Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, can be treated with a combination of home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments. Here are some things you can do for piles:
Home remedies:
- Eat high-fiber foods to soften the stool and increase its bulk, which will help you avoid straining.
- Use topical treatments such as hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone that you can buy without a prescription. You can also use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing medicine.
- Soak regularly in a warm bath or sitz bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two or three times a day. A sitz bath fits over the toilet.
- Take pain relievers by mouth.
Lifestyle changes:
- Drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fiber to keep your poo soft.
- Exercise regularly.
- Cut down on alcohol and caffeine (like tea, coffee, and cola) to avoid constipation.
Medical treatments:
- Ask a pharmacist about treatment for piles. A pharmacist can suggest creams to ease the pain, itching, and swelling, treatment to help constipation and soften poo, and cold packs to ease discomfort.
- See a GP if you have symptoms of piles and theyre getting worse or theres no improvement after 7 days of treatment at home. The GP may prescribe stronger medicines for piles or constipation. They may also check your symptoms are not being caused by something else.
- Surgery may be recommended if other treatments for hemorrhoids (piles) havent worked, or if you have hemorrhoids that arent suitable.
Its important to note that if you have excessive bleeding, you should avoid using non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, because it can make rectal bleeding worse.
