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Symptoms of piles include:
gently push a pile back inside if you can
take paracetamol if piles hurt
use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to ease discomfort
drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre to keep your poo soft
take a warm bath to ease itching and pain
keep your bottom clean and dry – pat (rather than rub) it dry
cut down on alcohol and caffeine (like tea, coffee and cola) to avoid constipation
A pharmacist can suggest:
Many pharmacies have private areas if you do not want to be overheard.
The GP may prescribe stronger medicines for piles or constipation. They may also check your symptoms are not being caused by something else.
You have piles and:
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If there is no improvement to your piles after home treatments, you may need hospital treatment.
Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Treatment does not always prevent piles coming back.
Common hospital treatments include:
You'll be awake for this type of treatment, but the area may be numbed.
You should be able to go home on the same day.
If these treatments do not work, or your piles are large, you may need surgery to remove them.
Surgical treatments include:
You will usually need to be asleep for this type of treatment. You may be able to go home on the same day as your treatment or on the following day.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Piles are swollen blood vessels. It's not clear what causes them.
Things that make piles more likely:
