Cold exposure is very popular in medicine. Treatment of hemorrhoids with ice can be carried out at home; this method of therapy can stop the development of the disease and alleviate unpleasant symptoms.
Exposure to ice for hemorrhoids can achieve a therapeutic effect.
Using ice for hemorrhoids: benefit or harm?
As we have already said, the healing properties of cold have been known for a long time. Residents of the Caucasus Mountains used ice treatment for various diseases, in particular hemorrhoids.
Cold treatment is now recognized as official medicine. This method is called cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy refers to the effect of low temperatures on tissue. Most often, in the process of such treatment, specialists use liquid nitrogen.
The most famous method of treating hemorrhoids using cryotherapy is minimally invasive surgery - cryodestruction of hemorrhoids. During this surgical intervention, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the vessels that feed the hemorrhoidal node and destroy the node itself. Cryodestruction is painless, bloodless and does not require long-term rehabilitation.
In folk medicine, ice and cold water are used for cryotherapy.
The mechanism of the therapeutic effect of ice and cold water is as follows:
- the lumen of blood vessels narrows;
- endothelial pores are reduced and the release of fluid from the vessels stops;
- the sensitivity of the nerve receptors responsible for the perception of pain decreases.
Thus, ice has a number of therapeutic effects, namely:
- increased tone of blood vessels;
- improving blood flow from hemorrhoidal veins;
- elimination of congestion in the tissues of the anus and hemorrhoids;
- stopping bleeding;
- relief of pain, burning and itching.
Along with the positive aspects, the use of ice and cool water can lead to inflammation of the pelvic organs, so all procedures should be carried out with extreme caution, following the recommendations described below.
Next, we will talk about how to treat hemorrhoids with ice and cold water at home.
Action of ice
Properties of cold for hemorrhoids:
- Painkiller - cold acts on nerve endings, reducing their sensitivity. It relieves pain and discomfort in the anus;
- Hemostatic effect - thanks to the vasoconstrictor effect, ice stops bleeding from hemorrhoids;
- Antispasmodic effect - it does not allow stagnation in the blood vessels;
- Strengthening effect - with prolonged use, it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, making them strong and elastic;
- Causes death of affected tissues. With systematic exposure to ice on the rectal area, hemorrhoidal nodes begin to die, so that the node disappears on its own, without surgery.
Using ice for hemorrhoids is effective at all stages of the disease except the fourth. But before using this method, you need to consult a proctologist.
How to treat hemorrhoids with ice?
For hemorrhoids, both ice and cold water will be effective only in the initial stages. The use of cryotherapy for advanced forms of the pathological process does not give the desired result.
There are two ways to treat hemorrhoids with ice at home: ice rectal suppositories and compresses.
Ice suppositories for hemorrhoids
Making ice candles is very simple. To do this, you need to cut out several circles with a diameter of 7-8 cm from paper, cut them in half, roll the resulting semicircles into cones and secure them with tape. Pour plain water or a decoction of any medicinal plant, such as chamomile, into these molds and place them in the freezer until completely frozen (3 - 4 hours). In order for the cones to stand vertically, you need to turn a small box upside down and cut small holes in it for our molds.
Before use, you need to remove the ice candle from the freezer, dip it in boiling water for 2 - 3 seconds and remove it from the paper. If the candle has sharp edges, they must be smoothed out with your fingers.
An ice suppository is inserted into the anus with a sharp edge in a comfortable body position, for example, lying on the left side. The first time the candle is left in the anal canal for 20 - 30 seconds, lengthening this time with each subsequent procedure. Once the body gets used to it, the ice suppository can be left in the rectum all night.
The duration of treatment with ice suppositories is three weeks. The procedures are carried out twice a day - in the morning and before bedtime.
Ice pack
Ice suppositories are suitable for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. If the pathological process is externally localized, an ice compress can be applied. To do this, wrap several ice cubes in gauze or cotton cloth and place them on the hemorrhoids. The duration of the first procedure should not exceed 30 seconds. Gradually, the duration of the compress is increased, reaching a maximum of two minutes.
An ice compress is applied morning and evening for four weeks.
Also, with external hemorrhoids, after each bowel movement, you can wipe the anus with an ice cube or apply it for 20 - 30 seconds.
Treatment with ice for hemorrhoids must be approved by the attending proctologist. Therefore, before starting such therapy, you should consult a professional.
Benefits of cryotherapy and features
It is more effective and safer to treat hemorrhoids under the supervision of a physician in a medical facility. By incorrectly using ice suppositories for hemorrhoids, you risk aggravating the situation, which will entail expensive treatment with surgery.
On pharmacy shelves you will find the Crinus remedy for hemorrhoids in the form of a small plastic tube with a special liquid. The main advantage of using the tube material and liquid is not water, but a solution of chemical elements that help in the healing and restoration of the body. The product does not have to be applied directly to the affected area, risking catching a cold.
Therapy is used for chronic hemorrhoids after surgery. The solution for the Crinus device is placed in the freezer for two to three hours until completely frozen. During the procedure, to treat the external form of the disease, the widened part of the tube is placed between the buttocks; to treat the internal form, the narrow part of the device is inserted into the rectum. These actions are carried out for a quarter of an hour three times a day. After a week of the course, hemorrhoids heal without leaving scars. The recommended course of treatment is three to four weeks.
To avoid adding additional problems to hemorrhoids, carefully read the list of contraindications to the procedure:
- Inflammation of the uterine appendages, cystitis.
- Prostatitis.
- ARVI, viral infections, fear of triggering acute respiratory infections during pregnancy.
- Oncology.
- Skin diseases.
- CNS lesions, epilepsy.
- The size of the hemorrhoids is too large, requiring the help of a surgeon.
Proctologists, when prescribing a course of cryotherapy for acute pain and frequent bleeding, recommend suppositories with the effect of reducing swelling. Using “ice” treatment methods is dangerous for hypotensive patients.
Cryotherapy reduces symptoms but does not eliminate the disease. It would be a good idea to read reviews about the ice treatment method.
How to treat hemorrhoids with cold water?
Also, traditional medicine in the fight against hemorrhoids uses cold water treatment, which can be used for washing, baths and lotions.
Cold water is an alternative to toilet paper
Experts recommend that all patients with hemorrhoids stop using toilet paper, as it irritates the skin of the anus and external nodes, which can lead to an exacerbation of the pathological process.
Flushing with cold water can be a great alternative to using toilet paper. In addition, such a hygienic procedure will relieve pain and itching in the anus, reduce the manifestations of inflammation and speed up recovery. The main thing is not to use detergents when washing, as they dry out the skin, which is extremely undesirable for hemorrhoids.
After washing the skin around the anal valve (and again the valve, you can say the anus, the anus, but not the valve), it is recommended to lubricate it with vegetable oil, for example, linseed or olive, to prevent the formation of tears.
Cold baths
Baths with cool water are an excellent solution for pain and itching in the anus. To do this, you need to pour boiled water, cooled to room temperature, into a wide bowl or basin and throw a few ice cubes into it. When the solution is ready, sit in it so that the liquid completely covers the area of the anal valve. During the procedure, you should cover your genitals with your hand to avoid catching a cold.
You can also add several crystals of potassium permanganate to the water, this will increase the effectiveness of the bath.
The first procedure should not last longer than 30 seconds. As the body adapts, the duration of the bath is gradually increased to five minutes. Cold baths are done once a day in the evening. The course of treatment is 5 - 10 days.
Lotions
Cool water soaks can be used as first aid for severe pain, itching and bleeding from hemorrhoids.
To make a lotion, you need to boil water, cool it and add a few ice cubes, then moisten gauze or cloth in it and apply it to the sore spot for 30 seconds and see a doctor! The lotion can be repeated several times until the pain subsides or the bleeding stops.
How to make an ice candle
If it is necessary to use ice for hemorrhoids, how to use it with the greatest positive effect? Typically, conical ice suppositories up to 1 cm thick and up to 7 cm long are used to relieve attacks. If they are larger, hard ice for hemorrhoids can injure blood vessels. Cones of this size are made of thick paper and filled with water, secured with a rubber band. Water can be replaced with a medicinal decoction of oak bark. Then the paper forms are placed in the “freezer” of the refrigerator. In a maximum of half a day, the candles are ready.
Contraindications
Despite numerous positive reviews about treating hemorrhoids with ice and cool water, this method is not suitable for everyone.
You should not use ice or cold water to treat hemorrhoids in the following situations:
- advanced forms of hemorrhoids;
- inflammation of the rectum;
- thrombosed hemorrhoids;
- chronic inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs (cystitis, adnexitis, oophoritis and others);
- malignant neoplasms of any location;
- tendency to seizures and epilepsy;
- arrhythmia;
- mental illness;
- rash of infectious nature in the anus.
To avoid the development of complications and get the maximum benefit from treating hemorrhoids with ice, you should first consult with a proctologist, who will rule out the presence of contraindications and assess the need for such therapy.
Ice in outpatient settings
Something similar to the procedures described above is also carried out in medical institutions, but under the supervision of medical specialists. For the procedure, not homemade ice candles made from cold water are used, but the Krinus device. The device looks like a plastic tube filled with liquid for freezing. It’s worth mentioning right away that the ice used here is not made from water, but from a special liquid, the main advantage of which is defrosting for a fairly long time, which helps to achieve the desired effect in a shorter time. The material from which the tube is made also contributes to an increase in time. Thus, the ice does not come into contact with the affected area, which helps to get rid of discomfort and the risk of catching a cold in your body.
Similar procedures are prescribed for acute forms of chronic hemorrhoids, in the postoperative period, and for anal fissures. The procedure is as follows: “Crinus” with liquid filled is placed in the freezer for 2-3 hours. After which, if the patient suffers from internal hemorrhoids, the cylindrical part of the tube (thinner in diameter) is inserted into the anus.
If the patient has an external form of the disease, then the massive part of the tube is placed between the buttocks. Often, to reduce discomfort when inserting the device, the tube is lubricated with a lubricant, Fleming's ointment, or an oily chamomile extract. The procedure can last up to 15 minutes. If the patient feels well after the first stage, you can immediately use the second frozen Krinus. In order for the treatment to give maximum effect, doctors advise using the device three times a day.
This device is capable of completely replacing the patient’s traditional ice treatment, which uses compresses and suppositories, without loss of quality. In addition, the procedure will be carried out under the supervision of a qualified proctologist. The only contraindication to the use of “Crinus” is the presence of chronic inflammatory processes of the uterine appendages.
How effective is cold and ice treatment for hemorrhoids?
Ice and cold water can quickly relieve the patient from the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids, as well as reduce the size of hemorrhoids and stop bleeding. In addition, such treatment has a beneficial effect on the condition of the vessels of the rectum, increasing their tone and improving the outflow of blood from the problem area.
Speaking about whether it is possible to cure varicose veins of the rectum with the help of ice and cold water, it must be said that such treatment will be effective only in the initial stages of the disease and exclusively in combination with the main antihemorrhoidal therapy.
A specialist, a proctologist, will help you choose the right antihemorrhoidal treatment. The doctor will also tell you whether you can be treated with ice and how to do it so as not to harm your health. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, contact a professional and remember that self-medication does not always give the expected result, and sometimes leads to aggravation of the pathological process.
How does the treatment work?
The method of treating hemorrhoids with ice is based on reflex spasms that occur in muscles and blood vessels when in contact with cold. Experts highlight:
- Long-term effect: a course of therapy with such suppositories or compresses trains the relaxed muscles of the anus, improves tissue nutrition. This helps avoid constipation and anal fissures.
- Short-term effect: very quickly reduces pain. This allows the patient to slightly calm the irritated mucous membrane, relieve itching or burning, administer anti-inflammatory suppositories and continue treatment.
Use ice with great caution for stage 3 or 4 hemorrhoids. This is due to severe deformation of the veins and fragility of the capillaries. A cold compress applied for a long period can cause bleeding or rupture.
Contraindications to treatment with low temperatures
Even such a simple and seemingly harmless method of treatment has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting a course of procedures. These include the following points:
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system, skin, psychiatric and neurological profile (especially epilepsy)
- Oncological process
- Pregnancy
- Inflammatory pathology of the genitourinary area (cystitis, vulvovaginitis, salpingitis), as well as exacerbation of proctitis
- Infectious lesions of the body (ARVI, pneumonia, salmonellosis, dysentery, etc.)
- Large nodes complicated by thrombosis
The use of ice is strictly an auxiliary method in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It is intended only to quickly relieve pain and temporarily stop bleeding.
In no case should you overdo it and violate the rules of procedures - this can lead to hypothermia, which is an excellent condition for the development of other diseases.
Cryodestruction
Modern medicine uses many methods for treating hemorrhoids, one of which is minimally invasive techniques.
Many of them (proximal ligation, laser correction, radiofrequency ablation) are performed under local anesthesia, after which the patient can go home the same day. The recovery period is much shorter than with radical operations, but they can only help in the first three stages, as indicated by the proctologist. These methods include cryodestruction, in which liquid nitrogen is applied to hemorrhoids. The procedure is carried out only in medical institutions by qualified specialists. In this case, the sensitivity of the nerve endings is impaired (the patient does not feel pain), bleeding stops, and the affected areas become necrotic by the third day, disappearing after about 7-10 days. At the end of the month, the scars heal and if you continue to follow the recommendations, you can get rid of hemorrhoids for decades.
Causes
According to statistics, every second person in the world has experienced symptoms of this disease. The causes of hemorrhoids are quite varied:
- Passion for alcohol and spicy food.
- Sedentary work or sedentary lifestyle.
- Heavy physical work very often provokes the development of this disease.
- Regular problems with bowel movements (constipation).
- Hemorrhoids can occur in athletes due to physical overload.
- Often this disease appears in pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Stress and nervous tension also negatively affect the health of the rectum and blood vessels.
Making candles
Candles made from ice are considered more effective, but their use has a number of limitations. For example, this method of treatment is not suitable for the third and fourth stages of the disease.
Making candles is very easy. Even ordinary thick paper is suitable as a form for making. The main thing is to quickly freeze the water. The paper is rolled into a cup and a small amount of water is poured into it. After which the glass is placed in the freezer so that the water does not spill out. To do this, use plastic boxes with holes or other devices.
You should not make suppositories that are too large, otherwise they may damage the rectum. In order to get rid of remaining paper, the candle is dipped in hot water. Ice suppositories should not be used for a long time. One minute will be enough. The candles are inserted in such a way that they can be pulled out later. Before the procedure, it is advisable to do an enema and rinse the anus.
