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Doctors warning people not to insert frozen potatoes in latest home remedy
People are trying it because they are too embarrassed to go to the doctor
Sufferers too embarrassed to seek medical help are trying the latest wacky 'home remedy', but doctors have warned it could be dangerous and you shouldn't do it.
A number of online websites suggest a frozen French fry-sized piece of potato inserted internally for 30 seconds is just the ticket for pile sufferers.
Because a raw potato is slightly acidic it apparently can relieve pain and itching while its frozen state constricts blood vessels in the sensitive zone.
"Here's what you need to do: Peel a raw potato and cut into thin slices, like you do it for French fries,” claims one article.
"Put the slices into the freezer and wait until they are frozen.
"Insert the frozen potato slice in your anus and leave it inside for 30 seconds. Repeat the process for three to five days. The next three to five days leave the slice inside for 30 seconds more each time.
"The potatoes have astringent properties and help relieve the pain and itchy sensation which usually happens with this condition, while the ice cold potato constricts the blood vessels, reduces the swelling and relieves your pain instantly."
Haemorrhoids, or piles as they're commonly known, are swollen or bulging veins in the anus. They're similar to varicose veins seen on legs but in a much more sensitive part of the body.
It's estimated around 1 in 20 Brits will experience piles at least once in their life.
There are many causes for haemorrhoids including pregnancy and straining during bowel movement.
Long spells of sitting down, constipation, a low fibre diet and obesity have also all been linked to causing piles.
Dr Diana Gall, of leading online medical service Doctor-4-U, said: “Piles can be an irritating condition and sufferers are sometimes too embarrassed to seek professional helping, turning to old wives’ tales instead.
“There is no medical evidence that putting frozen potatoes inside the anus can help cure piles, so I would urge caution to anyone thinking of doing it.
“Piles often go away on their own after a few days, but there are some tried and trusted ways to keep them at bay.
“You should drink plenty of fluids and maintain a fibre-rich diet and try having regular warm baths to ease itching and pain.
“If home treatments do not banish your piles, it is advised to go to your doctor and explore alternative treatments.”
Frozen spud pieces are the latest in a line of strange methods to deal with haemorrhoids.
New mums who suffer with post pregnancy piles have been trialing trendy food supplement CBD oil on their uncomfortable regions.
CBD is the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant and is perfectly legal in the UK.
"The CBD absorbed and actually reached the internal haemorrhoid," admits new mum and social forum Reddit user Barron50Cal.
"My inflammation began to decrease, as did my pain. I can almost recognise my bottom again."
David Barcly is MD of popular UK brand CBD Armour and he thinks there should be further research into looking at CBD as something that may help ease haemorrhoids.
"There have been reports of CBD being a very responsive anti-inflammatory," he said.
"So one can understand why people would consider using it in this manner. It would be beneficial to have some official research into this.
"As for frozen potatoes, where on earth do people get these crazy ideas from?!" he said.
Guts UK! are the only UK charity funding research into the digestive system from top to tail. They declined to comment on if the potato trick is a good idea or not as they aren't aware of any evidence or research to suggest the treatment works.
But a spokesperson did point out that over half of people with digestive conditions and symptoms, which includes piles, are embarrassed to seek help, according to a survey they conducted which quizzed almost 800 people.
"Guts UK found that 58% of those we asked felt embarrassed about their digestive condition/symptoms. Research found that 51% of patients with digestive symptoms do not seek advice for over 6 months .
"Treatment is usually initially about increasing intake of water and fibre to soften the stool but if these methods are unhelpful, a referral to a specialist may be required,” the charity’s website states.
Source: Examiner
People are trying it because they are too embarrassed to go to the doctor
Sufferers too embarrassed to seek medical help are trying the latest wacky 'home remedy', but doctors have warned it could be dangerous and you shouldn't do it.
A number of online websites suggest a frozen French fry-sized piece of potato inserted internally for 30 seconds is just the ticket for pile sufferers.
Because a raw potato is slightly acidic it apparently can relieve pain and itching while its frozen state constricts blood vessels in the sensitive zone.
"Here's what you need to do: Peel a raw potato and cut into thin slices, like you do it for French fries,” claims one article.
"Put the slices into the freezer and wait until they are frozen.
"Insert the frozen potato slice in your anus and leave it inside for 30 seconds. Repeat the process for three to five days. The next three to five days leave the slice inside for 30 seconds more each time.
"The potatoes have astringent properties and help relieve the pain and itchy sensation which usually happens with this condition, while the ice cold potato constricts the blood vessels, reduces the swelling and relieves your pain instantly."
Haemorrhoids, or piles as they're commonly known, are swollen or bulging veins in the anus. They're similar to varicose veins seen on legs but in a much more sensitive part of the body.
It's estimated around 1 in 20 Brits will experience piles at least once in their life.
There are many causes for haemorrhoids including pregnancy and straining during bowel movement.
Long spells of sitting down, constipation, a low fibre diet and obesity have also all been linked to causing piles.
Dr Diana Gall, of leading online medical service Doctor-4-U, said: “Piles can be an irritating condition and sufferers are sometimes too embarrassed to seek professional helping, turning to old wives’ tales instead.
“There is no medical evidence that putting frozen potatoes inside the anus can help cure piles, so I would urge caution to anyone thinking of doing it.
“Piles often go away on their own after a few days, but there are some tried and trusted ways to keep them at bay.
“You should drink plenty of fluids and maintain a fibre-rich diet and try having regular warm baths to ease itching and pain.
“If home treatments do not banish your piles, it is advised to go to your doctor and explore alternative treatments.”
Frozen spud pieces are the latest in a line of strange methods to deal with haemorrhoids.
New mums who suffer with post pregnancy piles have been trialing trendy food supplement CBD oil on their uncomfortable regions.
CBD is the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant and is perfectly legal in the UK.
"The CBD absorbed and actually reached the internal haemorrhoid," admits new mum and social forum Reddit user Barron50Cal.
"My inflammation began to decrease, as did my pain. I can almost recognise my bottom again."
David Barcly is MD of popular UK brand CBD Armour and he thinks there should be further research into looking at CBD as something that may help ease haemorrhoids.
"There have been reports of CBD being a very responsive anti-inflammatory," he said.
"So one can understand why people would consider using it in this manner. It would be beneficial to have some official research into this.
"As for frozen potatoes, where on earth do people get these crazy ideas from?!" he said.
Guts UK! are the only UK charity funding research into the digestive system from top to tail. They declined to comment on if the potato trick is a good idea or not as they aren't aware of any evidence or research to suggest the treatment works.
But a spokesperson did point out that over half of people with digestive conditions and symptoms, which includes piles, are embarrassed to seek help, according to a survey they conducted which quizzed almost 800 people.
"Guts UK found that 58% of those we asked felt embarrassed about their digestive condition/symptoms. Research found that 51% of patients with digestive symptoms do not seek advice for over 6 months .
"Treatment is usually initially about increasing intake of water and fibre to soften the stool but if these methods are unhelpful, a referral to a specialist may be required,” the charity’s website states.
Source: Examiner
