Description
Proctosedyl ointments are used for the treatment of haemorrhoids (piles) which are caused by swollen blood vessels in the anus.
How Proctosedyl works
Proctosedyl contains two different active ingredients- cinchocaine hydrochloride and hydrocortisone. Cinchocaine hydrochloride is part of a group of medicines called local anaesthetics which work by creating a numbing effect to the area where it is applied and stopping the pain and diminishing spasms in the back passage. Hydrocortisone is part of a group of medicines called corticosteroids which helps to reduce inflammation and lower swelling, itching and discharge.
Proctosedyl Suppositories can be used for the short- term relief (not longer than 7 days) of:
- Pain, irritation, discharge and itching associated with enlarged or swollen vessels around your back passage (haemorrhoids)
- Itching around the back passage
How to use Proctosedyl ointment
- Apply only to the back passage and surrounding areas- do not apply to any other parts of the body
- The medicine should be applied in the morning, evening and after each bowel movement.
This product should not be used for longer than seven days.
for internal pilesyou may want to use suppositories – see our anusol suppositories here
A Healthy Living Plan for Piles Sufferers
The risk of piles can be significantly reduced by following a healthy diet and active lifestyle that helps to keep your bowels working regularly and helping to prevent constipation. It can also aid the recovery from a bout of piles.
You should aim to:
- Eat a high fibre diet including foods like brown rice, wholemeal bread and whole wheat
- Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads
- Drink plenty of water
- Do not eat too much salty, fatty or sugary foods such as crisps, burgers and cakes
- Reduce the amount of alcohol, tea and coffee you consume
- Exercise regularly
- Visit the toilet regularly and avoid straining- leaning forward from the hips can help this
Following a healthy diet and lifestyle will reduce the chances of constipation and will encourage regular bowel movements.
For external and internal piles, ointment treatments can be used. If internal haemorrhoids are the problem,Suppositories help to deliver a measured dose direct to the affected area.
For further information on piles see the NHS guidance
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