External Hemorrhoids!

External Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be either external or internal depending on where hemorrhoids appear. These hemorrhoids protrude near the anus and are covered by a layer of very tender skin. Painful swelling is a result of a blood clot developing in the hemorrhoids. These feel like a hard, sensitive lump and will bleed if ruptured. External hemorrhoids are the more prevalent of the two types and are associated with the hemorrhoids symptoms we most experience.

External hemorrhoids occur outside the rectum, around the anus. Basically, all swellings or protruding masses at or near the anal opening are considered to be external hemorrhoids (except in the case of prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, which originate internally but can protrude externally as they worsen).

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids are caused by blood pooling in a distended vein and forming a clot, or thrombus, in the outer region of the anus. These particular hemorrhoids usually cause a great deal of pain, as well as some swelling and itching, but they don’t bleed.

External hemorrhoids elicit symptoms caused by acute thrombosis, recurring thromboses, or personal hygiene problems. Acute and recurrent thromboses are managed by identifying the offending vascular cluster with the use of local anesthetic in the doctor's office or other clinical setting. Local anesthetic is injected, then the outer skin and subcutaneous veins are excised.

External hemorrhoids can cause painful symptoms. An acute thrombosis of the subcutaneous hemorrhoidal vein can occur. Acute thrombosis is usually the result of a specific event (e.g., rigorous physical activity, straining with constipation, diarrhea, or reduced fiber in the diet). Pain results when the clot and surrounding edema cause rapid swelling of skin containing a high concentration of nerve endings. This pain can last for one to two weeks, depending on the length of time it takes for the resolution of the thrombosis. At that time, the stretched anoderm remains as excess skin (often referred to as "skin tags"). External thromboses can sometimes erode the outer layer of skin, which can cause bleeding.

External hemorrhoids can create problems with personal hygiene. The excess skin that remains after an acute thrombosis is usually the cause of these problems. This excess perianal skin from external hemorrhoids requires more attention to be paid when cleansing the area to make sure that all of the skin folds have been tended to.