Fistulas are irregular and small tunnel-like formations between glands, organs, blood vessels, or a body area. It is normally caused due to an infection, trauma, injury, complications due to anorectal surgery, or other diseases like HIV, Crohn’s disease, or diverticulitis.
While fistulas are painful and it is crucial to seek proper diagnosis and medical treatment, certain home remedies can help manage the symptoms and provide relief.
Home remedies are effective ways to reduce discomfort, ease pain, prevent infections, and promote healing.
Sitz baths are one of the best ways to provide relief to anal fistula from irritation, pain, and swelling. Soak your anal area in clean warm water. The water should not be too hot. The bath should be taken three to four times a day for relief.
Avoid putting pressure on the anal area while sitting. Use a donut pillow to sit comfortably. Even if you do not have a donut pillow, you can use a small, soft pillow or cushion to sit. Carry the pillow even if you are at work where you need to sit for a prolonged time or travelling.
Prescription ointments contain antibiotics and anaesthetics to dull the pain and reduce inflammation and infections. These ointments should be applied only under medical supervision.
Always wash and keep your anorectal area clean and dry. Use gentle wash or wet alcohol-free wipes instead of toilet paper. Avoid using scented soaps.
After a wash or a shower, dry the area with a clean, soft, cotton towel. Do not rub the area as it will increase the irritation. It is normal to have fistula leaks. Change the underwear often to prevent infection.
Consume huge amounts of water and fluids. It can be simply water, fresh juices, or ginger tea. Fluids can help with constipation and the urge to strain during bowel movements by softening the stools.
Ginger tea is an old remedy to boost digestion and immunity. It prevents constipation and helps with pain and nausea. You can drink tea several times a day.
Cloves are antibacterial and cleanse your body. You can boil them in water, strain them, and add some honey to them. Another way is to add some cloves to your ginger tea. This adds some extra punch to the tea and is also good for your health.
They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Take a cotton swab, add some tea tree oil along with some olive oil, and gently apply it to the area. It destroys germs and provides relief. Clean the area with cold water after half an hour.
They also have antifungal and anti-inflammatory components and help in reducing inflammation.
Turmeric is a healing agent and can be applied topically on the affected area or taken orally. Make some turmeric paste and apply it to the area. You can also prepare some turmeric milk. Take some turmeric boil it in the milk and add a dash of honey and your turmeric milk is ready.
Healthy eating and healthy living lessen the chances of recurrence and also help in managing fistula symptoms.
Add fibers to your diet. They help in expelling the stools easily. Consume a lot of fiber-rich whole grains, fresh fruits, and green vegetables. They provide immunity, and nourishment, as well as prevent constipation.
Nuts, seeds, fish, clarified butter, and honey, strengthen the body’s immune system.
Healthy oils like clarified butter or cold-compressed oils can smoothen the bowel system.
Taking flax seed powder in a glass of water and drinking it before bedtime can also aid in bowel movements in the morning.
They reduce inflammation and pain and also increase blood circulation.
Here are a few things to avoid:
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
Home remedies provide relief and can manage the symptoms to some extent but cannot guarantee a permanent cure for the disease. The effectiveness of the remedies depends on each person. They can improve your overall health but you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
