If you intent to use witch hazel for hemorrhoids, make sure to adopt few lifestyle changes, such as adding fiber to your diet.
Thus You will faster the healing process.
Severe or recurrent piles may require more complicated treatments, such as:
Haemorrhoidectomy - removal of the pile by surgery under a general anaesthetic
Rubber band ligation - a band is placed around the base of the pile, cutting off its blood supply. The pile eventually withers and drops off in a few days
Sclerotherapy - a substance called phenol is injected into the pile. The injections causes the vein to collapse, eventually causing the pile to drop off in a few days.
When to see your Pharmacist
Do not be embarrassed to talk to your pharmacist about piles, they are a very common problem.
Your pharmacist will need to ask you some questions about your symptoms, in particular, whether there is any blood mixed with your faeces, whether you have any abdominal pain, have lost weight or if your bowel habits have changed.
Your pharmacist will also want to know how long you have had the symptoms and what treatments you have already tried.
If your pharmacist is satisfied that you are not suffering from something more serious, he or she will recommend one of the products described above that is best suited to the symptoms you have described.
When to see your GP
Seek medical advice if witch hazel for hemorrhoids treatments prove ineffective, or if symptoms persist for more than 2 or 3 weeks. See your doctor if it becomes too uncomfortable to move the bowels satisfactorily, if rectal bleeding occurs or if there is any associated abdominal pain or vomiting.
Your doctor will examine you to determine whether you have external or internal piles.
Depending on their severity your doctor may prescribe more powerful products than can be purchased from your pharmacy, or a decision may be made to send you to a specialist to have the piles removed.