How to know if Your Hemorrhoids Are Healing

Dealing with hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, but the good news is they usually heal with time and proper care. If you've been treating your hemorrhoids with home remedies, over-the-counter creams, or suppositories, you’re probably wondering how to know if they’re healing and getting better. Here’s what to look for and how to speed up the healing process.  

How to know if Your Hemorrhoids Are Healing?

6 Signs Your Hemorrhoids Are Healing 

1. Less Pain and Soreness

Pain is one of the biggest complaints with hemorrhoids, especially when sitting or using the bathroom. If you notice that the pain is fading and you're feeling more comfortable, that's a great sign that your hemorrhoids are healing.  

2. Less Itching and Irritation 

Hemorrhoids often cause itching due to inflammation, but as they heal, the itching should start to calm down. If it’s still bothering you, using a suppository with hydrocortisone can help reduce inflammation and itching.  

3. Shrinking Size 

External hemorrhoids can feel like small lumps around the anus. As they heal, they’ll start to shrink and eventually disappear. Internal hemorrhoids, which are inside the rectum, may also shrink and stop causing discomfort.  

4. Less Bleeding

Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl is common with hemorrhoids. As healing progresses, you should see less blood each time you go to the bathroom. If bleeding completely stops, that’s a clear sign of improvement.  

5. Easier Bowel Movements  

Straining makes hemorrhoids worse. If your bowel movements are becoming easier, softer, and less painful, your hemorrhoids are likely healing. Using a fiber supplement or stool softener can help speed up recovery.  

6. No More Prolapse

If you had a prolapsed hemorrhoid (one that bulged out of the anus), you might notice that it no longer sticks out or that it retracts back inside on its own. This means the swelling is going down and healing is underway.  

Most painful hemorrhoidal flare-ups subside and disappear on their own within a few days. However, they tend to reoccur. Hemorrhoidal thrombosis requires surgical treatment, and recovery occurs within 5 to 15 days.  

How do you know when hemorrhoids are gone?

A doctor can perform a physical examination of the anus and rectum to check for signs of hemorrhoids or prolapse. They may also suggest lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments.  

How do hemorrhoids go away? 

Oral treatments such as pain relievers (paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help relieve pain. However, this treatment should be short-term. If symptoms do not disappear within a few days, a medical examination by your doctor is necessary.

Hemorrhoidal Thrombosis

It usually disappears on its own within an average of 2 to 3 weeks, either by gradually being reabsorbed from the inside or by draining through a small opening in the skin (known as sphacelation). In the latter case, the clot becomes visible as it exits, and bleeding may occur 

How Long Do Hemorrhoids Take to Heal?

- Mild hemorrhoids (small and internal) can heal within a few days to a week with home treatment.  

- Larger hemorrhoids (external or more inflamed) may take two to three weeks to shrink.  

- Thrombosed hemorrhoids (those with a blood clot) can take a few weeks or require medical treatment.  

6 Ways to Speed Up hemorrhoids Healing

1- Use suppositories: Over-the-counter suppositories, like those with hydrocortisone or witch hazel, can soothe inflammation and promote healing.  

2- Increase fiber and water intake: Eating fiber-rich foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains) and drinking plenty of water helps prevent constipation.  

3- Take sitz baths: Soaking in warm water for 10–15 minutes a few times a day reduces swelling and pain.  

4- Avoid straining: Don’t push too hard during bowel movements, and try not to sit on the toilet for too long.  

5- Use hemorrhoid creams: OTC creams with lidocaine or hydrocortisone can provide relief from itching and swelling.  

6- Don’t sit for too long: If you have to sit for work, use a cushion or take breaks to stand and walk around.  

When to See a Doctor

If your hemorrhoids haven’t improved in two weeks, or you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection (like fever or pus), see a doctor. They can recommend treatments like rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgery for severe cases.  

Medical Sources 

1. Mayo Clinic. "Hemorrhoids - Symptoms and Causes."

2. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. "Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment."

3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Hemorrhoids."