HEMORRHOIDS:

DEFINITION: These are formed by enlargement of veins around the
anus.  The cause is increased pressure in the veins, from
pregnancy or straining at bowel movements.  Hemorrhoids often
cause itching and bleeding with bowel movements.  When a
hemorrhoid becomes clotted, severe pain and swelling result.

THERAPY: Soothing creams and suppositories are often prescribed. 
Warm sitz-baths may also decrease pain, swelling, and itching. 
Eat a high-fiber diet.  Stool softeners such as Metamucil will
help.  Keep the area very clean.  Medicated cleansing pads (such
as Tucks) are useful after bowel movements.  Also, Anusol HC
suppositories help to decrease the pain and the swelling.  A
hose-mounted shower unit (like a shower massager at low water
pressure) can be used to clean around tender hemorrhoid tags. 
An important item is a DONUT SEAT.  A donut seat is a blow up
plastic round life preserver like device that one can sit on and
it stops all pressure around the rectal area, these work very
well.  Surgical excision is a definitive cure, however it is
painful for around 5-10 days after the surgery, but it is a
complete solution.  For internal hemorrhoids, they put
rubber bands around them to ligate the hemmorrhoid.

IF PROBLEMS: You should call the doctor or return if you develop
fever, increasing pain, or an enlarging mass around the anus, or
if you simply fail to improve with treatment.