Help! I think I have piles. What can you give me?
Piles (haemorrhoids) are swollen blood vessels around the anus and rectum, which can become painful and inflamed. Piles are a very common condition that affects half the population at some time in their life.
The main symptoms associated with piles are:
- Pain and discomfort in the anal area, particularly during and after passing stools.
- Itching or swelling in the anal area. Sometimes a small lump may develop externally around the anal opening – this happens when a blood vessels become dilated and fill with blood. This may become painful if it becomes inflamed.
- Spots of fresh red blood or a mucus discharge on the toilet paper after going to the toilet.
- A feeling of needing to pass stools even after going to the toilet.
Piles are described as being either internal or external. Internal piles occur inside the anus and external piles are outside the anus – often described as a small swollen lump. Treatment of piles depends on whether they are internal or external. Your pharmacist may ask you this question.
For internal piles, suppositories or an ointment that comes with an applicator is the best option. Your pharmacist may suggest using Anusol or Germoloids suppositories. To help relief symptoms such as itching, pain and swelling externally it is useful to apply a cream or ointment. External creams and ointments will help to soothe, reduce itching and discomfort. Ansuol and Germoloids cream/ointment both contain ingredients that will help to reduce and shrink piles, as well as soothe discomfort and itching.
If you have no improvement in your symptoms after 5-7 days of using treatments available for the pharmacy, then you should see your doctor.
Practical self-help tips to help manage piles
- Good hygiene is very important to help reduce irritation and itching. Try using medicated wipes rather than soap and water. Soap can have a drying effect on the area and may make the irritation worse.
- Increase your water and fibre intake to avoid getting constipation.
- Constipation can make the symptoms of piles worse.
- Avoid spicy foods which may aggravate the symptoms of piles.
- Try not to sit on the toilet for long prolonged periods and avoid staining.
- Wear loose cotton underwear.