Hemorrhoids are quite common today, causing a lot of discomfort for sufferers. Using hemorrhoid ointment is one of the ways prescribed by doctors to treat hemorrhoids. So how to apply hemorrhoid medicine to bring the best effect?
1. What is hemorrhoid ointment?
Hemorrhoids occur in the anal area, also known as a disease of the vascular system from arterioles, arteries, and veins to connective tissue and smooth muscle lined by the normal epithelium of the anal canal.
Simply, the venous plexus located in the anal mucosa is supported by an elastic fibrous tissue structure. The increased pressure caused by straining during defecation accompanied by continuous blood stasis or sitting too much, results in the hemorrhoids being stretched, then the hemorrhoids prolapse into the anal canal. In addition, as the body ages, the supporting connective tissue weakens, leading to hemorrhoids gradually prolapse outside the anus. The above conditions all lead to hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid ointments are products prepared in the form of creams or gels with the effect of pain relief, anti-inflammation, limiting blood clotting, reducing discomfort, reducing burning, ... The general purpose is to support treatment and pain relief due to hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoid ointments are also convenient when patients can use them at home instead of having to go to the hospital for inpatient treatment, the time of taking the medicine is only within a few weeks as prescribed and instructed by the doctor, using hemorrhoid ointments flexibly according to each individual's schedule. In particular, hemorrhoid ointments help patients not have pain as much as hemorrhoidectomy surgery, saving treatment time, effort, and finances for both doctors and patients.
Hemorrhoid ointments are indicated in cases of mild hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. In cases of internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, or mixed hemorrhoids at level 3 or higher, using ointments will not be effective, it only relieves symptoms.
Hemorrhoid ointment has the following effects:
- Promotes the circulatory system, transports and increases blood flow to the anal area. Thereby helping the anal wall to always be nourished and healthy, the patient will reduce pain and help reduce treatment time, prevent recurrence;
- Tightens the edematous area;
- Effectively stops bleeding of hemorrhoids;
- Lubricates the anal canal to make defecation easier, reduce bleeding, prevent friction, and limit damage caused by hemorrhoids;
- Quickly reduces signs of redness, itching, swelling, and pain in the anal area;
- Helps hemorrhoids shrink in size;
- Solves dangerous infections because the medicine has high antiseptic properties.
2. How to use hemorrhoid ointment
Hemorrhoid ointment is considered to be quite convenient and easy to use. However, there are many cases of incorrect use that not only do not relieve the disease but can also make hemorrhoids worse. Here are the steps when using hemorrhoid ointment:
- Step 1: Clean hands and anus thoroughly.
Patients need to go to the toilet before using hemorrhoid ointment. Should not defecate within 2-3 hours after applying hemorrhoid ointment because it can easily wash away the medicine and lose its effect (except in an emergency, you should not hold);
Soak the anal area in a basin of warm water or clean the hemorrhoids with soap under the shower, then rinse with warm water and dry the area with a soft towel.
Before applying hemorrhoid ointment, patients need to wash their hands with soap and keep their nails short because if not, it can accidentally touch the hemorrhoids, causing pain or scratching the hemorrhoids.
It is recommended to use medical latex gloves when applying hemorrhoid ointment due to its hygiene and safety.
- Step 2: Apply an external hemorrhoid ointment
Take a sufficient amount of hemorrhoid ointment on your finger or you can apply it on a sterile gauze pad. Then gently apply the medicine to the hemorrhoids outside the anus. Clean hands with soap after applying the medicine.
Patients should not defecate after 1-3 hours of applying the medicine (except in emergency cases, do not hold). Even when urinating during this time, patients should avoid wiping the anus because it will wash away the medicine, losing or reducing the healing effect. In case of having to defecate, repeat the above steps and reapply the medicine.
- Step 3: Apply internal hemorrhoid ointment
Clean the anal area with diluted salt water or normal saline. Clean hands with soap. Wear medical latex. Take a sufficient amount of hemorrhoid ointment in the gloved fingertip.
When applying the medicine, the patient can lie down or sit, insert the finger with the hemorrhoid ointment into the anus about 1 - 2cm. Let the medicine dry for about 5 - 20 minutes.
Throw the used gloves in the trash and close the tube tightly after use.
Apply hemorrhoid ointment twice a day, morning and evening.
Above is some information about hemorrhoid ointment as well as how to use it. When you have signs of hemorrhoids, you should go to the hospital for examination and appropriate treatment to avoid dangerous complications. In addition, when prescribed to use hemorrhoid ointment, you must follow the instructions of the pharmacist, doctor, and manufacturer. Do not arbitrarily change the treatment regimen or stop using the drug without consulting your doctor.
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