Hemorrhoids are divided into two maim types-internal and external hemorrhoids. Both types cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning sensation and discomfort in the affected area. Both internal and external hemorrhoids affect millions of individuals all over the world, and are more prevalent in developed countries like the United States.
The identification of external hemorrhoids is easier than the internal type due to its location. External hemorrhoids occur as lumps around the anal region and can be felt easily. Thrombosed hemorrhoids which develop when internal hemorrhoids get filled with blood clots can protrude from the anal opening and turn into external hemorrhoids. Bleeding, though rare, can result from external hemorrhoids when the affected region is rubbed or pinched excessively.
Hemorrhoids are a bunch of tissue located in the anal canal. Though this cushioned mass of tissue is always placed internally, the blood vessels leading to this region may sometimes protrude out external before reaching the internal mass. Any extra strain that cause swelling in these veins causes these blood vessels to swell up, leading to the condition known as external hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids are lumpy and easily felt and visible from the outside. This fleshy growth is located around the anal periphery and is usually brownish in color. Symptoms like itching, inflammation, burning sensation and in extreme cases even bleeding is associated with these lumps. Some people suffering from external hemorrhoids also complain of rectal pain. The symptoms resulting from external hemorrhoids may vary in different individuals and depends on the severity of the condition.
The main reason causing the development of external hemorrhoids is the excessive pressure and strain on the veins supplying blood in that region. Listed below are some of the reasons for the stress and strain that might accumulate:
An unhealthy lifestyle seems to the root cause that leads to the formation of external hemorrhoids. Problems like constipation or diarrhea irritate the hemorrhoid region and lead to the formation of external hemorrhoids. Sitting on your desk or on the toilet seat for too long can also aggravate external hemorrhoids. Other causes include pregnancy, in which the excessive weight in the abdominal area may result in the formation of external hemorrhoids. This condition is also common in individuals above the age of 50.
If you suffer from external hemorrhoids, there is not much reason for worry as there are many treatments that can relieve the symptoms associated with it. Hemorrhoids creams and products like analgesics relieve the pain and discomfort in the swollen hemorrhoids by numbing the area. You can prevent further aggravation of this condition by resorting to healthy eating habits like the consumption of more fiber in your diet that regulates the bowel movements and causes less irritation to the hemorrhoid region.
If all else fails, surgery might be the only option in which the hemorrhoids is permanently excised from the body.
There are at home remedies that can be tried to relieve the symptoms of external hemorrhoids. The pain, burning sensation and itching can be relieved somewhat by taking warm baths 2 to 3 times a day for 15-20 minutes duration. Adding apple cider vinegar in the water provides further relief. To reduce the swelling in the external hemorrhoids, try putting ice packs in the affected area for some time. Other than that generally eating a fiber-rich diet and wear loose clothing avoids irritating the affected area.