In lockdown I had a small case of piles. Treated over the phone and prescribed suppositories and cream - seemed to do the trick.
But then over the last 3 years I've had periods of anal itchiness, really bad and mostly at night.
I presumed internal piles as there was nothing protruding. No pain or bleeding. So I bought pile stuff from the chemist and did have another two trips to the GP who prescribed suppositories etc again.
But it never seemed to 100% work.
I went to see one of the practice nurses last week (who in my opinion is actually better than any GP at our surgery). She listened to my symptoms and asked me if anyone had ever examined me - I said no.
Reluctantly, I agreed to let her take a look.
The result was that no, I don't actually have piles. I have some sort of skin infection. She prescribed me some ointment that's a steroid, antibiotic and anti fungal mix. I've used it for 3 days now and the itchiness has gone.
I've had 3 years of being uncomfortable, mainly because I was never actually diagnosed properly.
So, get yourself examined.