External Hemorrhoids

Having hemorrhoids is not something that many people want to talk about, but more than half of all adults will have to deal with them at some time in their lives. With such a high rate of occurrence, it might be a good idea to learn as much as you can about something that may potentially affect you.

Even if you have hemorrhoids now, knowing that you are not alone may offer you the boldness to seek a treatment or remedy that will help you. You may also want to know what some of the potential problems are with external hemorrhoids and why it’s important to treat them as soon as you know you have them.

If you have had hemorrhoids in the past, you know how irritating they can be. You know about the pain, the itching, and the burning probably better than you want to admit. Did you know, however, that an external hemorrhoid can sometimes be confused with either an internal hemorrhoid that has popped through the anal opening or an anal fissure which is really a tear in the anal skin and tissue?

If you feel the bulge but you aren’t sure if it’s a hemorrhoid that’s internal and popping through or one that’s external, then you may want to try gently pushing it back up into the anal canal. If you think you may have scratched yourself and caused an anal tear or fissure, then you may still treat the soreness and symptoms of discomfort. Using aloe vera gel and wiping gently with a moist wipe rather than dry toilet paper will help relieve the symptoms and begin to heal the area whether the problem is a fissure or a hemorrhoid.

If you do indeed have external hemorrhoids, then you should begin treating them immediately. If you take care of the swelling with natural anti-inflammation remedies and soothing treatments that you can do at home, then you may be able to avoid one of the most serious and complicating things that can happen with this type of hemorrhoid — having it clot and become thrombosed.

This potentially serious problem is extremely painful. If the clot isn’t removed, then it may cause severe bleeding. Getting immediate medical attention is very important if you have had hemorrhoids and suddenly have much more pain. Usually, a thrombosed hemorrhoid will need to be surgically removed within 72 hours.

Hemorrhoids are no fun, and they are not something that you should just wait to see if they get better. Treating the symptoms might actually end up healing the hemorrhoid and make it possible to avoid a bigger problem. Avoiding thrombosis may be easier than most people think. Taking care of hemorrhoids as soon as they appear is one way to make sure you don’t have more to deal with later.