Piles (haemorrhoids)
Piles (haemorrhoids) are lumps inside and around your bottom (anus). They often get better on their own after a few days. There are things you can do to treat and prevent piles.
If there's 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.
Symptoms of piles include:
bright red blood after you poo
an itchy anus
feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet
Mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper after wiping your bottom
pain around your anus
How you can treat or prevent piles
drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre to keep your poo soft
wipe your bottom with damp toilet paper
take paracetamol if piles hurt
take a warm bath to ease itching and pain
use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to ease discomfort
gently push a pile back inside
keep your bottom clean and dry
exercise regularly
cut down on alcohol and caffeine (like tea, coffee and cola) to avoid constipation