Treatment, pictures, symptoms, and causes

External hemorrhoids feel and look like small lumps just outside the anus. They can cause bleeding and itching. Home remedies include warm baths, cool compresses, and topical applications, such as witch hazel.

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, often result from straining while having a bowel movement. A person may push too hard, sit on the toilet for too long, or have a stool that is hard and difficult to pass.

Most external hemorrhoids will not cause additional issues, but they can become more painful if they develop a clot, known as a thrombus. If a person is in severe pain, a doctor may recommend the surgical removal of hemorrhoids.

In this article, we detail what external hemorrhoids are, the common causes, and how a person can get rid of them.

External hemorrhoids usually do not require a specific treatment unless they develop a clot and become painful. Most will go away on their own within a few days. Those that persist may cause discomfort, itching, and some pain. Home remedies can be effective in easing these symptoms.

People can try various home remedies to treat hemorrhoids, such as:

• taking warm baths
• cleaning the anus gently after a bowel movement, often by using moistened wipes or cotton pads
• applying cloth-covered ice packs to reduce swelling
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort
• applying ointments, such as creams with witch hazel or hydrocortisone, that relieve itching

Doctors can sometimes treat external hemorrhoids that develop a clot through surgery.

Surgical removal

There are two types of surgery for external hemorrhoids.

The first involves making a small cut in a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and draining blood from the clot. A doctor can perform this surgery under local anesthesia. This procedure does not remove the hemorrhoid itself. However, if a doctor can perform this procedure within 48 hours of a hemorrhoid developing, it can provide more rapid pain relief than other treatments.

After this time, surgery is not typically helpful, and the symptoms will eventually improve on their own.

The second form of surgery is a hemorrhoidectomy. This procedure fully removes the hemorrhoid and requires general anesthesia.

Learn more about hemorrhoid surgery.

Treatments during pregnancy

Many of the home remedies above are suitable to use during pregnancy to treat external hemorrhoids and ease pain. However, a pregnant person must always check with a doctor before using any topical application on external hemorrhoids to ensure that it will not interfere with the pregnancy.

External hemorrhoids protrude below the anus, and a person may be able to feel them. On the other hand, internal hemorrhoids are not visible from the outside. A digital rectal exam may be necessary to assess internal hemorrhoids.

Share on Pinterestpregnancy

External hemorrhoids are often itchy and irritating, and they can also cause pain and discomfort. However, not everyone experiences symptoms. In fact, in an older study from 2021, more than half of those with hemorrhoids reported no symptoms.

People with external hemorrhoids can often feel a tender lump if they touch the area around the anus.

Blood in the stool

People with external hemorrhoids may also notice some blood when they pass stool, which is typically on the stool’s outer surface. The blood tends to be bright red because it usually comes directly out of the hemorrhoid rather than anywhere else in the gastrointestinal tract.

Blood from hemorrhoids should be minimal. Anyone with external hemorrhoids who notices a significant amount of blood should contact a doctor.

Blood clots in the hemorrhoid

External hemorrhoids can be very painful if they become thrombosed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids usually appear purple-blue on light skin and grey, black, or dark brown on dark skin.

Learn more about thrombosed hemorrhoids.

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when the veins that cause the bulge in the hemorrhoid develop a blood clot. As a result, blood cannot flow to the hemorrhoid, and the effect can be excruciating.

The body will often absorb the blood clot in time, reducing the symptoms and easing the pain.

When the blood clot passes or the body reabsorbs it, an external hemorrhoid may sometimes leave behind a perianal skin tag. A doctor may recommend surgical removal if this skin tag regularly catches stool and is difficult to keep clean.

In addition to straining, other possible causes of hemorrhoids include:

• lifting heavy objects or weights
• a low fiber diet
• obesity
• standing or sitting for extended periods
• pregnancy
• ascites, which is a buildup of fluid that places extra pressure on the stomach and intestines

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common medical conditions, and the likelihood of developing them increases with age. The reason for this is that the tissues lining the anus and sphincter become thinner and less able to withstand pressure from pushing and straining.

External hemorrhoids are different than other hemorrhoid types, mostly due to their location. Internal hemorrhoids, for example, are inside the rectum. They are usually painless but may bleed.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that sometimes bulge outside of the anus. It is possible to push these hemorrhoids back inside, but they may go back in without intervention.

External hemorrhoids protrude from the anus. They tend to cause more pain than internal hemorrhoids because the outside of the anus is more sensitive than the inside.

People may have multiple hemorrhoid types at the same time.

A doctor can diagnose external hemorrhoids by assessing the person’s symptoms and conducting a physical exam.

Anyone who suspects that they have external hemorrhoids should see a doctor. Some of the symptoms, such as bleeding, can be due to other more severe conditions, including:

• anal cancer
• anal fissure
• colorectal cancer
• inflammatory bowel disease
• perianal abscess
• skin tag

The primary way to prevent external hemorrhoids from developing is to avoid constipation and the development of hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Tips to prevent external hemorrhoids include:

• increasing the amount of dietary fiber in the diet to 25–30 grams by eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, and cereals
• drinking enough water each day so that every time a person urinates, the urine is pale yellow
• engaging in regular physical activity, which promotes the natural movement of the bowels
• using the bathroom when necessary and not delaying for an unnecessary amount of time
• spending the shortest possible time sitting on the toilet

People who have recurring problems with constipation and hemorrhoids should talk with a doctor about the treatment options.

Below, we provide answers to some of the questions people often ask about external hemorrhoids.

Are external hemorrhoids painful?

External hemorrhoids can be painful. They are usually most painful immediately following a bowel movement or after straining or lifting.

They may be especially painful if they develop a blood clot, which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. If medical professionals can lance and drain the clot within 2 days of development, the pain will ease immediately. If not, the clot will likely dissolve on its own, and the pain will ease in time.

Are external hemorrhoids dangerous?

External hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. They can develop a blood clot that may burst, but although this will cause several minutes of bleeding, it will usually end independently. If it does not, a person should seek emergency medical treatment.

Anyone who experiences regular rectal bleeding should avoid assuming that it is from a hemorrhoid. Rectal bleeding can signify other issues, including colorectal cancer or anal cancer. A person should discuss regular rectal bleeding and any other symptoms with a doctor.

Do external hemorrhoids go away on their own?

Yes, most external hemorrhoids will go away on their own within weeks, even without treatment. However, external hemorrhoids can recur, which means that a person may deal with them regularly if they do not take steps to prevent them.

Can you push an external hemorrhoid back in?

No, external hemorrhoids develop outside the anus, so a person cannot push them back in.

External hemorrhoids will usually go away on their own.

Taking steps to reduce the incidence of constipation and avoiding straining with bowel movements can help a person reduce the likelihood of developing any types of hemorrhoids.

Anyone who experiences extremely painful external hemorrhoids should consult a doctor about the treatment options.

Treatment, pictures, symptoms, and causes

External hemorrhoids feel and look like small lumps just outside the anus. They can cause bleeding and itching. Home remedies include warm baths, cool compresses, and topical applications, such as witch hazel.

Hemorrhoids, also called piles, often result from straining while having a bowel movement. A person may push too hard, sit on the toilet for too long, or have a stool that is hard and difficult to pass.

Most external hemorrhoids will not cause additional issues, but they can become more painful if they develop a clot, known as a thrombus. If a person is in severe pain, a doctor may recommend the surgical removal of hemorrhoids.

In this article, we detail what external hemorrhoids are, the common causes, and how a person can get rid of them.

External hemorrhoids usually do not require a specific treatment unless they develop a clot and become painful. Most will go away on their own within a few days. Those that persist may cause discomfort, itching, and some pain. Home remedies can be effective in easing these symptoms.

People can try various home remedies to treat hemorrhoids, such as:

• taking warm baths
• cleaning the anus gently after a bowel movement, often by using moistened wipes or cotton pads
• applying cloth-covered ice packs to reduce swelling
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and discomfort
• applying ointments, such as creams with witch hazel or hydrocortisone, that relieve itching

Doctors can sometimes treat external hemorrhoids that develop a clot through surgery.

Surgical removal

There are two types of surgery for external hemorrhoids.

The first involves making a small cut in a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and draining blood from the clot. A doctor can perform this surgery under local anesthesia. This procedure does not remove the hemorrhoid itself. However, if a doctor can perform this procedure within 48 hours of a hemorrhoid developing, it can provide more rapid pain relief than other treatments.

After this time, surgery is not typically helpful, and the symptoms will eventually improve on their own.

The second form of surgery is a hemorrhoidectomy. This procedure fully removes the hemorrhoid and requires general anesthesia.

Learn more about hemorrhoid surgery.

Treatments during pregnancy

Many of the home remedies above are suitable to use during pregnancy to treat external hemorrhoids and ease pain. However, a pregnant person must always check with a doctor before using any topical application on external hemorrhoids to ensure that it will not interfere with the pregnancy.

External hemorrhoids protrude below the anus, and a person may be able to feel them. On the other hand, internal hemorrhoids are not visible from the outside. A digital rectal exam may be necessary to assess internal hemorrhoids.

Share on Pinterestpregnancy

External hemorrhoids are often itchy and irritating, and they can also cause pain and discomfort. However, not everyone experiences symptoms. In fact, in an older study from 2021, more than half of those with hemorrhoids reported no symptoms.

People with external hemorrhoids can often feel a tender lump if they touch the area around the anus.

Blood in the stool

People with external hemorrhoids may also notice some blood when they pass stool, which is typically on the stool’s outer surface. The blood tends to be bright red because it usually comes directly out of the hemorrhoid rather than anywhere else in the gastrointestinal tract.

Blood from hemorrhoids should be minimal. Anyone with external hemorrhoids who notices a significant amount of blood should contact a doctor.

Blood clots in the hemorrhoid

External hemorrhoids can be very painful if they become thrombosed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids usually appear purple-blue on light skin and grey, black, or dark brown on dark skin.

Learn more about thrombosed hemorrhoids.

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when the veins that cause the bulge in the hemorrhoid develop a blood clot. As a result, blood cannot flow to the hemorrhoid, and the effect can be excruciating.

The body will often absorb the blood clot in time, reducing the symptoms and easing the pain.

When the blood clot passes or the body reabsorbs it, an external hemorrhoid may sometimes leave behind a perianal skin tag. A doctor may recommend surgical removal if this skin tag regularly catches stool and is difficult to keep clean.

In addition to straining, other possible causes of hemorrhoids include:

• lifting heavy objects or weights
• a low fiber diet
• obesity
• standing or sitting for extended periods
• pregnancy
• ascites, which is a buildup of fluid that places extra pressure on the stomach and intestines

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common medical conditions, and the likelihood of developing them increases with age. The reason for this is that the tissues lining the anus and sphincter become thinner and less able to withstand pressure from pushing and straining.

External hemorrhoids are different than other hemorrhoid types, mostly due to their location. Internal hemorrhoids, for example, are inside the rectum. They are usually painless but may bleed.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that sometimes bulge outside of the anus. It is possible to push these hemorrhoids back inside, but they may go back in without intervention.

External hemorrhoids protrude from the anus. They tend to cause more pain than internal hemorrhoids because the outside of the anus is more sensitive than the inside.

People may have multiple hemorrhoid types at the same time.

A doctor can diagnose external hemorrhoids by assessing the person’s symptoms and conducting a physical exam.

Anyone who suspects that they have external hemorrhoids should see a doctor. Some of the symptoms, such as bleeding, can be due to other more severe conditions, including:

• anal cancer
• anal fissure
• colorectal cancer
• inflammatory bowel disease
• perianal abscess
• skin tag

The primary way to prevent external hemorrhoids from developing is to avoid constipation and the development of hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.

Tips to prevent external hemorrhoids include:

• increasing the amount of dietary fiber in the diet to 25–30 grams by eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, and cereals
• drinking enough water each day so that every time a person urinates, the urine is pale yellow
• engaging in regular physical activity, which promotes the natural movement of the bowels
• using the bathroom when necessary and not delaying for an unnecessary amount of time
• spending the shortest possible time sitting on the toilet

People who have recurring problems with constipation and hemorrhoids should talk with a doctor about the treatment options.

Below, we provide answers to some of the questions people often ask about external hemorrhoids.

Are external hemorrhoids painful?

External hemorrhoids can be painful. They are usually most painful immediately following a bowel movement or after straining or lifting.

They may be especially painful if they develop a blood clot, which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. If medical professionals can lance and drain the clot within 2 days of development, the pain will ease immediately. If not, the clot will likely dissolve on its own, and the pain will ease in time.

Are external hemorrhoids dangerous?

External hemorrhoids are rarely dangerous. They can develop a blood clot that may burst, but although this will cause several minutes of bleeding, it will usually end independently. If it does not, a person should seek emergency medical treatment.

Anyone who experiences regular rectal bleeding should avoid assuming that it is from a hemorrhoid. Rectal bleeding can signify other issues, including colorectal cancer or anal cancer. A person should discuss regular rectal bleeding and any other symptoms with a doctor.

Do external hemorrhoids go away on their own?

Yes, most external hemorrhoids will go away on their own within weeks, even without treatment. However, external hemorrhoids can recur, which means that a person may deal with them regularly if they do not take steps to prevent them.

Can you push an external hemorrhoid back in?

No, external hemorrhoids develop outside the anus, so a person cannot push them back in.

External hemorrhoids will usually go away on their own.

Taking steps to reduce the incidence of constipation and avoiding straining with bowel movements can help a person reduce the likelihood of developing any types of hemorrhoids.

Anyone who experiences extremely painful external hemorrhoids should consult a doctor about the treatment options.

Stages of hemorrhoids – symptoms, signs and treatment Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4

Hemorrhoids is a disease of the rectum, which is characterized by the expansion and prolapse of venous nodes in the anus. There are 4 stages of hemorrhoids.

Every year more and more cases of hemorrhoids are registered. The reason is simple: a sedentary lifestyle, a violation of the diet and, as a result, an improper outflow of blood in the rectum and a rare stool. Before starting treatment for hemorrhoids

What are the stages of hemorrhoids?

• First stage. Signs are weakly expressed. Small knots located inside the intestine cannot be seen from the outside. Among the most common manifestations are a feeling of moisture around the anus and slight itching. Often there is another unpleasant symptom: spotting comes out with the stool. Many do not pay attention to them. At the first stage, only a small percentage of patients turn to a proctologist.
• Second stage. If a person does not change his lifestyle and does not take measures to get rid of hemorrhoids, the disease progresses. The size of the nodes increases, itching and burning around the anus increase. The patient feels a foreign body in the intestine, feels pain. Bleeding increases during bowel movements. Blood may come out in drops or even a trickle. When trying to use the toilet, the nodes often come out.
• Third stage. At this stage, all the unpleasant sensations that accompanied the patient in the second stage are preserved. However, now the knots fall out not only when visiting the toilet, but also when lifting weights and physical exertion. At the same time, you have to manually insert them back into the intestine. As a rule, in the third stage of hemorrhoids, most patients, fearing complications in the form of thrombosis or pinching of the node, go to the doctor.
• Fourth stage. With incorrect or untimely treatment, the disease progresses. Hemorrhoids, having increased in size, no longer reduce on their own. They are always located outside the anus. The patient is constantly worried about pain while sitting, walking, but especially when going to the toilet. Bleeding becomes constant with defecation. Often, hemorrhoids of the fourth stage require surgical intervention.

Below we will tell you in detail about each stage of hemorrhoids, identify the symptoms, photos and tell you how to treat.

Stage 1 hemorrhoids

Stage 1 hemorrhoids are characterized by the presence of venous nodes in the anus, which do not fall out and are not visible, but can be detected during examination by a doctor. Usually does not cause pain or other symptoms. However, in the presence of risk factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, malnutrition, constipation, etc., first-degree hemorrhoids can progress to more serious stages. Therefore, it is important to take measures to prevent hemorrhoids and to be examined regularly by a doctor.

Stage 1 hemorrhoids are usually asymptomatic and cause no pain. But the following symptoms are possible:

• Slight bleeding from the anus after a bowel movement.
• Slight tingling or burning in the anus.
• Unpleasant sensation of heaviness or pressure in the anus.
• Rarely there may be itching around the anus.

However, these symptoms can also be caused by other diseases of the rectum, so for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, you should consult a proctologist.

Second degree

Stage 2 hemorrhoids are characterized by the prolapse of venous nodes from the rectum during defecation, but after the end of the act, they themselves are drawn back. Symptoms may include:

• Discomfort, pressure or heaviness in the anus.
• Prolapse of hemorrhoids during bowel movements.
• Slight bleeding after defecation.
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels.

With hemorrhoids of the second stage, pain may occur, especially with prolonged sitting or walking. To avoid the progression of hemorrhoids and improve your condition, you should take measures to improve blood circulation in the rectal area, including eating right, maintaining physical activity, avoiding constipation and sitting on the toilet for too long. Conservative treatment may also be prescribed, including the use of drugs to reduce symptoms and strengthen the walls of the veins. If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be required.

Stage 3

Stage 3 hemorrhoids are characterized by the prolapse of venous nodes during bowel movements and their inability to retract. Symptoms:

• Similar grade 1 discomfort in the anus.
• Hemorrhoids may fall out with the slightest exertion, coughing or sneezing.
• Bleeding after stool.
• Incomplete bowel movement.

Stage 3 hemorrhoids require treatment to avoid complications. Conservative treatment may include the use of special means to reduce inflammation and pain, lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the perineum. However, surgery may be necessary, especially if conservative treatment has not worked. There are several methods of operations, including sclerotherapy, laser coagulation, resection of hemorrhoids, etc.

4th stage of hemorrhoids

This is the most severe form of the disease, when hemorrhoids constantly fall out of the rectum and cannot be retracted. Symptoms of hemorrhoids 4 stages:

• Hemorrhoids cannot be pulled back into the rectum.
• Discomfort and pain in the anus.
• Bleeding after stool.
• Incomplete bowel movement.
• Uncontrolled stool.

Stage 4 hemorrhoids require immediate medical attention. Surgical treatment is usually the preferred method, since conservative treatment may not give sufficient effect. There are several methods of surgical intervention, including resection of hemorrhoids, hemorrhoidectomy, laser coagulation, sclerotherapy, etc. However, it must be understood that any surgical intervention may have its own risks and complications, so it is important to discuss all treatment options with a proctologist.

what is it, how does it look and what causes hemorrhoids, photo

The incidence of hemorrhoids in recent decades has been constantly growing and is directly related to the lifestyle of a modern person. Among proctological diseases, hemorrhoids occupies one of the first places. The employees of the State Scientific Center for Coloproctology have developed a classification of hemorrhoids, which is used in Russia and divides hemorrhoids according to the course into acute and chronic, and according to the form of the disease – into external, internal and combined.

Hemorrhoids (haimorrois) – varicose veins in the hemorrhoidal plexuses of the anal canal.

What does hemorrhoids look like

What causes hemorrhoids?

Since a person spends most of the time in an upright position, the veins in the anus are under constant stress. If other factors are added to this circumstance, which also contribute to the stagnation of venous blood, the walls of the veins expand, and varicose hemorrhoids form. From the available medical information, which contains the answer to the question “what are hemorrhoids”, can be identified and the main reasons for its development:

• Nutritional errors – drinking coffee, strong tea, alcohol, spicy and pickled foods.
• Stool disorders – both with a tendency to constipation and with prolonged diarrhea.
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time – Work involving prolonged sitting and standing, and long hours of travel.
• Weight lifting – both work associated with regular lifting of weights, and one-time sharp lifting of something heavy.
• Also among the reasons why hemorrhoids appear are repeated births.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

The patient must definitely consult a doctor, because only a specialist is able to diagnose the development of internal hemorrhoids without errors. He, unlike the patient, knows what hemorrhoids look like, medical practice provides the doctor with the opportunity to correctly diagnose, based on theoretical knowledge and practical experience that will help determine both the disease and its stage. Symptoms of the disease often appear gradually, imperceptibly: with the development of internal hemorrhoids – with the appearance of discomfort, pain and itching, aggravated or disturbing after defecation. Symptoms occur intermittently, and patients rarely go to the doctor at the first signs of the disease.

Gradually the disease progresses, signs of bleeding join: from blood blots on toilet paper to heavy bleeding (sometimes up to 200 ml after each act of defecation).