Haemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus usually just inside the external entrance of the bowel. Occasionally they can protrude or pop out, often immediately after or during a bowel motion.
Piles are usually swollen and painful, particularly when external (outside the anus) but also when internal as the passage of bowel contents burns and irritates each time you pass a motion.
Haemorrhoids are caused by pressure being placed on the anus, by straining to pass bowel motions, especially when the motion is hard and dry and thus difficult to pass. Other causes include infections of the anus, some conditions affecting the liver and pregnancy.
Haemorrhoids occurring during and as a result of pregnancy are also from pressure on the veins - from the weight of the baby compressing the bowel area, and also from the exertion of childbirth.
Shop haemorrhoid treatmentPiles are usually diagnosed after an examination from your doctor, who may use an instrument gently inserted to examine the lower bowel, or other diagnostic tests that rule out other conditions.
People with haemorrhoids may notice a little blood on toilet tissue following a bowel motion, but if large amounts of blood are noticed in the toilet then it is important to consult your doctor at once as other more serious conditions can cause bleeding from the bowel. Most haemorrhoids cause only a small amount of blood loss – haemorrhoids that bleed frequently may need to be removed by surgery or other means.
Other symptoms of haemorrhoids include itching around the bottom, usually caused by the difficulty of cleaning away all bowel fluids after a motion because the area is tender, or from inflammation of the haemorrhoids as well as the surrounding skin.
Shop haemorrhoid treatmentMost haemorrhoids are effectively treated with specific creams or suppositories that treat the inflammation, pain and swelling. It helps to ensure that bowel motions are soft, so initial treatment with medicines to ensure soft stools are used in order to ease the passage of bowel contents.
If the haemorrhoids are extremely uncomfortable then soak in a warm bath for up to 15 minutes, then carefully dry the area and apply anaesthetic creams to numb the pain.
Shop haemorrhoid treatmentsOnce the initial symptoms of haemorrhoids have eased, then they are best treated and prevented by a high fibre diet and plenty of fluids, particularly water in the diet.
Adding fibre supplements to the diet ensuring regular bowel movements each day is also helpful if there is a history of constipation. Using soft or moist toilet tissue helps with cleaning the anal area.
Shop dietary supplementsMedicines to treat and prevent haemorrhoids are available from your pharmacy. Chat with our community pharmacists for advice regarding suitable medicines to treat haemorrhoids, and the best diet and lifestyle to ease the pain and discomfort. They can also help refer you to a doctor or specialist if you need.
Contact our pharmacyLife Pharmacy Orewa
PHARMACIST ONLY MEDICINE Pharmacist assistance is necessary for the purchase of this product. Our dedicated pharmacists will carefully review the information you provide and may reach out to you by...
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Fridge item Proctosedyl suppositories is for the treatment of haemorrhoids and other associated anorectal conditions.Do not use for more than 7 days unless a doctor has told you to. DIRECTIONS Ins...
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PHARMACIST ONLY MEDICINE Pharmacist assistance is necessary for the purchase of this product. Our dedicated pharmacists will carefully review the information you provide and may reach out to you by...
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Anusol provides effective, soothing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with haemorrhoids (piles), itching, fissures and other related anal conditions. Anusol contains ingredients that p...
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Lucas' Papaw Ointment may be used as a local topical application on the following conditions: Abscesses and boils, Bruises and burns, Carbuncles and chafings, Cuts and cysts, Dry and Cracked skin o...
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MEBO Wound Repair is expertly formulated to support the natural healing of various skin wounds, including ulcers, cracked nipples, shingles, fissures, and more. This ointment is designed to keep wo...
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Anusol Suppositories relieves itching, burning and soreness of haemorrhoids and minor rectal inflammations and irritations. Provides lubrication, thus facilitating bowel movements.
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Lucas' Papaw Ointment may be used as a local topical application on the following conditions: Abscesses and boils, Bruises and burns, Carbuncles and chafings, Cuts and cysts, Dry and Cracked skin o...
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