This guide explains the causes of hemorrhoids and the ways to deal with them, from self-care at home to medical procedures. Hemorrhoids are common, and most get better with simple self-care. But bleeding from the rectum should always be checked by a doctor, because it can also be a sign of other problems.
What Are Hemorrhoids?
According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are also called piles. There are two types. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the rectum. They usually cause bleeding but little pain. External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus. They can cause itching, pain, and swelling. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 1 in 20 people in the United States has hemorrhoids. About half of adults over the age of 50 have them. Hemorrhoids are common. They are not a sign of cancer. But bleeding from the rectum can be a sign of other problems, so it should be checked by a doctor.
Causes and Risk Factors
According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoids happen when pressure builds up in the veins of the lower rectum. The pressure can come from straining during bowel movements, sitting on the toilet for a long time, chronic constipation or diarrhoea, and a low-fibre diet. Pregnancy raises the risk, because the growing uterus presses on the veins. Heavy lifting and obesity also raise the risk. Ageing weakens the tissues that hold the veins in place. Eating a high-fibre diet and drinking enough fluids helps prevent constipation and straining.
Self-Care That Helps
According to the NHS, most hemorrhoids get better with simple self-care. Eat a high-fibre diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Drink enough fluids — the Mayo Clinic suggests 6 to 8 glasses of water and other liquids a day. Exercise regularly. Do not strain on the toilet. Do not sit on the toilet for a long time. Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge. According to the Mayo Clinic, a warm sitz bath for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day can soothe the area. An ice pack wrapped in a towel can ease discomfort. Over-the-counter creams containing witch hazel or hydrocortisone can ease itching and pain. Wipe gently with moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper.
What Is Not Proven
Home remedies such as almond oil, banana peel, and cod liver oil are not proven to treat hemorrhoids. No study shows that they work. They may soothe the skin, but they do not shrink swollen veins. A person should not rely on them instead of proven care. If symptoms do not improve with self-care in a week, a doctor should be seen. A doctor can check the cause and offer a treatment that works.
Medical Procedures
According to the Mayo Clinic, if self-care does not help, a doctor may suggest a procedure. For internal hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation is common. A small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply. Sclerotherapy injects a solution to shrink the hemorrhoid. Other options include coagulation, which uses heat or infrared light, and transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD), which ties off internal hemorrhoids and pulls them back with stitches. For large or severe hemorrhoids, surgery may be needed. A hemorrhoidectomy removes the hemorrhoids. Stapling lifts prolapsed hemorrhoids back into place. A doctor will discuss the options, the risks, and the recovery time.
When to See a Doctor
According to the NHS, a person should see a doctor if there is bleeding from the rectum, if the bleeding does not stop, if there is a lot of pain, or if symptoms do not improve in a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, rectal bleeding can be a sign of other conditions, including colorectal cancer. A doctor can check that the bleeding is from hemorrhoids and not from another cause. A person should seek care right away for heavy bleeding, dizziness, or fainting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hemorrhoids?
According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the rectum. External hemorrhoids are under the skin around the anus.
What causes hemorrhoids?
According to the Mayo Clinic, pressure in the veins of the lower rectum causes hemorrhoids. The pressure can come from straining, sitting on the toilet for a long time, chronic constipation, a low-fibre diet, and pregnancy.
What self-care helps hemorrhoids?
According to the NHS, eat a high-fibre diet, drink enough fluids, exercise regularly, do not strain on the toilet, and do not sit on the toilet for a long time.
Do almond oil or banana peel treat hemorrhoids?
No. These home remedies are not proven to treat hemorrhoids. No study shows that they work. If symptoms do not improve with self-care in a week, see a doctor.
When should I see a doctor about hemorrhoids?
According to the NHS, see a doctor if there is bleeding from the rectum, if the bleeding does not stop, if there is a lot of pain, or if symptoms do not improve in a week.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. It is not medical advice and it does not replace care from a doctor. This guide gives no medical advice for readers. Talk to a doctor about rectal bleeding or symptoms that do not improve.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026