External Hemorrhoids

Overview
Causes
Symptoms
Thrombosed
Options

External Hemorrhoids occur when the hemorrhoidal veins in the rectum breach the wall of the anus to distend outside of the anal canal. Any hemorrhoid that extends beyond the anus is considered to be external, with the exception of what is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid, which occurs initially inside of the anus but as it worsens eventually protrudes beyond what is called the distal of the anal canal. We recommend that you acquaint yourself with the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and healing options available in this article.

Internal and external hemorrhoids

External Hemorrhoids differ from the symptoms that occur as a result of internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can either cause tremendous pain and discomfort, or be painless, but almost invariably are distinguished by swelling, irritation, and itching around the inflamed site.

External hemorrhoids are generally not serious, but the itching, pain and irritation often associated with external hemorrhoids can get in the way of everyday life. Learn more about some common health conditions that can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids and what you can do to reduce your chances of developing this unpleasant and uncomfortable condition.

Health Conditions That Cause External Hemorrhoids

Straining During Bowel Movements

In the course of normal digestive health, the tissue that comprises the anus engorges with blood during bowel movements, which assists to the body to control the flow of fecal matter. Over-straining results in the veins remaining engorged for too long a period, which in turn stretches the veins and consequently incites tears in the anal wall, leading in time to the formation of an external hemorrhoid.

Chronic Diarrhea or Constipation

Obesity

Sitting for Long Periods of Time

Heavy Lifting or Strenuous Exercise

External Hemorrhoids have a variety of symptoms that are distinguished by swelling, irritation, and itching around the inflamed site. Other symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include lumps of tissue around the anus that are frequently spongy in texture, bleeding during bowel movements and residual blood deposited on toilet paper after wiping the anus. Itching, burning, rectal discomfort, and pain associated with cleaning the infected area are also typical external hemorrhoid symptoms.

External Hemorrhoids are prone to rupturing, or becoming thrombosed, which is the result of the hemorrhoid developing a breach or developing a blood clot. Because a thrombosed hemorrhoid is composed mostly of somatic nerves, it will often cause the sufferer severe pain, in addition to leaving possible scarring as it heals. As a result, medical attention may be required to help a severe case of external hemorrhoids in which thrombosis is present.

There are several common strategies for addressing external hemorrhoids beginning with:

External Hemorrhoids