By Sade Adewale
|
Piles are enlarged veins found either externally or internally around the anus. They are caused by increased pressure on the pelvic and rectal veins and are often related to constipation, diarrhea and straining to pass a stool.

Speaklng with an expert, Mr Olusola Ojo said that piles affect over half the population by the age of 50. Piles can be rather painful and can make your daily life difficult and uncomfortable.

Ojo stressed that sufficient water intake helps keep the bowel movement soft and keeps the area well hydrated and lubricated. Not to mention water is good for your skin, hair, nails, and organs, too.

He noted that people should avoid medicinal laxatives, saying that this can weaken the bowels, potentially leading to chronic constipation.

According to him, stiz baths allow for better circulation in the anal area and for relaxation and healing of the tissues around the anus, while saying individuals should add  about one cup of epsom salts to a full bathtub or two to three tablespoons of epsom salts for a few inches of water in the tub, sit in the bathtub with your knees flexed for fifteen minutes. Flexing the knees will expose your anus to the water and the warm water will soothe the pain and the inflammation and repeat it two to three times a day.

Ojo said that ice packs can help reduce the swelling of piles. You can use already-made ice packs or place some ice into a plastic bag and wrap in a piece of cloth. Place it onto the hemorrhoid region, saying individuals should only use ice packs for five to ten minutes at a time.

He enjoined people to maintain hygiene which is important for anyone who is suffering piles because it prevents complications from arising, like infections or blistering of anal mucosa due to excessive dryness.

The expert stressed that to prevent these complications people can use unscented cotton wet wipes to gently wipe the anal region after every bowel movement.

Ojo hinted that individual should apply an astringent to the affected area because of the natural antioxidant and astringent, which helps soothe the engorged hemorrhoids and makes them less sore. It can be applied directly with cotton swabs. It also helps to reduce the itching of piles significantly and also apply olive oil to take care of the dryness of the region by being a superb lubricant rich in antioxidants.

He posited that individual should use a small amount of aloe vera gel and rub it on the affected area on order to reduce pain or discomfort and apply as often as needed.

According to him, aloe vera gel contains components that have been shown to inhibit infection and help in healing minor wounds.

Ojo said that beetroot and carrots can be crushed to extract their juice. A thick piece of cotton or a big gauze piece can be soaked in the juice and then applied on the swollen veins in order to reduce the swelling.

The expert stated that individual should crushed bitter gourd leave and applied to relieve the pain caused by piles.

He added that a mixture of ginger and honey, boiled to make a decoction (an extraction through boiling) and then spiced with a dash of sweet lime and mint leaves helps detoxify the body and cool the system. It will ensure a good blood supply to the piles.

Ojo further added that individual should make a mixture by adding two to four drops of the essential oil of your choice to 2 fluid ounces (59.1 ml) of a base oil, such as castor or almond oil. Mix well and apply directly on external piles.

He streesed that individual can use one oil or two to three oils in the mixture, saying that lavender oil can help relieve pain and itching.Cypress oil is used to sooth and help heal the tissues.Tea tree oil is used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oil.Avocado oil can be used as a base or added to other oils. It moisturizes, soothes and accelerates healing.

He urged people to engage themselves in exercise like aerobic, endurance, cardiovascular or just walking, saying that the idea is that body movement can help keep the bowels moving by essentially massaging. In other words, as the body moves, the internal organs move and get massaged as well, this can help with circulation to the piles and also help keep your bowels regular in general.

He further urged individuals to cut back on alcohol because it dehydrates the body and causes be hard, saying that alcohol use can negatively affect piles and will not only hamper the chances of recovery but can increase the bleeding as well.