If you frequently experience hemorrhoids, maintaining proper hygiene in the anal area is of utmost importance. An inflamed tissue makes the anus more susceptible to infection, and could even lead to an abscess. Keeping the anal area clean at all times prevents this from happening. It also prevents further damage to the tissue and gives it a greater chance to heal by itself.
Here are some of the steps that you can do to keep yourself clean down there at all times.
Be gentle.
If you have the hemorrhoids, it is important to not aggravate the already inflamed private parts when cleaning. Most people go to great lengths to keep themselves spotlessly clean down there, especially after every bowel movement.
The skin of the anus is very thin so it should not be subjected to anything harsh. Unfortunately, excessive scrubbing will only make things worse, and too much friction can cause microtears and make your hemorrhoids worse.
You can ditch the soap and use water only. If you’re not comfortable with this idea, use mild soap to clean up. The key here is to be gentle, but thorough.
Use wet wipes.
Dry wiping is not always hygienic, so avoid using dry toilet paper as much as possible. For quick cleanups, use baby wipes which are gentle enough to be used on the inflamed anus.
Don’t use wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance. Instead, use wipes that have been moistened with witch hazel. Wipe from the front to the back, instead of the other way around.
Dry up.
The presence of moisture caused by perspiration or liquid stools can also worsen your condition, so after washing up, take the time to dry the area down there. Use a blow dryer in the lowest setting to reduce moisture, or gently pat down with a soft, clean towel.
Take sitz baths.
You can buy sitz baths in medical supply stores and use them to relax and clean your anal muscles. The device allows you to sit in a tub of plain warm water, reducing the inflammation and discomfort caused by your hemorrhoids. Make sure you’re thoroughly dried down there after each sitz bath.
Keeping yourself clean prevents your hemorrhoids from worsening. However, if you think that your condition warrants medical attention, please make an appointment here at the Institute so that a Los Angeles hemorrhoids doctor can come up with a treatment plan.
