Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen or inflamed veins in your rectum or anus.
They develop from increased pressure on the skin in and around the anal area.Hemorrhoids can be internal or external.
External hemorrhoids can be the most painful.
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They form under the skin around your anus.
They can causeanal itchingand swelling when the skin around them is irritated.
Most external hemorrhoids resolve on their own, with or without treatment.
Home treatments can often relieve symptoms.
Ifblood clotsform in external hemorrhoids, surgery may be needed to remove them.
This article describes the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of external hemorrhoids.
It also explains treatments, when medical care is needed, and ways to prevent them.
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What Do External Hemorrhoids Look Like?
External hemorrhoids look like swollen, bluish-colored lumps near the opening of your anus.
External hemorrhoids are flat and soft.
They are covered with a layer of skin or mucus.
External hemorrhoids can become uncomfortable as the overlying skin becomes irritated and deteriorates.
What Are the Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids are usually not problematic.
However, they can be very painful if a blood clot forms.
Common symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
Blood in the Stool
External hemorrhoids can sometimes bleed.
This may occur after a bowel movement.
Blood Clots in the Hemorrhoid
An external hemorrhoid with a blood clot inside it is called athrombosedhemorrhoid.
The extra pressure of the blood clot on the surrounding tissue can cause constant and severe pain.
What Causes External Hemorrhoids?
Over time, the swollen and inflamed veins appear as external hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids increase with age because the connective tissue that supports and holds them in place can weaken over time.
There is also evidence that some people may be predisposed to hemorrhoids.
The extra straining that occurs during a bowel movement increases the pressure in the anal canal.
Who Is at Risk of External Hemorrhoids?
This can cause swelling in the area and increase your potential for hemorrhoids.
External hemorrhoids are diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on your medical history and a physical examination.
If not, you’ve got the option to relieve pain at home with simple conservative measures.
These treatments typically relieve pain within one to two weeks.
Surgical removal of external hemorrhoids via hemorrhoidectomy during this time is reserved for cases that involve severe complications.
Straining with bowel movements or sitting for long periods on the toilet can increase your risk.
These growths are more common with pregnancy, obesity, and aging.
Most external hemorrhoids resolve on their own even without treatment.
Home treatments can help relieve symptoms of itching, swelling, and pain.
Lifestyle changes like eating more fiber can reduce your risk and prevent them from recurring.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have external hemorrhoids that do not improve after a week of home treatments.
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