From the Guidelines
Dried up hemorrhoids, also known as thrombosed hemorrhoids, should be treated with non-operative management as the first-line therapy, focusing on dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increased fiber and water intake, as well as adequate bathroom habits, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. To manage dried up hemorrhoids, it is essential to prioritize non-operative management, which includes:
- Increasing fiber intake to 25-30 grams daily
- Drinking 6-8 glasses of water to prevent constipation
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
- Limiting sitting for long periods
- Keeping the area clean and dry, and using unscented, soft toilet paper Additional measures that may provide relief include:
- Sitz baths (warm water soaks) for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily
- Applying witch hazel pads or using medicated wipes containing hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort It is crucial to note that most thrombosed hemorrhoids resolve within 1-2 weeks, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential prescription-strength creams or minor procedures to drain the clot for immediate relief, as suggested by recent studies 1.
From the Research
Dried Up Hemorrhoids
- Hemorrhoids are defined as the symptomatic enlargement and distal displacement of the normal anal cushions 2
- The most common symptom of hemorrhoids is rectal bleeding associated with bowel movement 2
- Hemorrhoidal size, thrombosis, and location determine the extent of pain or discomfort 3
Treatment Options
- Medical management, dietary modifications, and behavioral therapies are the mainstays of initial therapy for hemorrhoids 3
- Office-based treatment of grades I to III internal hemorrhoids with rubber band ligation is the preferred next step if initial therapy is unsuccessful 3
- Sclerotherapy is a relatively new approach for treating symptomatic grade I-III internal hemorrhoids, with a higher therapeutic success rate compared to rubber band ligation 4
- Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy combined with rubber band ligation and polidocanol foam sclerotherapy is a safe and effective surgical procedure for grade III/IV hemorrhoids, with a lower recurrence rate and fewer postoperative complications 5
Management of Dried Up Hemorrhoids
- There is no specific information available on the management of dried up hemorrhoids in the provided studies
- However, it can be inferred that the treatment options for hemorrhoids, such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, and surgical procedures, may also be applicable to dried up hemorrhoids 3, 2, 4, 5