Piles (Haemorrhoids) Treatments

Piles and haemorrhoids are two names for the same condition. They are swollen blood vessels found inside or around the bottom, in the anus and lower rectum, and affect up to two in three adults at some point in their life. Piles form when the cushions of tissue lining the anal canal become enlarged, usually because of increased pressure from straining, pregnancy or prolonged sitting. They can develop inside the rectum (internal piles), under the skin around the anus (external piles), or both. Treatments such as Anusol Cream and Anusol Suppositories are designed to relieve the associated pain, itching and swelling.

Piles develop when pressure builds up in the blood vessels of the rectum and anus. The most common trigger is straining during a bowel movement, often linked to constipation or a low-fibre diet, though frequent diarrhoea can also contribute. Other common causes include pregnancy, ageing, being overweight, heavy lifting, chronic coughing and spending long periods sitting, especially on the toilet. Piles can affect anyone, and both men and women are equally likely to develop them, though pregnancy is a particular risk factor for women.

Internal piles sit inside the rectum and are often not visible or felt at all, since they typically cause little or no pain, though they can bleed. External piles appear as soft, skin-coloured or pinkish lumps around the anus and can feel tender, itchy or sore, particularly after passing a stool. If a blood clot forms in an external pile, known as a thrombosed haemorrhoid, it can look purplish and cause sudden, sharp pain and swelling. Some internal piles prolapse, meaning they bulge outside the anus, especially during or straight after a bowel movement.

Yes, itching around the anus is one of the most common symptoms of piles, caused by irritation, moisture or leaking mucus. Scratching can break the skin and make symptoms worse, so it is best avoided. Anusol Cream and Anusol Suppositories contain zinc oxide, bismuth oxide and Peru balsam, which are specifically formulated to soothe itching and protect the affected area. Keeping the area clean and dry after bowel movements, and wearing loose, breathable underwear, can also help reduce irritation.

Yes, piles are one of the most common causes of bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl or on the surface of a stool, since they contain enlarged blood vessels that bleed easily during or after a bowel movement. This is usually not serious, but any rectal bleeding should be checked by a doctor or pharmacist, particularly if it is the first time you have noticed it, if it does not settle, or if you are in any doubt about whether piles are the cause, since other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Piles are rarely dangerous and are not a cause of cancer, though symptoms like bleeding can occasionally overlap with those of more serious bowel conditions, which is why persistent or unexplained bleeding always needs checking. Large external piles, particularly thrombosed ones, can sometimes rupture and bleed on their own. This can look alarming and be uncomfortable, but is not usually dangerous. Talk to a doctor promptly if a pile bleeds heavily, the bleeding does not stop, or you notice a change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, or generally feel unwell.

Mild piles often settle within a few days to around a week with self-care, such as using a treatment like Anusol Cream or Anusol Suppositories, keeping stools soft and avoiding straining. Larger or internal piles can take longer to improve, and some come and go over time depending on triggers such as constipation or pregnancy. If piles have not improved after about a week of home treatment, or keep coming back, it is worth speaking to a pharmacist or GP.

For most piles, a combination of lifestyle changes and an over-the-counter treatment provides effective relief. Increasing fibre and fluid intake helps keep stools soft, reducing the straining that makes piles worse, while avoiding long periods sitting on the toilet also helps. Anusol Cream and Anusol Suppositories are formulated to relieve the pain, itching and swelling of piles and can help them shrink. Cream is generally suited to external piles, while suppositories deliver treatment directly to internal piles. If symptoms persist despite treatment, a GP can discuss further options, including minor procedures.

Both products contain the same active ingredients, zinc oxide, bismuth oxide and Peru balsam, which soothe, protect and help shrink piles. The main difference is how they are used. Anusol Cream is applied externally to the affected area and can also be used internally with the rectal nozzle provided, making it a versatile option for both external and internal piles. Anusol Suppositories are inserted directly into the rectum and are designed specifically for internal haemorrhoids. Many people use the two together, applying the cream externally for itching and discomfort while using suppositories for internal symptoms.

Constipation is one of the main causes of piles, rather than the other way round. Straining to pass a hard stool increases pressure on the blood vessels in the rectum and anus, causing them to swell over time. Piles themselves do not typically cause constipation, though the discomfort of using the toilet can make some people reluctant to go, which may make existing constipation worse. Keeping stools soft with plenty of fibre and fluids, or a supplement such as OneVit Magnesium, which helps relieve constipation, can reduce the straining that leads to piles in the first place. Our Constipation range has further treatment options.

Some internal piles prolapse, meaning they bulge outside the anus, often during or after a bowel movement. Smaller prolapsed piles sometimes go back in on their own, or can be gently pushed back with a clean finger. If a pile does not go back in, becomes increasingly painful, or you notice signs of a blood clot, such as sudden severe pain and a hard, dark lump, seek medical advice rather than continuing to push it back yourself. Surgery, such as banding or a haemorrhoidectomy, is usually only considered for larger piles that have not improved with home treatment or non-surgical procedures.

Piles are common in pregnancy because the growing womb places extra pressure on the pelvic veins, and hormonal changes can relax vein walls, on top of the constipation many pregnant women experience. Simple measures such as eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids and staying active where possible can help. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, only use Anusol Cream or Anusol Suppositories on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, and always check with a midwife or GP before starting any new treatment.