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Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
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Haemorrhoids are sometimes called ‘piles’. They can be internal (inside the anal canal) or external (outside the anal canal). They are common, particularly after the age of 40 and during pregnancy.
External haemorrhoids are small, painful swellings around the anus.
Internal haemorrhoids are usually painless but may bleed. They occur when the inside of the anal canal becomes damaged or weak. Increasing age and passing hard stools (constipation) can make this more likely.
Internal haemorrhoids can prolapse or pop out through the anus, at first when there is a bowel motion and later, at any time. Some pop back in by themselves, but more severe ones need to be pushed back in with your finger. Some cannot be put back in, which can lead to complications.
Causes of haemorrhoids include increasing age, pregnancy, varicose veins, chronic constipation, straining when you go to the toilet, heavy lifting, obesity, prolonged sitting, chronic diarrhoea, and bowel or pelvic tumours.
Symptoms of haemorrhoids
bleeding from the rectal area, especially when you go to the toilet; this may be visible as bright red blood on toilet tissue, in the toilet bowl, or on the outside of your stools
itching around your anus
burning or dull pain in the rectal area, especially when you go to the toilet
straining when you go to the toilet
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
if it is the first time you have had haemorrhoids
if the person with the haemorrhoids is a child
if the blood appears to be mixed in with your stools, not just on the outside
if the blood is profuse or persistent or is dark in colour
if you have sore, hard lumps or severe pain or itching around the rectal area
if the haemorrhoids have to be pushed back in after you have been to the toilet
if you notice seeping faeces, mucus, pus or any other discharge
if you strain when you have a bowel motion and you feel like you cannot completely empty your bowel
if you have significant pain when you have a bowel motion
if you have had symptoms for more than three weeks, if the haemorrhoids do not improve after a week, or if the haemorrhoids return
if you have chronic constipation, diarrhoea or your bowel habits have changed
if you have other symptoms, such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea or if you have no appetite
if you have unexplained weight loss or tiredness
if your haemorrhoids seem to be getting worse even though you are treating them
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; some medicines may not be suitable
if there is a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
if you have other medical conditions or take other medicines
if you have allergies to any medicines or have just started taking a new medicine
Treatment Tips
apply a cold compress to the area for relief
a warm salt bath may help painful haemorrhoids, especially after passing a motion
use baby wipes instead of toilet paper
avoid scratching the area
wear cotton underwear to minimise discomfort
treat any constipation or diarrhoea
eat a high-fibre diet and drink plenty of fluids
if your diet is not already high in fibre, introduce it gradually
exercise regularly
avoid straining when having a bowel motion
lift heavy items using a safe technique to prevent straining
avoid long periods of standing or sitting if possible
always go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to go as 'holding on' can make haemorrhoids worse
Treatment Options
treatment generally relieves symptoms such as itching, pain and swelling
the choice of treatment can depend on how bad your symptoms are
it can take one week for external haemorrhoids to disappear or improve
some haemorrhoid products (e.g. those with hydrocortisone) are only for short-term use; check the manufacturer’s directions
for best results use haemorrhoid products morning and night and after each bowel motion
always remove foils or plastic wrap from suppositories, then insert the rounded end first
the dosage may change over days or weeks; always follow product instructions
haemorrhoid products are well tolerated by most people but occasionally may cause skin irritation or sensitivity
local anaesthetics are more effective if applied around the anus and the beginning of the anal canal
some people may require surgical therapy to relieve painful or persistent haemorrhoids
Fibre supplementation
e.g. Metamucil, Normafibe, Benefiber, Fybogel
these products can improve symptoms and help with constipation
Ointments or suppositories
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. zinc oxide, Peruvian balsam, benzyl benzoate (Anusol ointment and suppositories)
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