If you develop a hemorrhoidal flare-up or excessive pain, call to schedule an appointment right away to help prevent complications. The following measures may help minimize your discomfort.

• Take warm soaks three or four times a day and after every bowel movement.
  
  
• Clean your anus after each bowel movement by patting gently with moist toilet paper or moistened pads, such as baby wipes. Do not scrub the area or use any soaps. Use ice packs to relieve swelling.
  
  
• Apply a cream that contains witch hazel to the area or use a numbing ointment. Avoid constipation by drinking up to 8 glasses of water a day and eating a diet high in fiber.
  
  
• Add a bulk fiber agent - such as citrucil or metamucil - once or twice a day to your diet.

Call the Houston colorectal surgeons at the Colorectal Surgical Associates today for more information on how to reduce your hemorrhoidal pains.