Medical professionals have urged haemorrhoid sufferers not to put frozen potatoes up their bums after the concerning trend emerged online.
People experiencing haemorrhoids, also known as piles, have been trying the odd home remedy instead of seeing their GP.
Doctors are now warning people against the bizarre treatment.
Medics instead advise that those struggling with piles drink lots of water, eat a diet filled with fibre and see their doctor if the problem doesn’t rectify itself.
Dr Diana Gall, from online doctor and prescription service Doctor-4-U, said: “Piles can be an irritating condition and sufferers are sometimes too embarrassed to get professional help, 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.”
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She added: “Piles often go away on their own after a few days, but there are some tried and trusted ways to keep them at bay.”
If your haemorrhoids are getting worse, or simply not getting better, she urges those afflicted with the painful condition to try medically proven treatments recommended by their GP.
Dr Diana’s warning comes after a number of articles online claim that inserting a chip sized piece of frozen potato as a suppository for half a minute could eliminate piles.
The claim says that the acidic nature of raw potato relieves pain and itching and that the frozen aspect will construct the blood vessels.
One of the articles said: “Here’s what you need to do: Peel a raw potato and cut into thin slices, like you do it for French fries.
“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.
It goes on to say: “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.”
Piles are swollen veins in the anus which can sometimes bulge outwards.
It is thought that one fifth of British people will suffer from them at least once in their lifetime.
There are many causes of haemorrhoids which include straining when relieving oneself and pregnancy or giving birth.
Also linked to the problem are a low-fibre diet, obesity and extended periods of sitting down.
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Fibre helps with bowel movements in two ways.
Soluble fibre allows more water to remain in the stool which makes it softer, larger and easier to pass.
Insoluble fibre bulks out the stool preventing constipation – this will stop you from needing to strain when you go to the loo.
So if you are suffering from haemorrhoids make sure you're eating plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
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