Treating piles (haemorrhoids)

Piles (haemorrhoids) usually settle down in a few days without any treatment. However, there are a number of treatments that will reduce the itching and discomfort that haemorrhoids can cause.

Lifestyle changes are usually the first step of treatment.

Dietary changes
If your haemorrhoids are a result of constipation (being unable to empty your bowels), try to keep your stools soft and regular. By making changes to your diet, you can avoid straining while on the toilet.
    Increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Aim to eat 25-30g of insoluble fibre every day (insoluble fibre is fibre that the body cannot digest, so it passes through the bowels and helps other food and waste move through more easily), such as wholegrain bread and cereal, and raw fruits and vegetables.
    Drink lots of water. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of fluid every day and avoid too much caffeine (which is found in tea, coffee and coca-cola).

Self care
Follow the advice below when passing stools:

•     Avoid straining to pass a stool as this may make your haemorrhoids worse.

•     After passing a stool, clean your anus (the opening where solid waste leaves the body) with    moist toilet paper instead of dry toilet paper.
•     Using baby wipes can ease any discomfort that occurs after passing a stool.

•       Pat, rather than rubbing, the area.