Different methods for getting rid of piles include the application of hemorrhoid creams and ointments, insertion of suppositories, and sometimes surgery to remove them. In addition, getting rid of piles can sometimes be as simple as changing eating habits and drinking more water. Piles, or hemorrhoids, are swollen veins that appear in the rectal area. Symptoms include irritation, pain, itching, and bleeding. Burning and feeling a lump in the rectal area also can indicate piles.
Typically, over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams quickly relieve symptoms and are effective in getting rid of piles. These medications not only relieve pain and itching, they also reduce swelling and promote healing. It is important to keep the rectal area clean when hemorrhoids are present because bacteria can worsen symptoms and contribute to inflammation.
Boosting fiber intake and drinking more water can facilitate defecation and promote softer bowel movements. A frequent cause of piles is constipation. This causes straining during a bowel movement, encouraging hemorrhoidal veins to form. Adding moisture and bulk to the stools can facilitate easy passage and reduce the risk of developing piles. If these measures are ineffecive, stool softeners can be added to the treatment plan to help soften stools, which allows for easier elimination.
Taking warm baths is a popular piles cure. The warm water reduces swelling and cleans the rectal area, while soothing irritated tissues. When conservative treatment fails to relieve symptoms, surgery might be needed for getting rid of piles. Another treatment method for getting rid of piles is the "rubber band" method. This technique involves tying off the circulation to the piles with rubber band-like devices. When the blood supply is obstructed, hemorrhoids begin to resolve.
Occasionally, creams and suppositories fail to eliminate hemorrhoid-related pain. In these cases over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce swelling and irritation. It should be stressed that although these medications, which include ibuprofen and aspirin, can relieve pain, they can also worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen tablets do not relieve inflammation, but they do alleviate the bleeding risk.
Cleansing the rectal area with astringents such as witch hazel can ease discomfort and might be successful in getting rid of piles. These solutions do not require a prescription and are available at most drugstores. In addition, hydrocortisone creams can also be used for getting rid of piles because they inhibit the inflammatory process. These should be used sparingly, however, because they can cause significant tissue irritation.