Same-day & next-day appointments sometimes available for urgent concerns — Call (551) 321-1388

Self-Care Guide from Dr. Choi

The following guidance comes directly from Dr. Karmina Choi. These are practical, cost-effective strategies for managing common anorectal conditions at home — including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perianal skin irritation, and constipation. Use them as a first step, but don't wait too long if your symptoms are severe, not improving, or you're unsure what's wrong.

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Expert Colorectal Care | Fort Lee, NJ

When to call Dr. Choi's office: Symptoms not improving after 5–7 days of self-care · Severe or worsening pain, especially if sudden · Fever, chills, or spreading redness (possible abscess) · Significant rectal bleeding (more than a few drops, or ongoing) · Any new symptom you can't explain.

Same-day and next-day appointments sometimes available. Call (551) 321-1388

Hemorrhoids

Sitz baths

Soaking the anal area in warm (not hot) water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times per day and after bowel movements. This relieves spasm, reduces swelling, and promotes healing. A sitz bath basin fits over the toilet and is available at most pharmacies.

Fiber and hydration

The single most important long-term intervention. Aim for 25–35 grams of fiber per day from food and/or supplements (psyllium husk is effective). Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Soft, well-formed stools reduce straining dramatically.

Topical treatments

Over-the-counter creams and suppositories (such as Preparation H or hydrocortisone-based products) can relieve itching and discomfort temporarily. They do not shrink hemorrhoids but can improve comfort. Do not use steroid-containing products for more than 2 weeks without guidance.

Avoid straining and prolonged sitting

Do not sit on the toilet for longer than needed. Avoid straining or holding your breath. Do not read or use your phone on the toilet — it encourages prolonged sitting that worsens hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are enlarged or swollen blood vessels in or around the anal canal. They are extremely common and most cases can be managed at home initially.

Anal fissure

Sitz baths

As with hemorrhoids, warm sitz baths 2–3 times daily and after bowel movements relax the internal sphincter muscle, reduce spasm, and promote healing.

Stool softening

Soft stools are essential for fissure healing. Increase dietary fiber, use a fiber supplement, and drink plenty of water. A stool softener (such as Colace/docusate sodium) can be used short-term if needed.

Topical nitroglycerin or diltiazem

Prescription topical medications that relax the internal sphincter to improve blood flow and promote healing. These require a prescription — ask Dr. Choi if you have a fissure that is not healing with basic measures.

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal. It causes sharp pain during and after bowel movements, often with a small amount of bleeding. Most acute fissures heal with conservative care.

Constipation

Fiber-first approach

Most chronic constipation responds to adequate dietary fiber and hydration. Add fiber gradually to avoid gas and bloating. Psyllium husk (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), or wheat dextrin (Benefiber) are all effective. Start with a small dose and increase over 2–3 weeks.

Osmotic laxatives

MiraLax (polyethylene glycol) is safe for regular use and works by drawing water into the stool. It is non-habit-forming and gentle. Milk of Magnesia is another option for occasional use.

Avoid stimulant laxatives for regular use

Products like senna or bisacodyl are effective for occasional constipation but should not be used regularly without medical guidance, as dependence can develop over time.

A note on diet and gut health

Dr. Choi's background in nutrition informs everything she recommends. Beyond fiber and hydration, long-term anorectal and digestive health is closely tied to what you eat and how you eat it. Processed foods, low-fiber diets, and inadequate hydration are among the most common contributors to constipation, straining, and hemorrhoid flares.

If you've struggled with chronic symptoms despite trying these recommendations, a conversation with Dr. Choi about your diet and gut health may be the next step.

Self-care helping but symptoms persisting?

That's the signal to see a specialist. Dr. Choi can identify why self-care alone isn't enough and build a targeted treatment plan.

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Call (551) 321-1388

1625 Anderson Avenue, Suite 203, Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024

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Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024

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