External Hemorrhoids --

What Can You Do for Relief?

External hemorrhoids can cause a lot of suffering, so if you have them --  you need help. An external hemorrhoid may be a hard lump caused by a blood clot within a vein which is created when a swollen vein in the area ruptures. It's very unpleasant to experience this condition as it might bleed and itch. Think of it as varicose vein outside the anus.

This area can become very irritated and uncomfortable.

When a blood clot becomes enlarged, you'll probably find that walking becomes painful. You'll also have trouble going to the restroom and even sitting. The skin around the anus is extremely sensitive as well.

If you have external hemorrhoids, you're not alone because a lot of other people suffer with them too.

There does seem to be a genetic basis when it comes to developing hemorrhoids since this disorder seems to run in families. But you can protect yourself to a certain extent by having enough fiber in your diet and getting proper exercise.

If you have external hemorrhoids, your treatment options are different than if you have internal ones.

You can try to see if the external hemorrhoids that have blood clots in them will go away by themselves by being absorbed by the body. If you take hot baths and use topical treatments, that just may help. But many health experts feel that it's best to remove the blood clots through surgery.

If you opt for surgery, your doctor may cut a small slit over the clot and then squeeze out the contents. This is quickly done by your doctor, but it might not work in all cases. That's because the blood clots can return and even make more blood clots. Or your doctor may choose to remove both the blood clot itself as well as the hemorrhoid's blood vessels. This may be a more permanent your but it is more involved probably requiring stitches.

This surgery requires a period of time to fully recuperate from the process and you need to be very careful about what you eat and drink to avoid becoming constipated. To heal properly and to avoid pain, you need to make sure that you soften your stools while you are recovering from surgery. To avoid future hemorrhoids, you need to make sure that you avoid becoming constipated in the future as well.

If you suffer from external hemorrhoids, there is help available. But it's best to avoid getting hemorrhoids in the first place by drinking plenty of water, exercising, avoiding prolonged sitting, and being sure to add enough fiber to your daily diet.