Haemorrhoids treatment in Huntingdon.
Haemorrhoids — often called piles — are swollen blood vessels in and around the back passage, and they are common. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can check your symptoms, give advice on easing them and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment — no GP referral required.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, often called piles, are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus (back passage) and lower rectum.
They are common and often improve with simple treatment.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
Important: bleeding from the back passage should not automatically be assumed to be piles, particularly if it is new or keeps happening.
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet after a bowel movement
- Itching, soreness or swelling around the anus
- A lump around the anus, sometimes uncomfortable
- Pain when passing stools, especially if a haemorrhoid is swollen or has a blood clot
- A feeling that you have not completely emptied your bowels
What causes haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids can develop when pressure increases around the blood vessels in the lower rectum. Common contributing factors include:
Straining when passing stools increases pressure around the blood vessels in the lower rectum.
Spending a long time sitting on the toilet increases pressure in the back passage.
Repeated heavy lifting can raise pressure around the lower rectum.
The extra pressure pregnancy places on the pelvis and back passage makes haemorrhoids more likely.
The supporting tissues around the blood vessels in the back passage weaken with age.
Ongoing bowel problems keep up the pressure and irritation around the back passage.
How can it be prevented?
A few everyday habits can help prevent haemorrhoids or stop them coming back.
Fibre and fluids keep stools soft, so they pass more easily and with less straining.
Regular activity helps keep your bowels moving regularly.
Ask early for help with constipation rather than letting it build up — our pharmacist can advise.
Delaying a toilet visit can make stools harder and straining more likely.
Keep toilet visits short, and avoid taking your phone or reading material in with you.
Gently pat the area clean instead, and avoid fragranced soaps or wipes around the anus.
When should someone seek medical help?
Piles are common and often improve with simple measures, but bleeding from the back passage should not automatically be put down to haemorrhoids — get it checked.
Seek urgent advice from your GP or NHS 111
Seek urgent medical advice if you have:
- Bleeding from the bottom, pus, or a high temperature
- Feeling hot, cold or shivery and generally unwell
Go to A&E or call 999 for an emergency
Get emergency help for:
- Continuous heavy bleeding
- A large amount of blood or large blood clots
- Severe pain
Arrange a GP appointment
Arrange an appointment with your GP if symptoms:
- Are worsening, keep coming back, or do not improve after about 7 days of home treatment
- Include a new or unusual lump or change around the anus
- Include rectal bleeding — get it checked, especially if it is new or recurring
Common questions
Can a pharmacist help with haemorrhoids?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can ask about your symptoms, give advice on easing them and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment. If your symptoms need more than the scheme covers, we'll tell you where to go.
Is bleeding always a sign of piles?
No. Bleeding from the back passage should not automatically be put down to haemorrhoids, particularly if it is new or keeps happening. Get it checked — our pharmacist can advise, and your GP can arrange further assessment.
How long do piles take to get better?
They often improve within about a week with simple measures such as keeping stools soft and easing the soreness. If symptoms are worsening, keep coming back or don't improve after about 7 days of home treatment, you should be seen again.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
Is the consultation private?
Yes. Any consultation takes place in our private consultation room, and anything you discuss stays confidential.
Other minor ailments we can help with
Constipation
Advice and NHS treatment for constipation from our pharmacist — walk in or call to arrange a time.
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Advice and NHS treatment for conjunctivitis (pink eye) from our pharmacist — walk in or call to arrange a time.
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Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.