Haemorrhoids

When to book haemorrhoids treatment

Speak to a pharmacist in confidence if you have:

• Bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl after passing stools
• Itching, soreness or irritation around the anus
• A lump or swelling near the anus that may be tender
• Pain or discomfort during or after passing stools
• A feeling of fullness or incomplete bowel emptying
• Mucus discharge from the anus

See your GP if symptoms have not improved after seven days of pharmacy treatment, bleeding is persistent or heavy, pain is severe, your bowel habits have changed noticeably, or your stools are dark or black, which can indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract. Any rectal bleeding should be checked to rule out other conditions.

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swellings that develop from the lining of the anus and lower rectum. They are very common and many people have them without realising.

• Internal haemorrhoids - develop inside the rectum and are usually painless, though they may bleed. They can sometimes prolapse through the anus
• External haemorrhoids - form under the skin around the anus and can be more painful, particularly if a clot develops (a thrombosed haemorrhoid)

They often settle within a few days, but treatment helps if symptoms persist or keep returning.

What causes haemorrhoids?

• Straining during bowel movements, often linked to constipation or hard stools
• Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
• Pregnancy, due to increased pressure on the pelvic area
• Sitting for long periods, particularly on the toilet
• Regular heavy lifting
• Ageing, as the supporting tissues weaken
• A low-fibre diet
• Excess body weight

Treatment options

• Creams and ointments - containing lidocaine or hydrocortisone to reduce pain, itching and inflammation
• Suppositories - deliver medication directly to internal haemorrhoids
• Stool softeners and laxatives - where constipation is a contributing factor
• Pain relief - paracetamol for discomfort

Steroid-based treatments should not be used for longer than seven days without medical advice. Haemorrhoids that do not respond to conservative treatment may need banding, sclerotherapy or surgery, and we will advise when a GP referral is appropriate.

Self-care and prevention

Eat a high-fibre diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, drink plenty of water, avoid straining, go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge, take a warm bath to soothe irritation, use damp or fragrance-free wipes rather than dry paper, apply a wrapped cold pack for short periods, and stay physically active. Avoid scented soaps, bubble baths and talcum powder around the anus.

Haemorrhoids are particularly common in pregnancy and after childbirth. Not all creams and ointments are suitable during pregnancy, so always ask before using a product.

Find haemorrhoids treatment near you

Walk in with no appointment for discreet advice, a full range of over-the-counter treatments, private consultation rooms and GP referral if needed. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.