10 Best Remedies Senior Men Can Use to Treat Piles at Home
Hemorrhoids or Piles in senior males is a common problem. Nearly three out of four adults at times suffer from piles, though in most cases, piles go away on their own within a few weeks. It could be commonly seen amongst seniors involved in desk jobs or are immobile. It typically occurs when the prostate enlarges and presses against the rectal walls, causing irritation, swelling, and discomfort. Although this condition is not life-threatening, it can be painful, hampering daily life and social interactions. Piles in senior males are often ignored and left untreated because there is a general lack of awareness about the condition. However, there are various things you can do to treat piles at home as a senior male.
Table of contents
Common Causes of Piles in Senior Males
Hemorrhoids can be caused by exerting stresses on the rectum or anus veins. Any straining that increases pressure in the lower extremities or lower belly can cause rectal and anal veins to become inflamed and swollen. Hemorrhoids, or piles, can be caused due to:
- Constipation
- Strains caused by weightlifting or lifting heavy objects
- Pelvic pressure caused by weight gain
- Straining during a bowel movement
- Chronic diarrhea
- Eating low fiber foods
- Genetic disorder
- Spending a long time in a seated position on the toilet
- Unhealthy lifestyle
Symptoms of Piles in Males as Seniors
Some common symptoms of piles that are commonly seen in senior males are:
- Bleeding
- Pain, discomfort, or soreness around the anus
- Irritation or itching in the anal area
- Swelling or lumps in the anal region
- Bulging or dilation of a vein
- Difficulty in defecating
- Rectal pain
If the symptoms of piles are not severe, they may disappear after a few days. If not, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
How To Treat Piles At Home?
There are multiple piles treatment options available as over-the-counter medications at home. Most of the treatment methods ease the symptoms of the hemorrhoids until they clear up on their own. Some home treatments that help treat piles symptoms are mentioned below.
1. Regular Warm Bath
Sitting in a tub full of warm water for 15-20 minutes twice a day can help seniors reduce irritation and swelling caused due to hemorrhoids. Adding 100 gm of Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar is also advised and can help seniors reduce pain. If the condition of piles is not that severe, practicing this remedy for one or two weeks can be immensely beneficial. Do not apply apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts directly to hemorrhoids; it may irritate the skin further.
2. Witch Hazel
Seniors can apply witch hazel to the external hemorrhoids to reduce the pain and itching. According to research and many trusted sources, witch hazel is an astringent that shrinks tissues. Besides this, it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce bruising. Add a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball and dab it onto the affected area. It provides a lot of relief from symptoms of piles. It is advised to be cautious while applying witch hazel; it can irritate hemorrhoids. If it makes the symptoms worse, seniors must consult healthcare professionals.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that may help reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids, including inflammation, itching, and pain. It can also soothe the irritation caused by some piles treatments, and lessen the urge to scratch. Coconut oil also aids in relieving constipation because of its laxative effect. Since overexerting bowel movements is a common cause of piles, coconut oil can help prevent piles.
4. Aloe Vera
According to the research of BioMed Research International, the aloe vera plant has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which helps in healing wounds. When applied to the anus, it provides relief from itching, burning, and swelling caused by piles. Remember to use pure aloe vera gel, as preservatives and additives can worsen the symptoms.
5. Ice Packs
Applying ice to the affected area also helps to relieve pain, itching, and inflammation. Ice packs can numb the pain and reduce swelling when the piles flare-up. It is advised to wrap the ice cubes in a small towel; otherwise, it may damage the skin. Repeating this process every hour can bring good results. Do not use ice packs for more than fifteen minutes.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another great natural antiseptic that may reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort. It also fights against the bacteria that could irritate the skin and lead to severe infections. Senior males can also add witch hazel or aloe vera gel to the tea tree oil for additional benefits. One study found that using tea tree oil for two weeks along with hyaluronic acid can significantly reduce bleeding, pain, and inflammation.
7. Soothing Wipes
Use moistened wipes after a bowel movement instead of using toilet paper. Toilet papers can irritate existing hemorrhoids and worsen the condition. Senior males are advised to use wipes having soothing anti-hemorrhoid products like aloe vera and hazel. But make sure that the wipes don’t have perfume, alcohol, or other irritants, as these ingredients can worsen the conditions.
8. Wear Loose Cotton Clothes
Say no to tight polyester clothes and wear breathable cotton clothes. It will help keep the anal area both dry and clean. In addition to this, cotton clothes can potentially reduce the risks of infections and damaged skin. Senior health professionals advise avoiding fabric softeners or perfumed detergents to relieve itching and irritation.
9. Drink Plenty Of Liquids
Several pieces of research have proved that most anal problems, including hemorrhoids or piles, occur because of a deficiency of liquids in the diet. Drinking plenty of water keeps the stool soft as it passes through the intestines and causes less irritation.
10. Fiber-Rich Diet
For proper bowel movements, adding fiber to the diet is very important. It absorbs water and helps give more body to stool and soften it, making it easy to pass.
Above are the ten most judicious things senior males can do to treat piles at home. As we have seen, most of these things are relatively easy to do. You don’t need to go to the doctor or spend a lot of money to treat piles. Instead, you need to put in a little time and effort, and you are sure to see results.
In most cases of hemorrhoids or piles, home remedies are the only type of treatment needed. However, anyone with serious conditions or any uncertainty must talk to healthcare experts to treat piles.
You May Also Like
| How To Treat Piles At Home? | Ayurvedic Treatment of Piles for Seniors |
| What Is a Stroke – 5 Things You Must Know About the Disease | 5 Health Troubles in Seniors which Come Unannounced |
Frequently Asked Questions
Pain, uneasiness, and discomfort during a bowel movement are the basic symptoms of piles. Sometimes, it can also be painful to pass gas or even sit. It is common for people with piles to notice some bleeding after using the toilet. This could be a fresh, bright red color or darker blood clots. The blood is typically a result of damaged blood vessels, so it’s important to take it seriously. These symptoms can also signal something more serious, so it’s best to talk to a doctor if you’re experiencing bleeding or severe pain.
Ayurveda has been used for ages to treat piles, and it has been quite effective. In Ayurveda, Kshara karma is considered the best method for treating hemorrhoids. However, it is not the only treatment used to treat piles. Many other common home remedies have been used for ages. These home remedies are very effective and can eliminate piles. The best part is that these remedies do not have any side effects.
It depends upon your condition. Anyone with low-grade hemorrhoids can be treated by simple actions like increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, wearing cotton clothes, following a proper exercise routine, and making sure the area is clean and dry. If the irritation and itching are still there, one can start using creams like laxatives or corticosteroids. In the case of higher-grade piles, one must consult a doctor and undertake a treatment plan which may range from non-surgical treatment to surgery.
Some of the most common treatments include injection or sclerotherapy, ligation (bands put on the piles, so they shrink and fall off), and electrotherapy.
In most low-grade piles cases, it has been observed that they clear up on their own after a few days. But in high-grade piles, a doctor’s help is needed.
