How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids Fast: Home Remedies

If you’ve ever felt that sharp throb after sitting too long or noticed blood on toilet paper, you’re not alone—hemorrhoids affect roughly half of all adults by age 50. The good news is that most cases clear up with straightforward home care, and you probably already have many of the tools you need to start feeling better today.

Most hemorrhoids resolve: within 1-2 weeks with home care · Daily fiber intake recommended: 25-30 grams · Common cause: straining during bowel movements · Top treatment: high-fiber diet and topical creams

What causes hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, much like varicose veins but in a particularly sensitive area. When the pressure in your abdomen increases—whether from straining, pregnancy, or sitting too long—these veins stretch and bulge. The result is discomfort, itching, and sometimes bleeding, especially during bowel movements.

Straining and lifestyle factors

The most common trigger is straining during bowel movements, which pushes blood into the hemorrhoidal cushions and prevents proper drainage. A low-fiber diet compounds the problem by producing hard, dry stools that require pushing. Prolonged sitting on the toilet itself can create pressure that worsens the condition, according to the MedlinePlus resource from the National Institutes of Health.

• Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces
• Heavy lifting without proper breathing technique
• Obesity, which increases abdominal pressure
• Regular constipation or diarrhea

Dietary contributors

What you eat directly affects your stool consistency and how hard you have to push. Diets low in fiber and high in processed foods create the perfect conditions for hemorrhoid flare-ups. The Mayo Clinic notes that inadequate fluid intake also plays a role—without enough water, your colon absorbs it from stool, making it harder to pass.

The pattern holds across medical guidelines: whether from MedlinePlus or NHS, the core advice converges on fiber, fluids, and avoiding prolonged toilet sitting.

Do hemorrhoids go away on their own?

Yes—in most cases, hemorrhoids resolve on their own within a week when treated with simple home care. The Mayo Clinic confirms this timeline for patients who start treatment promptly and avoid behaviors that increase pressure. However, the outcome depends on the hemorrhoid type and severity.

Timeline for natural resolution

External hemorrhoids—the ones you can feel outside the anal opening—often shrink faster with cold compresses and proper hygiene. Internal hemorrhoids, which are hidden inside the rectum, may take longer but typically respond well to dietary changes. The key is consistency: applying ice packs, taking sitz baths, and increasing fiber every day.

When they persist

If your symptoms don’t improve after a week of diligent home care, that’s your signal to see a doctor. According to NHS guidance, persistent bleeding, severe pain, or a lump that keeps coming out are reasons to seek professional treatment. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids—where a blood clot forms inside—often require in-office procedures for relief.

What is the fastest way to heal a hemorrhoid?

Fast relief comes from combining multiple approaches simultaneously: dietary changes, topical treatments, and soothing rituals. No single remedy works overnight, but layering these strategies gives you the best chance of significant improvement within 48 hours.

Home remedies

The Harvard Health blog recommends starting with a high-fiber diet and sitz baths as your foundation. Psyllium husk supplements—which Cleveland Clinic highlights—soften stools and promote regular bowel movements when taken with plenty of water. Witch hazel wipes, praised by Harvard for their soothing properties with no harmful effects, address itching within minutes.

• Sitz bath: Soak for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily, especially after bowel movements
• Ice packs: Apply for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb pain
• Witch hazel: Use wipes or soaked cotton pads for quick itch relief
• Dietary fiber: Target 28 grams daily through foods or psyllium supplements

Over-the-counter options

Over-the-counter creams and suppositories offer targeted symptom relief. Products containing hydrocortisone reduce inflammation, while benzocaine—an active ingredient in many hemorrhoid creams—relieves pain in as little as one minute, according to GoodRx. Phenylephrine shrinks hemorrhoids within 30 minutes by constricting blood vessels. However, the Mayo Clinic Q&A cautions against using OTC creams for more than one week, as prolonged use can thin the skin and cause a rash.

The implication: while home remedies work for most cases, OTC products give faster symptom control—but only when used within the one-week limit recommended by the Mayo Clinic.

What makes hemorrhoids shrink fast?

Rapid shrinkage requires reducing blood flow to the affected area while softening stool to minimize re-injury. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that a two-pronged approach—addressing both symptoms and root causes—works faster than single interventions alone.

Quick shrinkage techniques

For the fastest results, apply a cold compress immediately upon waking and before bed. Between compresses, use a hydrocortisone cream or witch hazel pad to reduce inflammation. The NHS also recommends gently pushing prolapsed piles back inside after applying a lubricant—which reduces friction and allows the tissue to recede more quickly.

Non-surgical methods

When home care isn’t enough, doctors have several office-based options. Rubber band ligation—where a tiny band is placed around the hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply—is one of the most common procedures. According to NHS, this causes the pile to drop off within days. Infrared coagulation and sclerotherapy are alternatives that work similarly by scarring the tissue so it shrinks.

What happens if hemorrhoids are left untreated?

Most hemorrhoids don’t become dangerous if ignored, but certain complications can develop. Understanding the risks helps you decide when home care is sufficient and when professional help is necessary.

Complications

Untreated hemorrhoids can progress from mild irritation to more serious conditions. Thrombosis occurs when blood pools inside an external hemorrhoid, forming a clot that causes sudden, severe pain and a hard lump. Prolapse happens when internal hemorrhoids push through the anal opening and don’t retract on their own. Both scenarios typically require medical intervention for relief.

When to see a doctor

The Mayo Clinic advises seeing a doctor if you experience bleeding that doesn’t stop, severe pain that wakes you at night, or symptoms that persist beyond a week of home care. “It’s important to see your doctor for bleeding, especially if you have never had hemorrhoids before,” notes Dr. Lipman of the Cleveland Clinic.

• Bleeding that is heavy, prolonged, or occurs without hemorrhoids
• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to OTC pain relievers
• A lump that grows larger or becomes increasingly painful
• Difficulty having bowel movements that lasts more than a few days

Steps to treat hemorrhoids at home

Working through these steps in order gives you the most effective, systematic approach to hemorrhoid relief. Start with the first step and progress as needed based on symptom severity.

1. Increase dietary fiber: Aim for 28-30 grams daily through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and psyllium supplements if needed. Add fiber gradually to avoid gas.
2. Drink more water: Target 6-8 glasses daily to keep stools soft. Water works synergistically with fiber—without it, fiber can cause constipation.
3. Take sitz baths: Soak the anal area in warm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily, especially after bowel movements. Pat dry gently.
4. Apply cold therapy: Use ice packs or cold compresses for 10-15 minutes several times daily to reduce swelling and numb pain.
5. Use OTC treatments: Apply hydrocortisone cream or witch hazel pads for itching and inflammation. Use for no more than one week.
6. Consider oral pain relief: Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen can help manage pain while other treatments take effect.
7. Practice proper hygiene: Use damp toilet paper or unscented wipes instead of dry paper. Avoid harsh soaps that irritate tissue.

For most adults, hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable but manageable condition that responds well to home care. The key is starting treatment promptly—ideally within the first 24-48 hours of symptoms—and being consistent with the fundamentals: fiber, fluids, and sitz baths. Medical intervention exists for cases that don’t respond within a week, so there’s no reason to suffer in silence. Bottom line: If you’re reading this with symptoms, start a sitz bath tonight and increase your fiber intake tomorrow.

Related reading: 7 Natural Menopause Treatments That Really Work · Best Workout Routines for Beginners

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, respond well to home treatments like those in natural remedies for piles, which echo sitz baths and high-fiber diets for fast relief.

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