External Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins and blood vessels found near the rectum and the anus. There are two type of hemorrhoids, internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids are generally more painful than internal ones, as they can be felt outside the anus. External hemorrhoids are also known as piles. Hemorrhoids occur when excess pressure is applied on the rectum for bowel movements, which leads to rupturing of veins inside external hemorrhoids. Many people suffering from external hemorrhoid do not seek medical help as they feel embarrassed to talk about it. Due to this, even a minor hemorrhoid can lead to severe complications. Given below are the external hemorrhoids treatment options available, which can not only provide relief from its symptoms, but also cure the disease completely.

External Hemorrhoids Treatments

When a person experiences pain, burning, itching, blood clots and bleeding while passing stools, he must immediately seek treatment. Visual rectal examination can be used by the doctor to diagnose external hemorrhoids. Doctors can give medication or perform surgeries depending on the severity of the disease.

Medication
Medications are generally given to ease the pain and stop the bleeding in external hemorrhoids. In some cases, medicines are injected directly in the mucous membranes. It helps to shrink the affected blood vessels and thus, deflates the hemorrhoids. Analgesic creams are also prescribed to apply in the area around anus. It can relieve pain and hemorrhoids itching considerably. Hydrocortisone is also effective in reducing inflammation and swelling but its prolonged use should be avoided due to its side effects. Avoid self medications, take medicines only under doctors supervision.

Surgery
Many painless surgery methods are available to cure external hemorrhoids completely. The rubber band ligation is one of the most widely used procedure. In this procedure, a rubber band is placed at the base of the hemorrhoid to stop the blood flow in the vein. When the blood flow stops, the affected vein dries up and falls off. Laser treatments or infrared coagulation method is also used in which the electric current in the laser, cuts off the blood supply to the affected vein. In hemorrhoidectomy procedure, hemorrhoids are permanently removed with the help of a scalpel or laser. This is used when there is excessive bleeding of external hemorrhoids. Read more on hemorrhoid removal.

Home Remedies for External Hemorrhoids

When external hemorrhoids is at its initial stage, one can curb it easily using some of the natural remedies. These remedies can ease off the pain without causing any side effects.

• Warm water therapy is extremely beneficial to reduce the swelling around the anal region. For this, fill in a tub with lukewarm water, and sit in the warm water for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Ice pack therapy, is also easy and effective. All you need to do is add a few ice cubes in a cloth and apply it gently all over the anal area for five to ten minutes. Do this for a few days for quick relief.
• Stool softeners or soothing creams or lubricants which are available over-the-counter can be used to apply around anal region for avoiding pain and irritation while passing stools.
• Triphala a mixture of herbs, can cure all bowel and stomach related problems. Triphala benefits in external hemorrhoids by maintaining normal bowel movements and relieving constipation.
• Aloe Vera gel can directly be applied to the anal area. It is a herbal pain reliever, which soothes the burning sensation.
• Eat a high fiber diet by including whole grains, green vegetables, flax-seeds, etc. which are rich in fibers. These foods help to lessen the irritation caused by the hemorrhoids.

Apart from these home remedies, remember to drink plenty of water because hardened stools will cause more pain and discomfort. I hope you are no longer confused on how to get rid of external hemorrhoids because early diagnosis and treatment is the key to avoid pain, discomfort and irritation associated with external hemorrhoids.