Hemorrhoids are so embarrassing that they are seldom ever discussed openly, despite the fact that more than 70% of people experience hemorrhoids at some point in their life. The following advice on home remedies for Piles is provided by Dr. S.N.Baser, a laparoscopic and anorectal laser surgeon at Harsh Hospital & Maternity Home in Surat:
10 HOME REMEDIES THAT CAN HELP WITH PILES
SITZ BATH
Sitz bath is basically sitting in a tub of warm water which eases out the pain and inflammation at the site. How you may wonder. So warm water increases the blood flow to the given area, causing the substances that cause inflammation such as prostaglandins, etc to wash out. This reduces the pain and itchiness. It also reduces the muscle spasm leading to decreased pain.
How To Perform Sitz Bath?
You can do so by, sitting in a plastic tub or a bathtub. There is a special tub that comes for the same which fits on your commode. It increases the convenience and frequency to take the bath. The tub is available at Harsh hospital, contact: – 0261-2781652.
This should be repeated at least 2 times a day and can be taken 4 to 6 times a day for 4 to 6 weeks.
WARM COMPRESS
If taking a regular sitz bath is not practical and inconvenient for you, you can also use hot water bags or warm towels and compress the affected area. it is not as effective as a sitz bath but helps with pain and inflammation.
COLD COMPRESS
Putting cold packs/ Ice packs tends to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice acts as a numbing agent and reduces bleeding from the site.
Use a towel, and wrap it around the ice cubes/ gel packs available in the market. Apply at the affected site. Keep the area clean.
Never use ice cubes directly on skin, always wrap them up in a towel.
If you feel excessive pain or very uncomfortable, stop the compress and rinse the area with lukewarm water.
frequency should be around twice a day for around 5 minutes each time.
USING COMBINED METHOD
Alternate between a warm sitz bath which will increase blood flow, and increase the healing and washing out of inflammogens followed by a cold pack which will help with numbing of pain and reduction in swelling. This seems to be the most effective method for treating Piles, but also takes a longer duration.
DIET CHANGES
Increase the consumption of fiber in your diet. You can achieve this by eating vegetables and fruits, at least a bowl of each. Use whole wheat, ragi, bajra etc instead of processed flour. Eat legumes etc.
- Eat a regular high fiber including plenty of fresh fruit (minimum 2 bowls a day) and green vegetables (minimum 1 bowl a day).
- STAY HYDRATED
Target on drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water, approx. 2 to 3 liters of water every day. You can also consume fruits and vegetables with high water content such as cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupe/muskmelons, peaches, strawberries, oranges, capsicum, bell peppers, etc which will help you with fiber and hydration both.
You can also consume milk, buttermilk, lassi, and soups for the same.
EXERCISE
There are various ways this helps with piles. Exercising can help to increase the arterial blood flow, leading to the washing of inflammogens reducing pain, and swelling, and increasing healing.
It also helps with the strengthening of pelvic and abdominal muscles, reducing the chances of giveaways.
it also reduces constipation helping in reducing the pressure you need to apply during your bowel movement.
POSTURE WHILE DEFECATING
The best posture for the bowel is to squat and bend over the thighs. Prolonged sitting on the toilet seat is not recommended as it increases the chance of constipation. This leads to increased pressure and eventually chances of you developing piles.
Squat on the toilet. If there is a standing toilet, try putting a stool below your feet so that it mimics the squatting position.
While sitting: Try using a soft cushion or pillow before sitting on a hard surface. This shall aid with swelling and pain.
USE COCONUT OIL/ ALOE VERA
Coconut oil and aloe vera are anti-inflammatory. When they are applied topically i.e directly on the affected site they tend to reduce dryness and pain.
OTC OINTMENTS
There are various ointments available at your nearest medical store which can help you temporarily relieve the symptoms. Such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine jelly, etc. but it is recommended to see a doctor before you start to self-medicate.
There are various ways you can control piles at home, but it is recommended to visit an anorectal specialist if the symptoms worsen or even before self-medicating to assess the severity of the disease.
For more information, visit
We are pleased to offer basic and advanced Piles Tretament at Harsh Hospital & Maternity Home. To make an appointment or learn more about our hospital, call us at +91 96385 93366.
