A thrombosed hemorrhoid is an extremely painful condition that occurs when a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid. This causes the hemorrhoid to swell, become inflamed, and can lead to severe pain, bleeding, and irritation. While thrombosed hemorrhoids sometimes go away on their own, most people look for ways to speed up relief and recovery. Here are some of the fastest options for getting rid of a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
Try a Sitz Bath
One of the quickest and easiest ways to find relief from a thrombosed hemorrhoid is to take a sitz bath two to three times a day. A sitz bath simply involves soaking the buttocks and hips in a few inches of warm water for 10-15 minutes. This helps relax the anal sphincter muscles, improves blood flow, and can reduce swelling and irritation. Make sure the water is warm but not too hot to prevent scalding sensitive tissues. You can add epsom salts or baking soda to the water as well for additional soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Use OTC Hemorrhoid Creams
Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams and ointments can provide fast relief for a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Look for products containing active ingredients like hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation and swelling, as well as pramoxine or benzocaine, which numb pain. Apply the hemorrhoid cream directly to the affected area up to 4 times daily. This can quickly ease irritated tissues, bring down swelling, and provide soothing pain relief while the clot dissipates.
| OTC Hemorrhoid Cream Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Hydrocortisone | Reduces inflammation and swelling |
| Pramoxine | Numbs pain |
| Benzocaine | Numbs pain |
Try a Hemorrhoid Suppository
Hemorrhoid suppositories can also provide fast relief for a thrombosed hemorrhoid. These tiny medicated bullets are inserted directly into the anus to deliver targeted treatment right where you need it. The medicine is absorbed through the rectal tissues to help constrict blood vessels, reduce swelling, numb pain, and lubricate the area. Suppositories containing the medication pramoxine are a good option for pain relief. Use a suppository morning and night for quick assistance while the hemorrhoid heals.
Apply a Cold Compress
Applying something cold can quickly numb pain and constrict blood vessels to reduce the size of the swollen hemorrhoid. Wrap some ice cubes in a thin towel or cloth and apply it directly to the external hemorrhoid for about 10-15 minutes a few times throughout the day. You can also use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. The cold temperature helps numb pain nerve fibers and can temporarily shrink the hemorrhoid by constricting the blood vessels.
Take OTC Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help temporarily reduce discomfort caused by a thrombosed hemorrhoid. These medications do not treat the hemorrhoid itself, but they can provide short-term relief from the painful symptoms. Take the medication as directed on the packaging. However, avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
Some OTC Pain Relievers for Hemorrhoid Discomfort
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Consider Prescription Medications
For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help get rid of a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Options can include:
- Stool softeners – Softeners like docusate make bowel movements less painful.
- Laxatives – Osmotic laxatives like magnesium hydroxide help ease constipation.
- Vasoconstrictors – These narrow blood vessels to shrink hemorrhoids. Examples are phenylephrine and epinephrine.
- Anesthetics – Lidocaine cream numbs pain in the area.
- Corticosteroids – Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and irritation.
Discuss the benefits and side effects with your doctor to choose the right prescription treatment for your symptoms.
Get the Hemorrhoid Lanced
If at-home treatments are not providing enough relief, having the hemorrhoid lanced (also called an incision and drainage) can provide rapid relief by removing the blood clot. This quick in-office procedure is done by a doctor using a scalpel to make a small incision to release the pooled blood. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area first. Lancing the hemorrhoid can significantly decrease pain, swelling, and pressure. However, it does not make the hemorrhoid go away completely or prevent recurrence.
Try Complementary Remedies
Some complementary and natural remedies may also help provide relief from a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Options to try include:
- Witch hazel – Helps reduce swelling and calm irritation when applied topically.
- Aloe vera gel – Soothes inflamed tissues.
- Tea tree oil – Reduces inflammation. Dilute before applying to skin.
- Apple cider vinegar – Apply diluted ACV to the area with a cotton ball up to twice a day.
- Sitz bath with epsom salts – Magnesium sulfate helps ease constipation.
Adjust Your Diet
Dietary changes can also help speed hemorrhoid recovery. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements. Boost fiber slowly and stay well hydrated to avoid gas and bloating. Avoid eating spicy foods that can irritate the hemorrhoids. Use a stool softener or laxative if needed to prevent hard, painful stools.
Some Dietary Tips for Hemorrhoids:
- Eat high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
- Drink plenty of water and fluids like herbal tea
- Consider a fiber supplement like psyllium husk
- Eat foods rich in flavonoids like berries, onions, and black tea
- Avoid spicy foods that can irritate hemorrhoids
- Avoid constipation by using stool softeners or laxatives if needed
When to See Your Doctor
While the above home remedies may provide fast relief for a thrombosed external hemorrhoid, it is still important to see a doctor, especially if:
- Symptoms do not improve with at-home treatments
- The hemorrhoid becomes increasingly painful or starts bleeding
- You develop a fever, nausea, vomiting, or chills
- The area looks infected
- You have bowel changes like diarrhea that won’t go away
- You are at risk for blood clots
- The hemorrhoid recurs frequently
Your doctor can examine the hemorrhoid, rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like anal fissures, provide prescription medication if needed, or refer you to a specialist for procedures like lancing or hemorrhoidectomy surgery if at-home treatments fail.
Consider Minimally Invasive Procedures
If you continue to experience frequent or severe thrombosed hemorrhoids that do not respond to home treatments, talk to your doctor about minimally invasive procedures that can help remove them. Options may include:
Rubber Band Ligation
Rubber bands are placed around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow. The hemorrhoid then shrivels and falls off within a week.
Sclerotherapy
A chemical is injected into the hemorrhoid to shrink it by scarring the blood vessels.
Infrared Coagulation
A device with an infrared light is used to burn and scar the hemorrhoid tissue so it shrinks.
Bipolar Diathermy
An electric current is used to scar and coagulate the hemorrhoid.
Cryotherapy
Extreme cold is applied to the enlarged hemorrhoids with a cryoprobe to make them shrink.
Talk to your doctor about whether any of these may be appropriate for effectively and safely getting rid of recurrent thrombosed hemorrhoids.
When to Consider Hemorrhoidectomy Surgery
For severe prolapsed or thrombosed hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments, surgery may be recommended. During a hemorrhoidectomy, the surgeon removes the hemorrhoids. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure with sedation or general anesthesia. Recovery takes 2-3 weeks. Surgery provides definitive removal of hemorrhoids that cause persistent pain, bleeding, itching and other symptoms that fail to get better with home treatments or office procedures.
Try to Prevent Constipation and Straining
To help avoid recurrence of thrombosed hemorrhoids after treatment, try to prevent constipation and avoid straining during bowel movements. Some tips include:
- Eat a high-fiber diet with fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
- Stay well hydrated by drinking water and other fluids daily
- Use a stool softener like docusate if stools become hard and difficult to pass
- Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods
- Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge
- Avoid straining or bearing down intensely during bowel movements
- Gently pat clean with toilet paper rather than wiping vigorously
Conclusion
Extremely painful thrombosed hemorrhoids can make daily activities difficult. While they sometimes resolve in a week or two, prompt treatment can provide rapid relief from the pain and swelling. Home treatments like sitz baths, over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, pain medication, ice packs, natural remedies, diet changes, and prescription medications can help speed recovery. If at-home options do not improve symptoms within a few days, see your doctor to discuss procedures like lancing or other minimally invasive options. For severe, recurrent hemorrhoids that do not get better with other methods, surgery may be needed. Stay well hydrated, eat high fiber, avoid constipation, and do not strain during bowel movements to help prevent painful hemorrhoids from recurring once the clot and swelling have resolved.