External hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels around the anal canal that can cause discomfort and soreness. They can be felt as hard or soft swelling and may cause rectal bleeding, itching, or burning. Good hygiene practices, a high-fiber diet, and plenty of fluids can help prevent and treat hemorrhoids. If symptoms persist, medical treatment may be necessary. Rectal bleeding should always be taken seriously and diagnosed by a doctor.
External hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids, body tissue that surrounds enlarged blood vessels, which are present just outside the anal canal. People can also have internal hemorrhoids and these cannot be felt because they are inside the canal. The latter tend to show symptoms such as light bleeding after a bowel movement and the former can be much more uncomfortable and make the skin around the anus sore or tender, especially after people have bowel movements. External hemorrhoids can occasionally feel very uncomfortable at all times.
If a person feels the area around the anal opening, they may be able to feel one or more swollen areas. The swelling can feel hard or soft. It is not always possible to feel it as swelling is not always present. It can come or go depending on what’s causing the external hemorrhoids.
It is possible to feel a hemorrhoid that appears to come from the anus. This is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid and is actually internal swelling that has come out. Other symptoms of internal/external hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding, particularly after a bowel movement, and a burning, itching, or uncomfortable sensation, especially with external hemorrhoids.
There are numerous things that can cause hemorrhoids. Those who habitually suffer from constipation are more at risk for this condition. Pregnant women are likely to develop internal or external hemorrhoids. People with frequent bouts of diarrhea can also get this condition. Other potential causes may include obesity, but people with few of these complications can develop hemorrhoids as well.
People who develop external hemorrhoids should know that there are many ways to treat the condition. One of the most important things may be observing good hygiene practices after using the toilet. Small witch hazel swabs or wipes can be used to thoroughly clean the outer anal area after a bowel movement. Witch hazel can also be beneficial because it can help curb itching or burning sensations with regular use. Another useful tip can be to apply ice to the external area for about ten minutes a couple of times a day.
Since things like constipation often cause hemorrhoids, it’s important to eat a diet high in fiber and get plenty of fluids. When this swelling is caused by pregnancy, it is often self-limited to the pregnancy and may go away shortly after delivery. If your hemorrhoids don’t go away or seem to get worse, there are more invasive ways to treat them, including surgery, a variety of light, electric, or laser treatments, chemical treatments, or a procedure called rubber band ligation, which destroys the blood vessel contained in the tissue .
People should be aware that rectal bleeding should always be taken seriously and it is not always possible to tell whether the bleeding is external or internal. There are serious diseases of which rectal bleeding is a hallmark. Before attempting any self-treatment measures, people should consult their doctors if they notice rectal bleeding, to get a concrete diagnosis.
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