Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the anus. They form when pressure builds from straining, hard stools, long sitting, or pregnancy. You may deal with pain, itching, and bleeding, but you can get rid of hemorrhoids fast when you use the right steps early.
Quick relief comes from softening stool, lowering pressure in the veins, and calming the inflamed tissue. Cold packs, warm sitz baths, and witch hazel help shrink hemorrhoids quickly, while fiber and hydration prevent more swelling.
Over-the-counter creams give short-term comfort, and medical options like banding offer the fastest way to treat hemorrhoids when home care is not enough.
How To Shrink Hemorrhoids Quickly
You can get rid of hemorrhoids fast when you act on the cause. Hemorrhoids swell from pressure and straining. Stop the pressure and use measures that calm swelling. Use fiber and fluids to soften stool. Use cold to reduce blood flow and heat to relax the area. Both help shrink hemorrhoids quickly . Evidence from major clinics supports warm sitz baths and fiber as first steps.
What Causes Sudden Swelling
Sudden swelling happens when pressure rises in the veins near your anus. Common triggers you can change now include:
- Straining during bowel movements.
- Hard stools and constipation.
- Long periods of sitting.
- Heavy lifting or coughing.
- Pregnancy.
Each trigger raises vein pressure and worsens pain. Fixing stool softness is a top priority.
Immediate Steps To Reduce Inflammation
Do these steps today to get rid of hemorrhoids fast :
- Apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat hourly while awake for the first day.
- Sit in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, two to three times daily. This relaxes the area.
- Use over-the-counter creams or pads with witch hazel or hydrocortisone for short-term relief.
- Start a fiber supplement and drink more water to soften stool.
- Avoid straining, and avoid sitting on the toilet for long.
These actions cut pain and swelling quickly and offer fast hemorrhoid relief . If pain is severe or bleeding is heavy, seek medical care.
How Fast You Can Expect Results
Mild cases often improve in 24 to 72 hours with the steps above. Pain can fall within a day. Swelling may take one to two weeks to shrink. If symptoms do not ease in a week, see a clinician. Do not wait until bleeding or severe pain appears. Home care speeds recovery for most people.
Fast Hemorrhoid Relief At Home
Home care gives the fastest comfort for most mild hemorrhoids. You get the best results when you combine methods.
Ice Packs For Instant Comfort
Ice narrows blood vessels and numbs pain. Wrap ice in a cloth to avoid frost injury. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat as needed. This is a direct way to get rid of hemorrhoids fast by lowering swelling right away.
Sitz Baths For Rapid Soothing
A sitz bath means sitting in warm water that covers the hips and buttocks. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes, two to four times a day. Sitz baths ease pain and reduce swelling. They are one of the most recommended home methods for fast hemorrhoid relief .
Witch Hazel For Quick Anti-Inflammatory Action
Witch hazel works as a gentle astringent. It calms itching and reduces small amounts of bleeding. Apply witch hazel with a clean pad up to three times daily. Use pads made for hemorrhoid care for easier application. Witch hazel helps you shrink hemorrhoids quickly in many cases.
Fastest Way To Treat Hemorrhoids
When home care is not enough, certain clinic treatments provide fast results. Know when to move to medical options.
When OTC Creams Work Best
OTC creams and pads with hydrocortisone or lidocaine can ease pain and itch. Use them as short-term measures. They do not remove hemorrhoids but offer relief so you can move, sit, and sleep. These products support efforts to get rid of hemorrhoids fast by managing symptoms.
When Oral Pain Relievers Help
You may use over-the-counter pain relievers to control pain. Pain medicine helps you stay active and avoid straining during bowel movements. Use the medicine as directed and for short periods only. This step supports other actions that shrink hemorrhoids quickly .
When Fast Treatment Requires Medical Care
Seek medical care for severe pain, large lumps, or heavy bleeding. Office procedures like rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation, or laser therapy work fast to remove internal hemorrhoids. These procedures often relieve symptoms within days. Discuss options with your doctor. The rubber band ligation gives quick results for internal hemorrhoids.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
Simple home aids can reduce pain and speed healing. Use them properly and stop if irritation appears.
Aloe Vera Gel For Cooling Relief
Apply pure, unscented aloe vera gel externally to soothe skin. Aloe may ease irritation. Evidence is limited, but many find relief.
Epsom Salt Soaks For Swelling Reduction
Add Epsom salt to a sitz bath. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Epsom salt can reduce swelling and help you relax. Clinical guidance supports warm soaks; specific evidence for Epsom salt is limited.
Applying Coconut Oil For Lubrication And Healing
Coconut oil lowers friction and may calm inflamed skin. Apply a small amount to the outside area before bowel movements. Research backing is limited, but user reports are positive. Use with care and stop if irritation occurs.
Instant Hemorrhoid Relief Tips
You can get rid of hemorrhoids fast when you remove pressure from the rectal area and calm irritation. These moves give support while other treatments work.
Best Positions To Relieve Pain Immediately
Lying on your left side with knees bent reduces pressure in the veins near your anus. This helps swelling drop and can give fast hemorrhoid relief . Standing and walking for a few minutes every hour also improves blood flow. Pressure changes affect pain levels in hemorrhoids.
How To Reduce Pressure When Sitting
Sit on a firm seat. Use a cushion with a center opening so your weight does not rest on the swollen tissue. Keep your back straight. Lean slightly forward to shift pressure upward. Long sitting increases venous pressure, so limit sitting spans. These small changes support efforts to get rid of hemorrhoids fast when symptoms peak.
Quick Adjustments To Prevent Irritation
Clean with warm water after bowel movements. Pat dry. Avoid soaps with strong scents. Wear loose cotton underwear to prevent moisture buildup. Keep the area dry to avoid friction. These quick adjustments protect the skin and help you shrink hemorrhoids quickly over time.
How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids Fast
External hemorrhoids sit under the skin outside the anus. They can be painful because many nerves are in this area. Home care is often helpful for mild swelling. Warm sitz baths, cold packs, and gentle cleaning can help you get rid of hemorrhoids fast when paired with softer stool.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoid Rapid-Care Steps
A thrombosed hemorrhoid has a clot inside. This causes sudden, sharp pain. Apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes. Use over-the-counter pain relievers if your doctor says they are safe for you. Seek medical care within 48 to 72 hours.
Early removal of the clot can reduce pain fast. Early care gives the best outcome. Evidence shows early removal reduces symptom time, but research is limited in long-term comparison.
How To Safely Clean And Reduce Itching
Rinse with warm water after each bowel movement. Avoid rough wipes. Use unscented pads. Pat dry. Apply a thin layer of aloe or witch hazel if your skin tolerates it. These steps are simple but they help get rid of hemorrhoids fast by lowering irritation that slows healing.
What NOT To Do With External Hemorrhoids
Do not squeeze or pop lumps. Do not use sharp tools. Do not use strong steroid creams for long periods unless a doctor advises. These actions raise the risk of infection. Do not sit for long spans or strain during bowel movements. These behaviors slow attempts to get rid of hemorrhoids fast and worsen swelling.
How To Get Rid Of Internal Hemorrhoids Fast
Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum. They may bleed or slip out during bowel movements. Quick care focuses on lowering strain and reducing swelling at the source.
When Internal Hemorrhoids Respond Quickly
Internal hemorrhoids respond well when stool softens. Fiber intake reduces pressure in the rectum. Warm sitz baths support comfort, but do not reach inside. Over-the-counter suppositories help during bowel movements. With the right steps, you can get rid of hemorrhoids fast at home when symptoms are mild.
How Fiber Accelerates Healing
Fiber adds bulk and softness to stool. This lowers the force needed to pass stool. Less strain lowers bleeding and pain. Fiber is a first-line measure. Doctors usually suggest 20 to 30 grams per day with enough water. Research shows fiber reduces symptom flare-ups, though fiber does not cure the condition.
Rapid Relief During Bowel Movements
Use a footstool to raise your knees. This makes stool pass more easily. Do not push. Take your time. Drink water before you go. Use a gentle lubricant around the anus if your doctor approves. These steps lower friction and support your goal to get rid of hemorrhoids fast without injury.
When Hemorrhoids Need Professional Treatment
If pain is severe, bleeding is heavy, or swelling stays high, clinic care may be the safest path. Medical treatment targets the source of the problem when home care is not enough.
When Swelling Won’t Go Down
If swelling stays for more than a week, even with strict home care, you should see a clinician. Heavy bleeding, fever, or sudden severe pain also needs medical review. These signs may mean the hemorrhoid is not responding or another issue is present.
Fast In-Office Procedures (Banding, Laser, IR)
Rubber band ligation is the most commonly used option for internal hemorrhoids that do not improve. The band cuts the blood supply to the swollen vein. It falls off in a few days. Many patients gain fast relief. Infrared coagulation uses heat to shrink tissue.
Laser options also target blood supply. Research shows these methods work well for many, but results vary. These procedures often work faster than home methods when you need to get rid of hemorrhoids fast under medical guidance.
Expected Recovery Time After Procedures
Most in-office treatments need a few days to one week for early recovery. Full healing may take two to three weeks. Pain after procedures is often mild. Some may see spotting.
Doctors give strict aftercare steps, such as warm soaks and avoiding heavy lifting. Recovery time varies by method and personal health. No method guarantees instant healing but many offer faster relief than home care.
How To Prevent Hemorrhoids From Coming Back
Prevention centers on daily habits. These habits lower pressure in the rectal veins and protect the tissues from swelling.
Daily Habits To Avoid Flare-Ups
Drink enough water to keep stools soft. Move your body daily. Go to the bathroom when your body signals the urge. Do not sit for long spans. These habits remove strain and support your goal to get rid of hemorrhoids fast when early symptoms appear.
Diet Adjustments For Long-Term Relief
Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Limit low-fiber foods. High-fiber diets are backed by evidence from major medical groups as the most helpful long-term step. These foods support bowel regularity so you can shrink hemorrhoids quickly before swelling rises.
Bowel Movement Techniques That Reduce Strain
Use a footstool to raise your knees. This changes the angle of your rectum and reduces pressure. Keep toilet time short. Breathe normally and do not push. These simple steps protect the area and help you get rid of hemorrhoids fast when early discomfort appears.
FAQ
What Is The Fastest Way To Shrink Hemorrhoids?
The fastest safe route is a mix of home care and targeted medical treatment. Ice, sitz baths, and fiber give quick relief. For internal hemorrhoids, banding offers fast removal. Seek a clinician when pain or bleeding is severe.
How Long Does It Take For Hemorrhoid Swelling To Go Down?
With proper home care, swelling can fall in 24 to 72 hours. Full healing can take one to two weeks. Persistent swelling after a week needs medical evaluation.
Can Ice Packs Really Reduce Hemorrhoids Quickly?
Yes. Ice reduces blood flow and numbs pain. Use wrapped ice for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Ice gives rapid symptom relief while you use other treatments.
Do Sitz Baths Help Immediately?
Yes. Sitz baths relax muscles and ease pain right away. Use warm water for 10 to 20 minutes up to four times daily. They support healing and comfort.
What Should I Avoid If I Want Hemorrhoids To Heal Fast?
Avoid straining, long toilet sitting, and heavy lifting. Do not use scented soaps or rough wiping. Avoid trying to drain or cut lumps yourself. Seek medical care if you have heavy bleeding.
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Nivedita Pandey, Senior Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, ensuring accurate and reliable health information.
Dr. Nivedita Pandey is a U.S.-trained gastroenterologist specializing in pre and post-liver transplant care, as well as managing chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Pandey is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care to each patient.
