Home remedies for piles

Most mild piles settle with simple home care in about a week or two.

Bowel habits

• Go when you feel the urge and do not hold it in
• Do not strain or sit on the toilet for more than a few minutes, and avoid phones there
• Use a footstool to raise your knees, which can ease passing stool
• Clean gently with water or a soft wipe, and pat dry. Avoid rough paper and scented wipes.

Comfort measures

• Warm sitz bath: sit in a few inches of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day and after bowel movements
• Cold compress: wrap ice in a cloth and apply for a few minutes to reduce swelling
• Soft cushion: useful if sitting is uncomfortable. Avoid sitting for long on hard surfaces.
• Loose cotton underwear

Fibre and fluids

Eat more fibre (fruit, vegetables, oats, pulses) and drink water through the day. A psyllium husk (isabgol) supplement can soften stool if taken with plenty of water.

Avoid

• Scratching the area
• Long toilet sitting
• Heavy lifting and straining
• Applying strong irritants or home pastes to the skin

Over-the-counter creams

Short courses of soothing creams can ease itching. Do not use steroid creams for more than about a week without advice.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive)

Warm sitz baths and buttermilk are traditional comforts. Evidence is limited.

When to get help

See a doctor if bleeding continues, pain is severe, or a lump cannot be pushed back.

Remember

Soft stools, no straining and warm baths are the base of home care.