Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or anus (external hemorrhoids). In kids, most hemorrhoids are external and caused by constipation. Constipation is when kids don't have a bowel movement (poop) as often as usual or have a tough time going because the poop is hard and dry. Having diarrhea, sitting on the toilet too long, or straining to poop also can cause hemorrhoids.

Here's how to comfort your child, help the hemorrhoids go away, and prevent them from coming back.

• Follow your health care provider's recommendation for using any creams or ointments in the anal area.
• To help with the swelling and ease discomfort, have your child sit in warm water up to the hips for about 10 minutes a few times a day. The water can be plain or you can add unscented Epsom salts to it (1 cup of salts for every 2 quarts of water).
• It may be more comfortable for your child to use moist fragrance-free wipes or wet toilet paper to wipe after they poop.
• If your child is uncomfortable and your health care provider says it's OK, you can:
  • Give medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• If your child is constipated:
  • Give any medicines as recommended by your health care provider.
  • Include lots of high-fiber foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread) in your child's diet.
  • Be sure your child drinks plenty of water.
  • Encourage your child to get lots of physical activity every day.
  • Help them develop a regular meal schedule.
  • Encourage them to try to poop around the same time each day (after a meal is often a good time to try).

• The hemorrhoids get worse, become very painful, or don't improve within about a week.
• Your child has constipation that isn't getting better.
• Your child is holding in the poop because of pain from the hemorrhoids.

What symptoms do hemorrhoids cause? Kids with hemorrhoids can have pain or itching in the area. The hemorrhoid may swell and stick out a little from the anus. There may also be a small amount of bright red blood on the poop or toilet paper, or in the toilet.

What can help prevent hemorrhoids from coming back? It can help to:

• Treat constipation, if needed.
• Have good toilet habits. Teach kids to:
  • avoid straining when pooping
  • not sit on the toilet for long periods
  • use the toilet as soon as they feel the urge to poop and not hold in the poop