How does lidocaine work?
Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that numbs the area where you've used it.
It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.
If you use lidocaine treatment for piles or itchy bottom, it helps relieve any pain and itching.
When will I feel better?
Lidocaine works quickly.
Most people start to feel better within an hour.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms last for more than 7 days or if you keep getting piles or itching. They may want to find out what's causing this.
If you use these treatments for a long time, there's also more chance of your skin becoming sensitive to lidocaine.
Are there other treatments for piles?
There are various types of treatments for piles. Some are available on prescription from your doctor. There are others that you can buy in a pharmacy.
These treatments contain different local anaesthetics and are likely to provide similar relief for your symptoms.
Some treatments also contain steroids, such as hydrocortisone.
Ask your doctor or a pharmacist about the best treatment to help with your symptoms. They may recommend:
- creams to ease the pain, itching and swelling
- treatment to help constipation and soften poo
- cold packs to ease discomfort
Will it affect my contraception?
Lidocaine treatments for piles and itchy bottom do not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes. lidocaine treatments for piles and itchy bottom will not affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
Can I drink alcohol while using lidocaine for piles and itchy bottom?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with lidocaine treatments for piles and itchy bottom.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Lidocaine treatments for piles and itchy bottom do not affect what you can eat or drink.
However, it's a good idea to get more fibre into your diet so you do not get constipated. Constipation can make your symptoms worse.
Good sources of fibre include:
- porridge oats and wholegrain breakfast cereals
- wholemeal or granary bread
- brown pasta and brown rice
- pulses such as lentils, peas and beans
- potatoes with their skins on
Other tips for preventing constipation include drinking plenty of fluids and doing some gentle exercise, if you can.
Can lifestyle changes help with piles?
Piles often settle down without treatment but there are some things you can do to help your symptoms.
Piles can be brought on by too much pushing or straining on the toilet. This is often because of constipation.
Check with your doctor or a pharmacist if any other medicines you're taking could be causing constipation.
You're less likely to get constipated if you:
- get more fibre into your diet, like wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables
- drink lots of water every day
- exercise regularly
- go to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to – do not hold it in