Hemorrhoids develop for a number of reasons, but they tend to form when you are constipated and strain too hard to go to the bathroom. They are swollen veins in the lower part of your rectum and anus. While hemorrhoids don't usually improve on their own and will likely need medical intervention, there are a number of ways you can try to ease the symptoms that arise from a hemorrhoid flare up. When you are having pain, itching, or burning because of hemorrhoids, you can try to ease your pain using over the counter medications, soothing the area with ice, or using cream designed to help ease the swelling and pain of hemorrhoids.

Take a Warm Bath

If you have pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids, it's important to keep the area clean. While you may be tempted to scrub the area or use strong soap to get clean, it is more useful to sit in a warm water tub for about fifteen minutes to clean the area instead. Soap can irritate hemorrhoids, and scrubbing can cause them to become even more swollen. Use a warm water tub several times a day to keep the itchiness under control, especially after taking a bowel movement.

Use Ice If Necessary

When you have pain from your hemorrhoids, don't be afraid to sit on an ice pack for twenty minutes to give yourself some relief. Ice reduces swelling, and hemorrhoid pain is caused from swelling. You can reduce the pain you are in by icing the area several times a day. 

Painkillers Can Reduce Hemorrhoid Pain

If you are still in pain after trying ice for your hemorrhoid pain, try an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen to see if this helps calm down the area. 

Try Some Witch Hazel

Witch hazel wipes are highly effective at reducing the itchiness and pain caused by hemorrhoids, and they are easy to use. You can find witch hazel wipes at most pharmacies. There are also creams available for hemorrhoid itchiness, but just make sure you don't use hydrocortisone creams for too long unless you talk with your physician first.

If you've tried at-home remedies and you are still in pain, your doctor may suggest hemorrhoid banding to remove the hemorrhoids and give you relief. This is a common procedure that cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to eventually fall off. Visit websites like http://www.nwgdocs.com to learn more.