Haemorrhoids (piles) are enlarged blood vessels that you can get inside or around your anus (the opening of your bottom). It is very normal to have blood vessels in your anus – they play an important role in continence. But piles sometimes occur if these blood vessels become enlarged and this lead to symptoms and discomfort. If you’re experiencing a flare up, there are things you can do at home which may offer some relief. Let’s explore your options.
Check if it’s piles
To be able to effectively ease your symptoms, the first step is to check whether or not you have piles.
Symptoms include:
- bright red blood after you poo
- an itchy anus
- feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet
- mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper after wiping your bottom
- lumps around your anus
- pain around your anus.
What causes piles?
It is not clear what causes piles. However, it is believed that the below things may make them more likely:
- constipation
- pushing too hard when pooing
- heavy lifting
- pregnancy.
Soothing your symptoms
These treatments do not cure piles, but they can help with the pain and itching.
Over the counter treatments
Over the counter stool softeners help to increase the moisture content of the stool to soften it. They are used to prevent straining in the toilet. This can prevent your hemorrhoids from worsening. However, it is worth noting that laxatives can be habit-forming and may create a dependency which can create a bigger problem. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when taking stool softeners.
Hydrocortisone treatments can help to reduce the pain and itching of your piles. They are produced by a variety of brand names including the Anusol range, Anugesic, Germaloids, Perinal, Proctosedyl, Uniroid and Xyloproct. Some hydrocortisone products creams and ointments can only be used on the outside of your body, so they will not be helpful for internal hemorrhoids. You’ll usually apply treatments several times a day.
Try a warm bath
A warm (but not hot) bath may offer some relief, particularly after bowel movements. You could take a bath in your bathtub, or alternatively use a sitz bath – a small plastic tub that fits over a toilet seat so you can just bathe the affected area.
Cold compress
Just like when you fall and hurt yourself, you may use an ice pack or a bag of peas to relieve the pain and swelling, you can use this same method to offer piles relief. Wrapping the cold compress in a towel or t-shirt before application will make this more comfortable.
Reduce frequency of flare ups
If you’re fed up of your flare ups and self-treating them is becoming a chore, here are a number of ways that you may be able to reduce their frequency:
- Increase your fluid intake to stay hydrated
- Increase the fiber in your diet to avoid constipation
- Avoid painkillers that contain opiates such as codeine, as they can cause constipation
- Cut down on alcohol and caffeine
- Exercise regularly.
If your piles are getting you down, perhaps your attempts to manage your symptoms are not working, and you’re ready for more effective option, consider eXroid® haemorrhoid treatment. eXroid® offers an alternative to surgical treatments that:
- treat all four grades of internal haemorrhoid disease (no other treatment can treat all 4 grades)
- requires no hospital stay, no bowel prep and no anesthesia so you can walk in and out with no down time required
- is quick & convenient
- is only uncomfortable, though not painful for most
- has a high success rate – many patients only require one treatment.
eXroid® haemorrhoid treatment is available at Healthshare Clinic Winchester.
