External hemorrhoid, also known as Hemorrhoidal disease, is a condition where hemorrhoid, or enlarged blood vessel, is outside the anal sphincter (rectum and anal canal). It is often known as piles and common ailments. Hemorrhoids cause swelling in the associated area but are not themselves, a medical condition.
Hemorrhoids are made of vascular tissue and typically form in the rectum. One of the most common reasons for bleeding hemorrhoids is straining or constipation and they can cause pain, itching, itching, and minor bleeding, especially during bowel movements or diarrhea.
Hemorrhoids can be categorized into two types Internal Hemorrhoids and External Hemorrhoids. An individual may have both types of hemorrhoids at the same time.
- An external hemorrhoid is a form of hemorrhoid that forms beneath the skin around your anus.
- Internal hemorrhoids form in the anus and rectum of the body.
Hemorrhoids of both sorts generally go away on their own, although medical treatment may be required in some cases.
Hemorrhoids affect an estimated 50 million Americans every year, 10 million in the US alone, and 1 in 5 men and almost 1 in 20 women in the U.S. They are caused by the build-up of excess tissue in the rectum and/or anus, which can lead to bleeding, prolapse, pain, and discomfort.
If left untreated, hemorrhoids can cause extreme discomfort and can lead to more serious health issues, such as a hemorrhage, thrombosis, and infection. In case, you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from hemorrhoids.
If you’re struggling to get rid of your hemorrhoids, then seeking the advice of a healthcare professional is the next best thing to doing what works for you at home
Causes of External Hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoid occurs when one or more tender lumps appear beneath the skin around your anus. Blood veins that have expanded to the point of protrusion are dilated.
If you have never been diagnosed with hemorrhoids before, you might be wondering, “are hemorrhoids constipation or a bowel disorder?”.
A hemorrhoid is an ailment however it barely impacts the large intestines, although it is usually associated with both. It is a condition affecting the veins in the lower rectum, mostly the external hemorrhoids.
Many individuals would rather not have them if they had the option. The discomfort they cause, however, coupled with their potential for bleeding, infection, and discomfort, often makes hemorrhoids an undesirable condition.
The most frequent reason for hemorrhoids is the pressure of straining during bowel movements, and prolonged sitting, which causes the veins in the anus to dilate.
Although external hemorrhoids are still common, it is now known that they are much more common in men than in women and that they are often associated with overweight, constipation, or diarrhea.
Many of the same variables develop both external and internal hemorrhoids. These are a few examples:
- Pregnancy. Pregnant women may be at a higher risk of hemorrhoids due to the increased strain on these veins from the abdomen.
- Obesity. In the past, hemorrhoids and obesity have been associated.
- Inadequate consumption of Fiber. If you eat a low-fiber diet, constipation can cause hemorrhoids.
- Sitting on the toilet seat for a longer duration. Consequently, the tissues around your rectum and anus may also be compressed.
- Straining during bowel movement. External hemorrhoids are mostly caused by excessive straining during bowel movements. This generally develops due to severe constipation or diarrhea. When you strain, blood pools in that spot.
- Support tissues have been weakened. As you become older, the tissues around the anus and rectum degrade.
- Lifting Heavy Objects. If you move large objects often, you may be at risk for hemorrhoids.
How do you identify the signs and symptoms of external hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids can manifest themselves in several ways. The severity of the symptoms varies. You may experience the following symptoms:
- the development of one or more sensitive, blue-colored lumps on the skin near the anus
- discomfort or pain around your anus, especially when sitting down and within 24 to 48 hours of beginning.
- itchiness in the anus or rectal region
In some people, external hemorrhoids may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as cancer or thrombosis in the veins in the anus. Most people with external hemorrhoids notice that when they strain, blood collects around the anus, and sometimes even comes out when they defecate, or when they wipe after going to the bathroom. This blood is usually only a small amount and is not enough to cause concern.
Seeing blood on toilet paper or in the toilet is an example of hemorrhoids. It’s possible that the lumps around the anus are bloated. External hemorrhoids that are larger may make cleaning the anal area more difficult.
Other illnesses may cause these symptoms as well. If you notice them, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up.
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may disappear after a few days. Over time, the hemorrhoid is normally absorbed by the body.
Who can get external hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are more likely to affect an individual if either of your parents has had them. Hemorrhoids may be more common in women who are pregnant.
Hemorrhoids can develop as you grow old because of increased pressure developed by sitting for long periods of time. Anything that causes you to strain during bowel movements can create external hemorrhoids.
Your doctor can help you figure out what’s causing your hemorrhoids.
How to diagnose external hemorrhoids?
According to Dr. Valeria Simone MD, an experienced general surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, external hemorrhoids can be diagnosed with a physical examination. Your doctor will also inquire about your medical history and symptoms to identify external hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids are usually visible by checking the area around your anus.
Your doctor might suggest a digital rectum exam and Anoscopy looks for problems inside your anal canal and rectum, such as internal hemorrhoids.
Your doctor will enter a gloved, lubricated finger into your anus during a digital rectal exam. They will be able to detect anomalies on the inside.
If you experience rectal bleeding, your doctor may order a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to check for colorectal cancer. Internal hemorrhoids can be detected using these approaches.
How to treat external hemorrhoids?
In many incidents, individuals usually treat external hemorrhoids at home and they disappear on their own in most cases.
According to doctors, they usually don’t require medical attention unless they’re causing you a lot of pain or are extremely swollen.
The treatment for external hemorrhoids is usually to relieve pain, prevent infection, and treat symptoms such as itching and irritation. Treatments for external hemorrhoids can include over-the-counter creams, ointments, gels, suppositories, topical anesthetics, and other things.
The most common treatment for external hemorrhoids is to remove them surgically. This is known as hemorrhoidectomy and is done by a doctor to completely remove the internal hemorrhoids.
Home remedies for external hemorrhoids
You can use home remedies as an alternate for hemorrhoid treatment. Home remedies for external hemorrhoids are adopted by many individuals. The following are some safe home remedies to try:
- Cold compress: Use a cold compress on the affected area. Ice should be wrapped in a cloth and applied to hemorrhoid for no more than 15 minutes at a time. Thereby, you can significantly reduce swelling and pain.
- Sitz Bath: Generally, you’re bathing your bottom in warm water. Some people fill a tiny tub intended to fit over your toilet with a couple of inches of warm water and sit in it many times a day to help with hemorrhoids. Unscented Epsom salts are added to the water by some persons.
- Ointments or wipes: Ointments or wipes that are applied directly to the skin. To assist reduce hemorrhoid swelling and pain, some patients use ointments or soothing wipes prepared with natural components like witch hazel and aloe vera. However, more research into the usefulness of several of these products is required.
- OTC creams. Preparation H and other over-the-counter topical medicines may also be beneficial for individuals.
If you’re in a lot of pain, or discomfort, or if your symptoms haven’t improved after a week of home treatment, or if you’re bleeding from your rectum, see a doctor.
Medical treatments for External Hemorrhoid
Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a hemorrhoidectomy if you have a more severe case of external hemorrhoids. An external hemorrhoid is removed with a laser, scalpel, or cautery equipment.
Depending on the type of surgical procedure and requirement, your doctor will most likely use a local anesthetic for this treatment.
Prescription drugs for external hemorrhoids are occasionally recommended by physicians. These are some of them:
- nitroglycerine topical ointment, 0.4 percent
- nifedipine (topical)
- an injection containing botulinum toxin (Botox) into the anal sphincter
Prevention of External Hemorrhoids
Here are some methods of preventing hemorrhoids:
- Don’t strain during bowel movements. Sitting on the toilet for an extended period of time is not recommended.
- Take steps to avoid constipation. Consuming high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of water, and taking fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives are all examples to avoid constipation.
- Don’t do any heavy lifting. Try not to overwork yourself.
- Consult a healthcare professional for any risks and complications. If you’re pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or are taking blood-clotting drugs, talk to your doctor about your risk of constipation or hemorrhoids.
Prognosis for External Hemorrhoids in the long run.
External hemorrhoids are a prevalent problem. As the body reabsorbs the blood clot inside the protruding blood vein, they usually go away on their own in a couple of days or weeks.
Your doctor may prescribe surgical excision of external hemorrhoids in severe conditions.
If your external hemorrhoid disappears on its own, a skin tag may remain, which you should have removed.
Appointment
For more information on External Hemorrhoids – symptoms, treatment, surgery, and consultation. You can contact our healthcare expert today at +1(817) 748-0200.