Description
Scheriproct is a medicine used to alleviate the symptoms caused by piles (haemorrhoids), these include itching, swelling and soreness of the anus. It contains a substance which reduces inflammation (prednisolone) together with a local anaesthetic (cinchocaine) which helps to relieve the pain and discomfort.
Scheriproct is for the short-term treatment of piles and should be used between 5 and 7 days. The suppositories can be used to treat the symptoms internally whilst the ointment can be used both internally and externally.
How to use Scheriproct ointment
Scheriproct should always be used as prescribed by your doctor and pharmacist and should not be used for a duration of longer than 7 days. It is important to always wash your hands before and after application. Scheriproct ointment should be applied twice a day (though it can be used up to 4 times on the first day to provide further relief).
For the suppositories the dose is one per day, ideally administered after going to the toilet. If the piles are severe, you can administer up to 3 suppositories on the first day of treatment.
To use Scheriproct ointment:
- Gently wash and dry the anus and the skin around it.
- For use around the anus, squeeze a pea-sized amount onto a finger and spread over the skin (do not rub in)
- For use inside the anus, put the separate applicator nozzle onto the tube and squeeze the tube to fill the nozzle (one dose is the amount of ointment in the nozzle)
- Carefully insert the nozzle into the anus until it is fully inside, then squeeze the tube gently whilst slowly removing it from the anus
- Wash the nozzle well with soapy water.
Scheriproct suppositories and ointment are clinically proven treatments for haemorrhoids.
To treat difficult piles, you may also choose to use Scheriproct suppositories to treat internal piles and the associated symptoms. These are available from My Chemist Plustogether with other treatments.
To help the symptoms of haemorrhoids and to prevent them reoccurring, you should aim to
- Drink plenty of water, especially if you are constipated
- Increase the amount of fibre in your diet
- Avoid straining when you go to the toilet
For further information on piles see the NHS website
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Piles (haemorrhoids) are enlarged blood vessels that form inside and around the anus. They are often round, small and discoloured lumps that can cause some discomfort although they often improve on their own after a few days.
The symptoms of piles include:
- bright red blood after you have a bowel movement
- an itchy anus
- feeling like you still need to poo after going to the toilet
- slimy mucus in your underwear or on toilet paper after wiping your bottom
- lumps around your anus
- pain around your anus
How to treat or prevent piles
There are things you can do to help treat and prevent piles from occurring, these include:
- drink lots of fluid and eat plenty of fibre to keep your bowel movements soft and regular
- wipe your bottom with damp toilet paper
- take paracetamol- if you experience discomfort from your piles
- take a warm bath to ease itching and pain
- use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to ease discomfort
- gently push a pile back inside
- keep your bottom clean and dry
- exercise regularly
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine (like tea, coffee and cola) to avoid constipation
Things to avoid:
- do not wipe your bottom too hard after you poo
- do not ignore the urge to poo
- do not strain too hard when trying to poo
- do not take painkillers that contain codeine- these can cause constipation
- do not take ibuprofen if your piles are bleeding
- do not spend more time than you need to on the toilet
You should consult your GP if:
- there is no improvement after 7 days of treatment at home
- you suffer from recurring piles
Your GP may prescribe stronger medicines for haemorrhoids or constipation.
Causes of piles
It is not entirely clear what causes piles to form but there are things that can increase the chances of getting them, these include:
- suffering from constipation
- pushing too hard when pooing
- pregnancy
- heavy lifting