Do hemorrhoids heal on their own?

f you’ve ever had hemorrhoids, you know they can be painful, itchy, and downright frustrating. But as uncomfortable as they are, many people wonder: Do hemorrhoids heal on their own, or do they always require treatment? The short answer is yes, some hemorrhoids can heal on their own—but how long it takes depends on several factors, including the severity, lifestyle habits, and treatment methods used.

Can Hemorrhoids Heal on Their Own?

Yes, mild to moderate hemorrhoids can heal without medical intervention, but the timeline and effectiveness of healing depend on certain factors:

• Small internal hemorrhoids (Grade 1-2) often shrink on their own with proper care.
• External hemorrhoids may take longer to heal and often need more treatment to reduce symptoms.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids (blood clots inside external hemorrhoids) may partially heal on their own, but some may require medical drainage.
• Prolapsed hemorrhoids (Grade 3-4) usually do not fully heal on their own and may need intervention like rubber band ligation or surgery.

How Long Does It Take for Hemorrhoids to Heal?

The healing time depends on the severity of the hemorrhoids and how well they are treated. Here’s an estimated timeline:

• Mild hemorrhoids (Grade 1-2): A few days to one week with proper care.
• Moderate hemorrhoids (Grade 2-3): One to three weeks depending on treatment and lifestyle changes.
• Severe or prolapsed hemorrhoids (Grade 4): Four weeks or longer, often requiring medical treatment.
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids: The pain subsides in a few days, but the lump may take weeks to fully disappear.

For faster healing, it’s essential to reduce inflammation, avoid further irritation, and improve bowel habits.

How Do You Know Hemorrhoids Are Healing?

Signs that your hemorrhoids are getting better include:

• Less pain and discomfort during bowel movements.
• Reduced swelling and irritation in the affected area.
• Decreased itching, which may indicate new tissue growth.
• Less frequent bleeding after using the toilet.
• No more prolapse (if dealing with internal hemorrhoids that previously bulged out).

Does Itching Mean Hemorrhoids Are Healing?

One of the most common questions people ask when dealing with hemorrhoids is: does itching mean hemorrhoids are healing? The answer is yes, but with some caution.

Why Do Healing Hemorrhoids Itch?

• As hemorrhoids begin to shrink, the damaged tissue repairs itself, which may cause mild to moderate itching.
• The new skin forming around the affected area can feel irritated, similar to how a scab itches when healing.
• Increased blood flow to the area during recovery may also trigger nerve responses, leading to itching.

When Itching Is a Good Sign vs. a Warning Sign

• Good Sign: Mild itching that fades over time as the hemorrhoid shrinks.
• Warning Sign: Intense itching, burning, or discharge, which could indicate infection, excessive irritation, or an allergic reaction to creams/ointments.

To manage itching without causing more irritation, avoid scratching, excessive wiping, or using harsh soaps. Instead, apply witch hazel, use sitz baths, and keep the area dry and clean.

How to Speed Up Hemorrhoid Healing Naturally

If you want to reduce healing time, follow these science-backed methods to shrink hemorrhoids faster and prevent them from worsening.

1. Increase Fiber Intake to Prevent Straining

• Eat fiber-rich foods like vegetables, whole grains, and fruits to soften stools and reduce pressure on hemorrhoids.
• Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily to prevent constipation.
• Consider fiber supplements like psyllium husk (Metamucil) if dietary fiber is not enough.

2. Drink More Water for Softer Stools

• Dehydration leads to hard, dry stools that worsen hemorrhoids.
• Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily to prevent constipation and speed up recovery.

3. Use Sitz Baths for Relief & Healing

• Soak in warm water (15-20 minutes, 2-3 times per day) to reduce swelling and promote blood flow.
• Adding Epsom salts can help reduce irritation and itching.

4. Apply Witch Hazel & Natural Astringents

• Witch hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory that can shrink hemorrhoids and reduce itching, swelling, and discomfort.
• Apply it with a cotton pad or use pre-soaked witch hazel wipes after bowel movements.

5. Avoid Straining During Bowel Movements

• Straining puts pressure on hemorrhoids and delays healing.
• Use a squatty potty or elevate your feet while sitting on the toilet to promote an easier bowel movement.
• Don’t delay bathroom trips, as holding in stool makes it harder to pass later.

6. Apply Over-the-Counter Hemorrhoid Creams

• Hydrocortisone creams can reduce inflammation and pain, making recovery easier.
• Numbing agents like lidocaine can help with pain relief, especially for external hemorrhoids.

7. Exercise to Improve Circulation & Prevent Stagnation

• Light activities like walking, stretching, and yoga can prevent blood from pooling in the rectal veins.
• Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercises that increase pressure on the pelvic area.

8. Keep the Area Clean & Dry

• Avoid using scented soaps or wipes, as they can cause irritation.
• Pat the area gently after bathing and avoid rubbing with rough toilet paper.
• If using wet wipes, choose alcohol-free and fragrance-free options.

How Long Does It Take for Hemorrhoids to Heal Completely?

While every case is different, here’s a general timeline for hemorrhoid healing based on severity: