About External Hemorrhoid

Did you know that both internal and external hemorrhoids are often present from birth yet go unnoticed because of their small size? When both types are present, this condition is called mixed hemorrhoids. The following article defines external hemorrhoid, their symptoms, and available methods that can cure them.

As part of the gastrointestinal process, blood-filled sacs ease the passage of stools through the anal canal. However, external hemorrhoids occur when these sacks stretch too much and remain enlarged due to inflamed tissue.

More common than internal hemorrhoids, which are located within the rectum lining, these hemorrhoids consist of veins that clump together to form a mass underneath the skin located around the anus, an opening located on your posterior. Click the thumbnail of the external hemorrhoids picture to see where they are located.

To keep it simple, if a hemorrhoid originates at the lower end of the anal canal near the anus or around its rim, this is referred to as an external hemorrhoid.

Cause of an External Hemorrhoid

Unlike internal hemorrhoids, researchers and physicians do not have concrete reasons for the formation of external hemorrhoids. At one time, it was believed that chronic constipation was the culprit behind enlargement of external hemorrhoids. However, recent studies refute this claim. What can be proved is that enlargement of an external hemorrhoid is more common with pregnant women and people who experience high pressure in the rectum. It may also occur because of heavy lifting or long periods in a seated position (extended car trips). However, in most cases, there is a definite preceding event that causes external hemorrhoids.

For example, external hemorrhoids can show up towards the end of pregnancy. Fortunately, they tend to go away after delivery and, therefore, require no treatment.

Knowing External Hemorrhoids Symptoms First-Hand

External hemorrhoids can be identified easily as painful, purple bumps that appear under the skin around the anus and are about the size of grapes. A great amount of itching, swelling and pain are common symptoms of external hemorrhoids because of the skin’s sensitivity in this area. The area can get swollen, irritated and further damaged as a result of constipation, hard bowel movements and too much strain during defecation.

Paying Attention to the Risks Involved

External hemorrhoids can put you at risk for thrombosis. Thrombosis - also known as blood clots - tends to occur when external hemorrhoids are not treated for long periods of time. The area where the external hemorrhoid occurs may develop blood clots that turns purple or blue and that bleed. Large blood clots can produce pain when you try to walk, sit or pass a stool. Doctors do not know why healthy people suddenly develop blood clots in their external hemorrhoids. What they do know for sure is that if left alone, these blood clots that break free can end up traveling through the body’s circulatory system and can lead to life-threatening situations.

Hemorrhoidal blood vessels contain arterial blood, which explains why external hemorrhoids exhibit a bright red color rather than a dark red hue - which is associated with venous blood - when bleeding occurs. On occasion, this bleeding can be severe.

External Hemorrhoids Treatment

Unfortunately, an external hemorrhoid will not go away on its own. That’s why treatment can be your best bet for alleviating pain, irritation and discomfort. It is best to treat external hemorrhoids in their early stages before symptoms, such as pain or bleeding, occur. To cure an external hemorrhoid, methods include alleviating pressure in the rectum by softening stools through the use of laxatives. Other treatments for external hemorrhoids include hot baths and topical medications including ointments and hemorrhoid creams.

A more intrusive alternative is to have blood clots surgically removed from the external hemorrhoids. However, this type of treatment is painful and can require several weeks of recovery time.

A Revolutionary Natural Treatment for an External Hemorrhoid

While we cover a number of treatments for external hemorrhoids, many of our site visitors have mentioned that Venapro, a non-surgical approach comprised of herbal extracts that works as an anti-inflammatory, is an excellent solution. Venapro has also been proven to work quickly to shrink and heal inflamed tissues, thereby relieving pain.

More Information Available

Beyond everything you ever wanted to know about an external hemorrhoid, you can also read other articles by consulting hemorrhoids information web page categorized by various topics.