How To Know If You Have External Hemorrhoids

How Can I Treat Hemorrhoids At Home

Hemorrhoids often go away on their own without treatment. Symptoms like pain and bleeding may last one week or slightly longer. In the meantime, you can take these steps to ease symptoms:

• Apply over-the-counter medications containing lidocaine, witch hazel or hydrocortisone to the affected area.
• Drink more water.
• Increase fiber intake through diet and supplements. Try to obtain at least 20-35 grams of daily fiber intake
• Soak in a warm bath for 10 to 20 minutes a day.
• Soften stool by taking laxatives.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation.
• Use toilet paper with lotion or flushable wet wipes to gently pat and clean your bottom after pooping. You can also use a tissue or washcloth moistened with water.

What Do External And Internal Hemorrhoids Look Like

Normal hemorrhoidal tissue cannot be seen since they must first swell and become inflamed or develop a clot to cause symptoms. One can see swollen external hemorrhoids or internal prolapsed hemorrhoids exposed outside the anus but internal hemorrhoids cannot be seen because they remain inside the anus. A thrombosed hemorrhoid will appear as a lump at the anal verge, protruding from the anus, and will be dark bluish in color because of the blood clot contained inside the swollen blood vessel. Non-thrombosed hemorrhoids will appear as a rubbery lump. Often more than one swollen hemorrhoid appears at the same time.

Medicines For Treating Piles

Theres a range of medicines that can help to relieve the symptoms of piles. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist for advice if you have any questions.

• If youre passing hard poo, a fibre supplement such as ispaghula husk or mild laxative such as lactulose will soften it.
• Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, may help to ease any pain from piles. Dont take painkillers that have an opioid in them , as these could make you constipated and add to your problems.
• Soothing creams, ointments and suppositories may ease any pain and itchiness from piles. There are lots of different products available over the counter. Some contain a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine. Only use these for a few days as they may affect the sensitivity of your skin ask your pharmacist for more information.
• Products that contain corticosteroids, such as Anusol HC and Proctosedyl, may reduce swelling and pain. Dont use these for more than a week as they can damage the skin around your anus. Most are available over the counter and others on prescription.

It can sometimes take up to a month for self-help measures and medicines to work. If your symptoms dont improve after this time, contact your GP. They may refer you to a specialist.

Don’t Miss: What Foods To Eat When You Have Hemorrhoids

Research And Statistics: Who Gets Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women, affecting about 1 in 20 Americans. The most common time to get hemorrhoids is between ages 45 and 65. Hemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women.

By age 50, about half of us have experienced hemorrhoid symptoms, such as itching, bleeding, and rectal pain. At any given time, about 10 million Americans roughly 4 percent of adults have hemorrhoids. Its estimated that 75 percent of Americans will have hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

Types Of Hemorrhoids: Internal And External

Hemorrhoids are either internal or external.

Internal Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are not usually visible to the naked eye. Internal hemorrhoids generally don’t hurt, but they often bleed painlessly.

In some cases, internal hemorrhoids may protrude through the anus and can be seen, which is known as becoming prolapsed. When this happens, they will usually shrink back inside the rectum on their own or can be pushed back in.

External Hemorrhoids These hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the outside of the anus. These are the most uncomfortable hemorrhoids and can be itchy or painful, and may feel lumpy. When a blood clot forms within an external hemorrhoid, this is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which can result in severe, ongoing pain. Sometimes clots dissolve on their own, but if they dont, your doctor can remove the clot, a procedure thats most effective if done within 72 hours of the clot forming.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Protruding Hemorrhoids

Causes And Risk Factors Of Hemorrhoids

You may be more likely to get hemorrhoids if other family members, like your parents, had them.

Pressure building up in your lower rectum can affect blood flow and make the veins there swell. That may happen from:

• Pushing during bowel movements
• Anal sex

People who stand or sit for long stretches of time are at greater risk, too.

You may get them when you have constipation or diarrhea that doesn’t clear up. Coughing, sneezing, and vomiting could make them worse.

How To Tell If You Have A Hemorrhoid Or Thrombosis

External hemorrhoids may also cause intermittent swelling, irritation, and mild discomfort, especially after a period of diarrhea or constipation. For thrombosis of an external hemorrhoid, a painful bulge or firm lump suddenly appears at the rim of the anus. The lump may have a blue or purple tint. It may discharge blood.

You May Like: How Long External Hemorrhoids Last

When Is It Time To See Your Doctor

While most people think of hemorrhoids as a minor problem, they can be very painful, explains Dr. Buzas. Knowing when to treat conditions such as hemorrhoids on your own and when its better to seek help can help you avoid unnecessary complications.If youre experiencing any of the following situations related to your hemorrhoids, make an appointment to see your doctor:

• You experience rectal bleeding or see bright red blood on your toilet paper.
• You have pain and discomfort in your rectum or anus.
• Youve tried over-the-counter remedies for more than one week without relieving your symptoms.
• You have bowel movements that are maroon or dark like tar in color, which can be a sign of bleeding.

If your rectal bleeding wont stop and you feel dizzy or faint, you should consider it a medical emergency that warrants a trip to the emergency room.When you see your doctor for hemorrhoids, youll first discuss your symptoms. Be sure to answer any questions directly and honestly, to get the best diagnosis. Your doctor will then examine you for external hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids and other potential issues.

Getting your hemorrhoids checked out is no different than and as important as getting a routine colonoscopy, Pap test, mammogram or prostate exam, Dr. Buzas notes. Theres no reason to be reluctant or delay your care.

• Geisinger store

What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in the lining of the anal and rectal cavity. External hemorrhoids, being the only type visible to the naked eye, are the easiest to spot. These hemorrhoids look like small bulbs or growths of skin that stick out of the anal sphincter.

The color of hemorrhoids is typically the same as that of your skin, but may be red or blue depending on the severity. The size of the hemorrhoid will also vary depending on the severity.

You will only see an internal hemorrhoid with the help of an endoscopic camera, such as that is used in a colonoscopy. An image of internal hemorrhoids will show small growths sticking out of the lining of the anal cavity.

Don’t Miss: Is Lidocaine Good For Hemorrhoids

How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common as you get older. These steps can help prevent hard stools and constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids:

• Dont sit too long or push too hard on the toilet.
• Go the toilet when the urge hits dont delay bowel movements.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Eat more high-fiber foods or take supplements. Generally, women should aim for 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get 35 grams of fiber.
• Stay physically active. Being on the move keeps bowels moving.
• Take laxatives or use enemas only as recommended by your healthcare provider. Too many laxatives or enemas can make it hard for your body to regulate how you poop.

What Are The Types Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can happen inside or outside the rectum. The type depends on where the swollen vein develops. Types include:

• External: Swollen veins form underneath the skin around the anus. Your anus is the canal where poop comes out. External hemorrhoids can be itchy and painful. Occasionally, they bleed. Sometimes they fill with blood that can clot. This is not dangerous, but can result in pain and swelling.
• Internal: Swollen veins form inside the rectum. Your rectum is the part of the digestive system that connects the colon to the anus. Internal hemorrhoids may bleed, but they usually arent painful.
• Prolapsed: Both internal and external hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they stretch and bulge outside of the anus. These hemorrhoids may bleed or cause pain.

Don’t Miss: What’s The Best Treatment For Hemorrhoids

Avoid Making Hemorrhoids Worse

• Blot the anus gently with white toilet paper moistened with water or a cleansing agent after bowel movements. Baby wipes or other pre-moistened towels are also useful for this purpose.
• Avoid rubbing the anal area. You can rinse off in the shower or on a bidet instead of wiping yourself with toilet paper. After cleansing, gently pat the anal area dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth.
• Use soaps that contain no perfumes or dyes.

Essential Orgs For Hemorrhoid Information

This site provides a comprehensive review of what hemorrhoids are, what causes them, and how to treat them. In cases when pain is severe and hemorrhoids aren’t healing with at-home treatment, in-office treatment by a healthcare provider is necessary. This can involve surgical and nonsurgical options.

The Mayo Clinic offers trusted guidance on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hemorrhoids. You can also find answers to specific questions about home remedies and hemorrhoid treatment during pregnancy.

You May Like: What To Get For Hemorrhoids

They Do It For Themselves First

“Your desire to maintain must be driven by something that’s deeper and consistent with your own internal values,” says Scott Kahan, MD, director of the National Center for Weight and Wellness.

Take some time to think about what’s really important to you and how your weight ties into it. For example, you want to be there to see your grandkids grow up, or to take that biking vacation you’ve always wanted to do.

Diagnosing Hemorrhoids Vs Cancer

A doctor can usually diagnose hemorrhoids by conducting a simple rectal exam and taking a medical history. If they notice an unusual growth that is not a hemorrhoid, they may recommend a biopsy to test for anal cancer.

Diagnosing colon cancer is more difficult. This is because cancer markers do not necessarily correlate with the presence or absence of cancer. Therefore, the doctor may also recommend testing based on symptoms. For example, they may ask if a person has bleeding but no hemorrhoids or if hemorrhoid treatment does not relieve their symptoms.

They may perform blood work to look for cancer markers or recommend a colonoscopy to look for growths. A colonoscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the rectum while the person is asleep or sedated. If the doctor finds a growth, they may examine it in the laboratory or recommend a biopsy.

A number of lifestyle changes may improve the symptoms of hemorrhoids. For example, people can try:

• eating more fiber

You May Like: What Is The Best Thing To Use For Hemorrhoids

Keep Your Bowels Moving

The most important thing is to make sure youre not constipated and having to bear down when you go to the bathroom, Ramas says. Constipation can both lead to hemorrhoid flare-ups and make them last longer.

Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water not alcohol and caffeine. These tend to dehydrate, which is the opposite of what you want.

I found out that dairy was a huge culprit for me, Adams says, so I cut it out a little bit, and I had good results.

Add fiber to your diet with fresh fruit, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and bran. Its about fueling your body appropriately and giving yourself the nutrients that your body needs to function effectively, Ramas says. Your doctor might also want you to take psyllium husk supplements.

Exercise can help keep you regular, too.

And when you feel the need to go, dont wait. You want to have a bowel movement as quickly and efficiently as possible, she says.

Adams used a foot stool that wraps around the toilet to put her in a squatting position. Its like an ergonomic way to poop, Ramas says. If that helps some people, thats definitely OK.

What Is A Hemorrhoid

You have probably heard the term hemorrhoids, or piles as a reference to an aching anal area, but maybe you arent sure exactly what this common disease is. Hemorrhoids are anal protrusions, located in the anal canal and lowest part of the rectum.

These symptomatic prominences in the anal cushion contain sensitive connective tissues, venous vessels, arteries, and smooth rectal muscles. Hemorrhoids are divided into two separate categories based upon their location in the anorectal area.

External hemorrhoids lie outside the anus or directly on it. This type of hemorrhoid is visible and can be felt. External hemorrhoids are painful lumps they feel slightly rubbery and are tender and sore, especially when trying to use the bathroom or remaining in one position for too long.

People with external hemorrhoids often feel limited in their ability to move around or perform normal daily activities because of the tenderness in their rectal area. Bowel movements become much more difficult, especially when wiping afterward.

Internal hemorrhoids are the less painful of the two types of hemorrhoids. This type of hemorrhoid can neither be seen nor felt. Often, the only indication of their presence is painless rectal bleeding, where you may spot brightly colored blood on your stools or while wiping.

Straining can arise from constipation, heavy lifting, or from being overweight.

Recommended Reading: How To Fix Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Worsening Of Your Itching And Irritation

External hemorrhoids develop under the highly sensitive skin near your anus. With this type of hemorrhoid, you may experience itching, burning, and general irritation. By comparison, internal hemorrhoids, which develop inside your rectum underneath the sensitive tissue, dont cause physical discomfort but may cause you to have blood in your stool.

If your external hemorrhoid develops a blood clot and becomes thrombosed, you may notice a worsening of your symptoms. On a scale of 1-10, your discomfort level may jump from a 3 to a 10.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids develop quickly, and discomfort tends to worsen during the first 48 hours and then improve slightly.

You May Like: What Kind Of Dr Do You See For Hemorrhoids

Diagnosis For Hemorrhoids Vs Rectal Prolapse

If you notice symptoms like blood in your stool or constant irritation around your anus, it is a good idea to see a physician. They can evaluate you and determine whether you have hemorrhoids or a rectal prolapse.

Diagnosis for hemorrhoids

Doctors typically diagnose hemorrhoids by performing a physical exam and asking you about your symptoms. They may also request additional testing like:

• Digital rectal examination : The doctor covers their hand with a lubricated glove, then inserts their finger inside your rectum to check for issues.
• Anoscopy: The doctor inserts a hollow, lighted tube inside your anus to get a view of any internal hemorrhoids.
• Proctoscopy: The doctor places a lighted tube inside your anus to get a view of your entire rectum.
• Sigmoidoscopy: The doctor looks at part of your large intestine with a small, flexible, lighted tube that blows air into your rectum so that it swells.
• Coloscopy: This test lets the doctor see the entire length of your large intestine, which allows them to check for abnormal growths, red or swollen tissue, ulcers, or any bleeding.

Diagnosis for rectal prolapse

In addition to performing a physical exam, your doctor may request the following tests when checking for rectal prolapse:

You May Like: What To Do For Bloody Hemorrhoids

What Are The Symptoms Of External Hemorrhoids

Unlike internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids are located in an area with nerve endings, which can make them easier to identify but also significantly more uncomfortable. Patients with external hemorrhoids usually report experiencing acute pain or discomfort, especially during bowel movements. However, these symptoms may flare up only every so often, making it difficult to tell whether the discomfort is actually hemorrhoid-related.

Many of those with external hemorrhoids also have symptoms of internal hemorrhoids. While a licensed physician is the only one who can give you a dependable diagnosis, these are some symptoms that typically indicate an external hemorrhoid problem:

• Mild but consistent itching around the rectal area
• Pain around the anal area, ranging from mild to severe
• Swelling around the anus

You may also notice your external hemorrhoids particularly swell when bearing down during a bowel movement. Be sure to limit your time on the toilet to two minutes as additional straining can worsen your external hemorrhoids. If you find that you frequently have to strain to pass bowel movements, try to increase your fiber and water intake. Eating foods with fiber is the most beneficial way to get this carbohydrate, but you can also take fiber supplements. The recommended intake is 20 to 30 grams per day.

Recommended Reading: What To Do If You Think You Have Hemorrhoids

How Are Hemorrhoids Treated

Once hemorrhoidal symptoms develop, a variety of treatment options exist, depending upon the situation and severity of the hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are graded by the degree of prolapse below the pectinate line into the anal canal.

Grade 1: The internal hemorrhoid bulges into the canal but does not prolapse or fall completely into it. These may bleed.

Grade 2: The hemorrhoid protrudes past the anal verge with straining for a bowel movement or passage of flatus, but spontaneously returns to its original internal position once the straining has subsided.

Grade 3: The hemorrhoid may protrude past the anal verge without any straining and requires the patient to push them inside manually.

You May Like: How To Cure Itchy Hemorrhoids