Hemorrhoids can sometimes be calmed and made smaller fairly quickly with simple home care, but anything very painful, large, or bleeding a lot needs medical attention rather than DIY fixes. Most “fast” methods focus on reducing swelling, easing pain, and preventing further irritation so the tissue can shrink over days, not minutes.

Quick Scoop

  • Use cooling and warm water : Cold compresses or ice packs (wrapped in cloth) for 10–15 minutes several times a day can quickly reduce swelling and numb pain. Warm sitz baths (sitting in a few inches of warm water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day) help relax the anal muscles and reduce congestion in hemorrhoidal veins.
  • Try over‑the‑counter creams and wipes: Products with hydrocortisone, witch hazel pads, or local anesthetics can reduce itching, burning, and inflammation so the hemorrhoid can shrink more comfortably. Use as directed and avoid long‑term steroid use without a doctor’s advice.
  • Keep stools soft and strain‑free: A sudden bump in fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes) plus 6–8 glasses of water a day often eases symptoms within a few days by preventing hard stools that keep aggravating hemorrhoids. Over‑the‑counter stool softeners or fiber supplements can help if diet alone is not enough.
  • Protect the area, don’t scrub: Gently clean with water or fragrance‑free wipes after bowel movements, avoid dry toilet paper rubbing, and wear loose, breathable cotton underwear to reduce friction and irritation.
  • Avoid “quick fixes” that are risky: Do not try to puncture, tie off, or apply harsh substances (strong acids, undiluted essential oils, toothpaste, etc.) because these can cause burns, infections, or serious bleeding.

What Can Shrink Hemorrhoids Fast?

  • Cold compresses: Constrict blood vessels and limit swelling, often giving noticeable relief within hours when repeated.
  • Warm sitz baths: Encourage blood flow away from congested veins and relax spasming muscles, which reduces the pressure that makes hemorrhoids bulge.
  • Witch hazel and aloe: Witch hazel pads or liquid act as an astringent that tightens tissue and can lessen bleeding and swelling; aloe vera gel can soothe burning and irritation.
  • Short‑term steroid creams: Low‑dose hydrocortisone creams or suppositories may quickly reduce inflammation in the short term, but should not be used for many days without medical supervision due to skin‑thinning risks.

When “Fast” Needs a Doctor

Sometimes the fastest way to shrink hemorrhoids is a minor procedure done by a professional rather than home care.

  • Rubber band ligation: A small band is placed at the base of an internal hemorrhoid to cut off blood supply so it shrivels and falls off in days.
  • Other office procedures: Options like laser treatment or other minimally invasive techniques can be used for large, persistent, or recurrent hemorrhoids.

Seek urgent or prompt medical care if:

  • There is heavy or repeated rectal bleeding or black/tarry stools.
  • Pain is sudden and severe (possible thrombosed hemorrhoid or another condition).
  • You have fever, pus, or spreading redness (signs of infection).
  • Symptoms don’t improve after a week of proper home care.

Simple At‑Home Routine (Next Few Days)

  1. After each bowel movement, gently rinse with warm water; pat dry, don’t rub.
  1. Apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes; then, if comfortable, use witch hazel pads or a suitable cream.
  1. Take a warm sitz bath in the evening (and more often if needed) for 10–15 minutes.
  1. Eat high‑fiber foods at each meal and drink water regularly through the day.
  1. Avoid straining, long toilet sitting, and heavy lifting that makes you bear down.

Important Safety Note

This information is for general education and does not replace a medical evaluation, especially for new, severe, or bleeding rectal symptoms. If there is any doubt that what you have is a hemorrhoid, or if symptoms are intense, a clinician should examine you to rule out other causes and to offer the safest, fastest treatment options.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.