dry toilet paper to provide more comfort. Medicated wipes can be small, large, flushable, or non-flushable. Some may come in travel packs, while others can be bought in large quantity packs. If you want to try using medicated wipes for hemorrhoids, below are some examples to help you choose:
- RectiCare Medicated Anorectal Wipes: Hemorrhoids and other anorectal problems can cause pain, itching, and discomfort. However, these anorectal wipes can assist. It has a formula with two active components and a dual action. One is Lidocaine, a potent anesthetic that can reduce pain within a short period of time. Glycerin, another component, calms, and guards against hemorrhoids.
- Preparation H Flushable Medicated Hemorrhoid Wipes: These excellent-quality flushable medicinal wipes are significantly larger than alternative options and also contain 50% Witch Hazel solution. Aloe Vera, which has a cooling and soothing effect, is also present in these wipes.
- Preparation H Women’s Medicated Hemorrhoid Wipes: These feminine medicated wipes were created with ladies in mind. Like other wipes, they contain 50% witch hazel solution, but they also contain other substances that are beneficial to women, like vitamin E, cucumber, chamomile, shea butter, and aloe vera. Along with giving the wipes a beautiful and fresh scent, these extra substances also provide them a calming effect.
- Fresh Exit Medicated Hemorrhoid Wipes: These medicated wipes can ease irritation, discomfort, burning, and itching. They come into contact with the affected area after being infused with a formula, such as Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera, which leaves a cooling effect. They are incredibly simple to dispose of and are also flushable. They are more hygienic and portable because each one is individually wrapped, allowing you to carry only a couple instead of always carrying the entire pack with you.
- Dr. Butler’s Organic Hemorrhoid Wipes: These organic medicinal wipes for sore buttocks were created by a doctor. It has chemical-free, hypoallergenic, and secure ingredients. These wipes will lessen the itching and discomfort while keeping you feeling refreshed. It has calming and therapeutic essential oils like chamomile, aloe vera, and others that are mild enough to keep you feeling good at all times.
- Discreet Maximum Strength Medicated Hemorrhoidal Wipes: These medicated wipes can calm the itch, and burning sensation brought on by hemorrhoids and offer momentary relief. Additionally, it can protect inflamed areas. This product’s only drawback is that it cannot be flushed like other alternatives.
- Naticura Inc. Medicated Cleansing Wipes: When you use these gentle hemorrhoid wipes, you’ll notice relief right away. They are organic and contain soothing essential oils like witch hazel and aloe vera. You can keep delicate regions clean while reducing irritation thanks to its excellent daily mild cleaning capabilities. They have a pleasant scent and include no chemicals.
- Equate Hemorrhoid Medicated Pads: Witch Hazel, another ingredient in these medicinal wipes, can help soothe hemorrhoids’ burning and stinging. Due to the fact that they break down when flushed, this product is hypoallergenic, dye-free, and suitable for sewage and septic systems.
- Hemorex Fast-Acting Hemorrhoid Wipes: The most popular option for expectant mothers and new mothers alike are these medicated wipes. They have potent natural components like Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel that can help heal and calm swollen, damaged hemorrhoid tissue quickly. They can also help to naturally promote skin renewal while reducing anorectal irritation and discomfort.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids are indeed unpleasant and can affect your day-to-day activities, particularly if they are painful. That’s why getting them treated using medications advised by doctors and using over-the-counter products like medicated wipes can help alleviate the pain and speed up the healing.
Medicated wipes can also keep you clean and fresh while helping you lessen the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Using them along with other hemorrhoid products like creams and ointments may help treat the condition faster. We hope this post helped you learn more about medicated wipes for hemorrhoids.
References
[1] Mayo Clinic, S. (2021, May 12). Hemorrhoids. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
[2] Cleveland Clinic, E. (2021, January 18). Hemorrhoids treatment, symptoms, causes, prevention. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15120-hemorrhoids#management-and-treatment