Ouch! External hemorrhoids may very well be more than just a pain in the bottom; these could seriously disrupt your life. Nevertheless, before you throw your hands up at the thought of a life sentence of awkward sitting, there really are some solutions!
This guide covers all that there is to know about external hemorrhoid removal, giving one a roadmap on how to navigate from causes and symptoms to home and clinical remedies. We’ll also debunk common myths and equip you with long-term prevention strategies to keep those pesky bumps at bay.
External Hemorrhoids: An Overview
Picture having uncomfortable, itchy lumps around the bottom area. This is what happens with external hemorrhoids. They are swollen veins near the rectum, becoming noticeable when they swell up due to pressure. Unlike the ones inside, these are located on the outside, leading to pain and sometimes bleeding.
Types
Three types external hemorrhoids are:
- Thrombosed: These are when blood clots in the hemorrhoid, leading to severe pain and swelling.
- Skin-tagged: After shrinking, a thrombosed hemorrhoid may leave a small flap of skin that can be annoying.
- Prolapsed: This type means the skin and tissue have stretched and bulged out, forming a noticeable bump.
Causes
Straining too much when you go to the bathroom can cause these issues. Other reasons include:
- Pregnancy: The growing baby puts extra pressure on veins in the rectum.
- Sitting too long: Not moving around can slow blood flow.
- Lifting heavy things: This can also put a strain on those veins.
- Stomach problems: Both diarrhea and constipation can lead to problems in this area.
- Being overweight: Extra weight means extra pressure on the veins.
- Not eating enough fiber: This can make bathroom visits harder, leading to more strain.
Symptoms
You might notice these symptoms:
- Pain and irritation: This can range from a mild annoyance to a severe burning or aching.
- Swelling and sensitivity: The area might be puffy, red, and tender.
- Bleeding: You might see bright red blood during bathroom visits.
- A lump: A protruding hemorrhoid can feel like a bump and may be sore or bleed.
When to Consult a Doctor?
It’s time to get help if you see:
- Intense pain or bleeding: These symptoms could mean something more serious.
- No improvement: Sometimes, home treatments aren’t enough.
- Possible blood clot: If you think there’s a clot in your hemorrhoid, see a doctor right away.
Related article: Can Hemorrhoids Burst, Rupture, or Pop?
Exploring At-Home Remedies
Simple steps at home can help with the discomfort of external hemorrhoids. Let’s dive into some home treatments that can offer relief.
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Eat More Fiber: Boost your fiber intake to 25-35 grams a day with fruits, veggies, grains, and beans. This softens your stool, making it easier to go without straining. Start slowly to avoid gas.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water keeps your stool soft and fights constipation, a big cause of hemorrhoids. Try to drink at least 8 glasses each day.
- Warm Sitz Baths: A 10-15 minute warm bath for your bottom area, two or three times daily, can soothe pain and swelling by relaxing muscles and improving blood flow.
- Avoid Straining: Don’t force it when you’re in the bathroom. Use a stool softener or more fiber to keep things moving smoothly and reduce pressure.
- Exercise: Staying active helps with blood flow and digestion, which can ease hemorrhoid issues. Aim for 30 minutes of activity like walking, most days.
- Manage Your Weight: Keeping a healthy weight reduces pressure on the veins around your anus, helping prevent and ease hemorrhoids.
Topical Treatments:
- Pain Relief Creams: Look for over-the-counter creams with lidocaine or menthol for temporary numbness and relief. Always follow the directions.
- Witch Hazel Pads: These offer a cooling effect and help with swelling and irritation. Use them after cleaning the area, dabbing gently to dry.
- Hemorrhoid Creams: Talk to your doctor first, as not all creams are right for everyone. Ingredients like hydrocortisone can help with inflammation and itchiness.
Trying Natural Solutions:
- Aloe Vera Gel: Its calming effects can help with itching and healing. Use pure gel and test on a small area first for any allergic reaction.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted): Some believe a mix of apple cider vinegar with water can help, but be careful—it might irritate. Do a small test first and stop if it hurts.
Other popular remedies include tea tree oil, coconut oil, and essential oils.
Remember, while these home tips can ease symptoms, they might not fix severe cases. If problems don’t get better or get worse, see your doctor
Medical Procedures for Removal
If home treatment is not effective for most external hemorrhoid problems, your healthcare provider might suggest medical procedures that work to shrink your blood vessels. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Gentle Medical Options:
- Rubber Band Ligation: This simple method involves tying off the hemorrhoid with a tiny rubber band, stopping its blood flow so it falls off in about a week. It’s quick, causes little discomfort, and you can go home the same day.
- Sclerotherapy: A doctor injects a chemical to shrink the hemorrhoid. It’s quick and works well for small ones, though you might need more than one treatment. You might notice some temporary color changes or discomfort.
- Infrared Coagulation: This uses a beam of infrared light to reduce the hemorrhoid size. It’s fast, with not much pain, but it might not be the best for bigger hemorrhoids.
Surgical Solutions
Hemorrhoidectomy gets rid of hemorrhoids completely. The ways it can be done include:
- Traditional: Cutting them out with a scalpel, usually under general anesthesia.
- Stapled: This method uses a special stapler to do the job, often with less anesthesia.
- Laser: A laser is used to seal the blood vessels and remove the hemorrhoid, with less bleeding and quicker healing, but it might cost more.
Anesthesia choices range from local (numbing the spot) to general (making you sleep). Your doctor will suggest the best one for your situation.
Recovery involves managing some pain with meds and Sitz baths, taking a few weeks to fully heal and get back to normal.
Deciding on the Best Approach
Your best option will depend on:
- How severe and how many hemorrhoids do you have: Bigger or multiple issues might need surgery.
- Your health history: Some health conditions could affect your choices.
- Your personal recovery preferences: Think about how much time you can take to recover and your pain threshold.
There isn’t a universal answer. Talk through your personal needs and concerns with your doctor to find the most effective way to handle your external hemorrhoids.
Debunking Myths About External Hemorrhoid Removal
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of myths about getting rid of external hemorrhoids. Let’s clear the air with some truth:
Myth 1: The only way to deal with them is surgery. Sure, surgery might be needed for really bad cases, but it’s not the only way to get relief. Things like changing your diet, trying home remedies, and other simpler treatments can also make a big difference.
Myth 2: Trying to treat them at home is a waste of time. Taking warm baths, using ice packs, and eating more fiber can all help lessen the pain and swelling. Taking care of yourself at home is worth it!
Myth: You can catch hemorrhoids from someone else. No need to worry—hemorrhoids aren’t infectious. They’re not caused by germs that can be passed around.
Myth 3: It’s fine to just ignore them. Sometimes, hemorrhoids do get better on their own, but letting them go without paying attention can lead to more trouble, like more pain or bleeding. It’s smarter to deal with them sooner rather than later.
Getting these myths out of the way helps you understand how to tackle external hemorrhoids more wisely, armed with the right info, and ready to choose the best path for your well-being.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
Tackling external hemorrhoids? Make these changes for a healthier you and to prevent them from coming back:
What to Eat and Drink:
- Load up on fiber: Strive for 25-35 grams a day. Enjoy fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans for easier bathroom visits.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps things moving smoothly.
Get Moving and Watch Your Weight:
- Stay active: A daily walk can work wonders for your digestive health and cut down on bathroom strain.
- Keep a healthy weight: Extra pounds can pressure your lower veins, including those in your rectum. A balanced weight helps fend off hemorrhoids.
Bathroom Best Practices:
- Listen to your body: Don’t put off bathroom trips when you feel the need to go. Waiting can make stools hard and lead to strain.
- Easy does it: Avoid pushing too hard. If things aren’t moving, take a break and try again later to avoid irritating hemorrhoids.
- Supplement with fiber: If your diet needs a boost, fiber supplements might help, but check with your doctor first.
Stick with it! Regularly following these steps can not only provide relief from external hemorrhoids but also improve your rectal well-being.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with external hemorrhoids doesn’t have to be a lasting struggle. Remember, you have choices ranging from simple home solutions to minor procedures, and even surgery if needed. Act quickly and seek medical advice for a tailored treatment approach.
Partner with your healthcare provider and embrace preventative steps to control external hemorrhoids, ensuring your comfort and health. Knowledge is your strength! Proactively manage your health for a hemorrhoid-free, happier life.
Read next: Can Hemorrhoids Last for Years?
Resources:
- National Library of Medicines, StatPearls, Aaron Lawrence1 and Emily R. McLaren, 2023, “External Hemorrhoid”.
- PubMed Central, World Journal of Gastroenterology, Varut Lohsiriwat, et al., 2015, “Treatment of Hemorrhoids: A Coloproctologist’s View”.
- American Family Physician, Timothy Mott, et al., 2018, “Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options”.
- JAMA Network, Featured Clinical Reviews, Deborah Tolmach Sugerman, 2014, “Hemorrhoids”.
- European Journal of Medical and Health Services (EJMED), Stephen William Soeseno, et al., 2021, “Diagnosis and Management of Internal Hemorrhoids: A Brief Review”.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (MCD), “Infrared Coagulation (IRC) of Hemorrhoids”.