Hemorrhoids Itching

In every human being, the lowest part of the rectum and the anus has cushion-like tissues filled with blood vessels, located just beneath the mucous membrane lining. Even though, hemorrhoids refer to such cushion-like parts in the rectum and anus, this term is most commonly used to indicate a condition, wherein these veins get swollen and protrude along with the tissue. Basically, bowel movements cause an expansion of these veins, but, in case of strained bowel movements, the rate of expansion of these veins is higher, as compared to normal bowel movements. So, strained bowel movements for a long period leads to a condition, wherein the veins get so enlarged, that they bulge out with the surrounding tissues. So, a hemorrhoid tissues with enlarged blood vessels are called hemorrhoids, which are otherwise known as h-drops, anus grapes, devil's berries or piles. Hemorrhoids are of two types - internal and external. While internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anus, external piles are found to occur on the skin around the anus. However, both external and internal hemorrhoids can bulge out.

Hemorrhoids Causes and Symptoms

As mentioned above, excess pressure on the veins in the anus result in their enlargement and protrusion, causing hemorrhoids. There are various factors that contribute to this condition. Constipation and strained bowel movements are among the main causes of hemorrhoids. This condition can also develop in people, who have chronic diarrhea. Heavy weightlifting, smoking and chronic cough due to asthma or any other lung disease, may also cause hemorrhoids, as these conditions can increase the intra abdominal pressure. Such increase in pressure, affects the blood flow to the veins, which swell in size, in an attempt to enhance the blood flow. Hemorrhoids can develop in obese people, because of the pressure exerted on the blood vessels, by the weight of the abdominal wall. Pregnancy and childbirth can also contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids. Sitting for prolonged periods is another causative factor of this condition.

Most hemorrhoids are asymptomatic, but, when it becomes ulcerated or thrombosed (filled with clotted blood), then symptoms like rectal bleeding (bright red blood in stools), itching (anal itching) and pain may develop. In case of internal hemorrhoids, the symptoms include mucus discharge, rectal bleeding, anal itching and feeling of incomplete emptying of bowels. External hemorrhoids often interfere with anal hygiene and may also bleed, but, hemorrhoids itching is not so common. Thrombosed and ulcerated hemorrhoids cause rectal pain, bleeding, itching and swelling.

Hemorrhoids Itching

Itching in the anal region is one of the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. In case of internal hemorrhoids, itching is caused by the excess secretion of mucus, by the mucous membrane of the anal canal. This mucus dries up in the anus and the surrounding region, causing itching hemorrhoids. The swollen veins grow and cause hemorrhoids itching and a burning sensation. External hemorrhoids cause itching, when sufficient care is not taken to keep the area clean. It may also be the case that soap and other disinfectants which are being used to clean the region, may cause itching. Such itching can be treated in different ways. Anti-itch creams is one of the methods for hemorrhoids itching relief. Such creams and ointments generally contain 1% hydrocortisone and has to be applied over the affected area. You may also opt for an anti-itch diet, which can lower the pH balance of the stools. In such a diet, you have to avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks, along with alcoholic ones. Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet, especially those with vitamin C. Apart from that, drink plenty of water and other liquids. Sitz baths can provide immediate relief to hemorrhoid itching. It will be better to use warm water for this purpose. It will be beneficial to soak the area for at least ten minutes, every time you use the sitz bath and repeat this two to four times a day.

You may also resort to alternative medicine like homeopathy. However, a diet filled with fruits and vegetables, consumption of lots of fluids and regular exercise, can prevent hemorrhoids and also control the symptoms associated with it. It is advisable to avoid self medication. Consult a doctor and get the condition diagnosed, before resorting to any treatment.