Causes

• Hemorrhoids are veins, similar to the varicose veins you may get on your legs, that swell up outside your anus. They start off soft but will eventually turn hard if left untreated. The causes include forced bowel movements associated with constipation, diarrhea, sitting for long periods, heavy lifting and childbirth. People have also been known to develop them by hard coughing or sneezing and vomiting.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hemorrhoids can be as varied as the causes. Some people only experience a bit of bleeding when they have a bowel movement. They experience no pain and see a bit of blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet itself. Others may have pain, in general, or while having a bowel movement. It is not uncommon to experience itching around your anus, specifically after a bowel movement. You may also be able to feel the hemorrhoids themselves. They may feel like a single bulge of skin or like a cluster of grapes protruding from the anus.
  
  

Treatments

• Avoid excessive pressure on the hemorrhoids and apply lubrication to avoid irritation. You can try sitting on a plastic donut and using petroleum jelly to help with this. To help relieve pressure on the site, wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes. If you are experiencing stinging pain, try sitting on a bucket filled with ice. If you find there is a lot of pain, use an over-the-counter pain reliever. Soak the area in a shallow bath for 15 to 20 minutes three to four times a day. Witch hazel pads, which can be purchased at your local drug store, can help relieve the itching. Make sure you thoroughly cleanse the anus after any bowel movement. Take a laxative or stool softener to help avoid straining when having a bowel movement.
  
  

Prevention

• Eating a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help soften your stool, which helps prevent hemorrhoids from forming. Junk food makes your stool hard and can cause constipation, so avoid it. Alcohol is also a culprit. If you drink, consider giving it up. People who are overweight and those who smoke are more prone to hemorrhoids. It is best to work with your doctor to come up with a weight loss plan and for ways to quit smoking.