WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a thrombosed hemorrhoid? A thrombosed hemorrhoid happens when blood clots become trapped inside your hemorrhoid. It is a common complication of hemorrhoids. Your hemorrhoid may suddenly look swollen or blue and feel very painful. How is a thrombosed hemorrhoid treated? You may be given medicine to decrease pain and swelling. The medicine may be a pill, pad, cream, or ointment. Your healthcare provider may make an incision in the hemorrhoid to relieve your pain. He will numb the area and make a small cut in the hemorrhoid. He will remove blood clots and fluid. Your incision may be packed with gauze and left open to heal. Your healthcare provider may instead close the incision with stitches. If your incision is left open, you may have light bleeding from the area. You may also bleed when you have a bowel movement. This should get better in a few days. What can I do to care for myself? - Take a sitz bath. A sitz bath can help decrease pain and swelling. Take a sitz bath 3 times a day, and after each bowel movement. Fill a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of warm water. You may also use a sitz bath pan that fits inside a toilet bowl. Sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes.
- Apply ice on your anus for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your anus. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Keep your anal area clean. Gently wash the area with warm water daily. Soap may irritate the area. After a bowel movement, wipe with moist towelettes or wet toilet paper. Dry toilet paper can irritate the area.
How do I care for my wound? Do the following if your healthcare provider has made an incision in your hemorrhoid: - Remove your bandage in 6 hours or as directed.
- Ask your healthcare provider if you need to replace your bandage. If he tells you to, pat dry the area after your sitz bath. Put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Wear a sanitary pad to absorb bleeding.
How can I help prevent hemorrhoids? - Do not strain to have a bowel movement. Do not sit on the toilet too long. These actions increase pressure in your rectum and anus.
- Drink plenty of liquids. Liquids can help prevent constipation. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Eat a variety of high-fiber foods. Examples include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Ask your healthcare provider how much fiber you need each day. You may need to take a fiber supplement.
- Exercise as directed. Exercise, such as walking, may make it easier to have a bowel movement. Ask your healthcare provider to help you create an exercise plan.
- Avoid heavy lifting. This can cause straining and increase your risk for another thrombosed hemorrhoid.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your pain does not get better after you take medicine for pain.
- You have heavy bleeding from your anus that fills 1 or more sanitary pads in 1 hour.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You have pus or a foul-smelling odor coming from your incision.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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