Finding relief from hemorrhoids is difficult enough without doing anything to make the condition worse. But that is what many patients do, and often they are not even aware that they are making the condition more painful. Here are some things you really should avoid, no matter how strong the temptation to do otherwise.

No spicy foods. You might like your chilli con carne and love your vindaloo. But eat them at your own risk. The spices in these and other similar dishes eventually make their way into the intestine and cause burning hemorrhoids.

Do not scratch. Touching your hemorrhoids, or worse, using your nails to scratch them, is guaranteed to make them worse. It’s best to make sure the area is as clean as possible because this is likely to reduce the itchiness. Take a warm bath, use medicated wipes, and if it gets really bad, try using an ice pack to numb the area. But don’t be tempted to scratch yourself.

Do not strain. Pressing hard when using the bathroom is a leading cause of hemorrhoids, and an action that will definitely make them worse. If you’re constipated, try a laxative or significantly increase your fiber intake. Drink lots of water too. And you can try lubricating the area around your anus with a little petroleum jelly – many patients find that it allows stool to pass more easily.

Avoid hard surfaces. The pressure of sitting, say, on a cold, hard step can make hemorrhoids worse. If you do it for long periods of time, you almost certainly will. If you are forced to sit on a hard surface, soften the area with a cushion or rolled up jacket.

Avoid coffee and alcohol. Both make it harder for waste to pass through your body, and both can make active stacks feel much worse.

Keep your hands clean. Touching the area with unwashed hands can accidentally infect hemorrhoids, making healing difficult.

There are many medications, preparations, and treatments for hemorrhoids, and most of us find one or two that work best for us. I prefer solutions that work from within and that are natural in nature rather than pharmaceutical. But remember, always seek the advice of your doctor before embarking on any treatment or taking any supplement recommended by others. That way, you stay safe and can approach the condition from a position of trust and knowledge. Find out more in the resource box below.