Can hemorrhoid suppositories be used for early-stage hemorrhoids?
Treatment of Early-Stage Hemorrhoids with Hemorrhoid Suppositories
Hemorrhoid suppositories can be used for the initial stages of hemorrhoids. They offer a certain degree of therapeutic effect for asymptomatic hemorrhoids or mild prolapse of hemorrhoids. Before using hemorrhoid suppositories, patients can first take a warm water sitz bath or use supplementary treatments to ensure the suppository is fully inserted into the anus and prevent its expulsion.
Steps for Using Hemorrhoid Suppositories
1. Water Temperature: When using hemorrhoid suppositories for early-stage hemorrhoids, patients should first cleanse the area and take a warm water sitz bath to promote local blood circulation. Using cold water would constrict blood vessels, enhancing the effectiveness of the suppository.
2. Assisted Techniques: Patients can adopt a lateral recumbent position or lithotomy position, apply lubricant to the tip of the suppository, and gently push it into the anus. Avoid using excessive force as it may cause the suppository to be expelled or get stuck outside the anus.
3. Insertion Depth: The hemorrhoid suppository should be inserted 6-10cm into the anus. Patients should move gently to ensure smooth insertion. Inserting too deeply may also lead to expulsion.
4. Medicinal Ingredients: Hemorrhoid suppositories contain traditional Chinese medicine ingredients such as borneol, cnidium monnieri, and sophora flavescens, which have the effects of detumescence, pain relief, heat-clearing, dampness-drying, and antipruritic收敛. If there is no bleeding in early-stage hemorrhoids, it is not recommended to use suppositories to avoid irritating the local skin and causing discomfort. Suppositories are only therapeutic for hemorrhoid patients without symptoms. When patients experience symptoms such as bleeding, pain, itching, or swelling, additional treatments like fumigation, external application, and oral medications may be necessary. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.