Hemorrhoids are common that occur equally in men and women worldwide. It is estimated that half of the people will have hemorrhoids by the age of 50 years. When the veins around the anal canal swell, they cause a condition called hemorrhoids. It occurs when extra pressure is put during physical activity, pregnancy or childbirth, etc. More commonly, those who have a family history of hemorrhoids may develop the same condition. Hemorrhoids are best treated through prevention. Various surgical options are also available but are commonly performed for severe hemorrhoids. There are various symptoms that vary among patients with hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, most hemorrhoid patients do not consult a doctor because they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because of the location of this disease.

What Is External Hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal disease that causes discomfort and pain. Generally, they are vascular cushions of tissues filled with blood vessels present in the anus and rectum of the human body. When they become enlarged, the condition or the disease is called hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids are commonly called as piles. The role of external hemorrhoids is not very clear, but it is believed that they help to control bowel movements.

What Are the Types of Hemorrhoids?

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

Internal Hemorrhoids: They are present within the anal canal and are three in number in general. On the right side, there are two internal hemorrhoids, and on the left side, there is one internal hemorrhoid.
External Hemorrhoids: They are present on the lower side of the anal canal, covered by skin and anoderm.

What Causes External Hemorrhoids?

The exact factor is unknown, but there are several possible factors, such as:

Aging.
Upright sitting posture.
Pregnancy.
Heavy lifting.
Weakened support tissues.
Heredity.
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Constipation.
Obesity.
Straining while pooping.
Not eating enough fiber.
Long-standing diarrhea.
Prolonged sitting time in the toilet.

What Are the Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids?

The patient may feel or suffer from:

Itching.
Bleeding without pain.
Presence of blood in the stool.
Discomfort.

Depending on the severity, hemorrhoid symptoms are of different types, as mentioned below:

Grade 1: Slightly enlarged hemorrhoids but invisible from the outside of the anus.
Grade 2: Enlarged hemorrhoids that come out when passing stool or other physical activity. They go inside on their own.
Grade 3: Enlarged hemorrhoids that come out when passing stool or other physical activity and do not go inside on their own.
Grade 4: They remain enlarged and outside the anus and cannot be pushed back inside. They are also called rectal prolapse.

How to Treat External Hemorrhoids Without Surgery?

Based on the symptoms and severity of hemorrhoids, it is important to see a doctor. The non-surgical treatment includes:

High fiber diet.
Avoid excessive physical activity to avoid pressure on hemorrhoids.
Decrease the toilet time.
Increase water intake.
Take warm tub baths for healing.
Apply an ice pack.

Other treatments are:

Rubber band ligation in which a ligator or elastic band is placed around the hemorrhoid. It holds hemorrhoids in place. It takes six to eight weeks to completely remove the hemorrhoids.
Medications such as Hydrocortisone and Lidocaine may help to reduce itching and pain temporarily.
Sclerotherapy is when a liquid is injected into the hemorrhoids to make them shrink.
Electrotherapy uses electric current given to the hemorrhoids to make them shrink.
Infrared coagulation is done with the help of infrared light to cut the blood supply and shrink the hemorrhoids.

Medications Suggested for Managing Hemorrhoids Include:

Pain relievers like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin, will help manage the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Doctors also recommend over-the-counter creams, ointments, and medicated pads. These may contain numb-inducing products or irritation-reducing products.

Surgical Treatments Include:

Hemorrhoidectomy: It will remove the hemorrhoid and the clot after making an incision or cut. It is a small surgery done under local anesthesia. The extra tissues that cause bleeding are completely removed. The curing rate is 95 % and has low complications. It is the most effective treatment. It is performed using a sharp instrument such as scissors or scalpel, and the surgery site is closed with sutures. All the hemorrhoid columns are treated or removed together.
Open Hemorrhoidectomy: It is similar to traditional hemorrhoidectomy except that the incision is left open.
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: The hemorrhoids are stapled back inside the anal. It is a new technique and is used in grade 3 and 4 hemorrhoid symptoms.
Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation: The blood vessels are cut to shrink the hemorrhoids.

What Are the Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids?

Warm Bath: A warm bath helps to reduce the irritation or pain caused by the affected area. A Sitz bath is used, a small tub that fits the toilet seat where warm water can be filled, and the affected area can be immersed. A 20 minute sitz bath post every bowel movement helps to manage hemorrhoids. In addition to this, adding Epsom salt to the warm water helps.
Cold Compress: Using an ice cube to cold compress the affected area for about 15 minutes helps to reduce any swelling. For huge painful hemorrhoids, a cold compress using ice cubes helps.
Witch Hazel: It is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce pain, itching, or any swelling over the affected area.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce irritation or pain caused due to hemorrhoids.
Smoothing Wipes: Using toilet wipes can increase the irritation of the external hemorrhoids, so moisture wipes are used.
Loose Cotton Cloths: Using a loose cotton cloth helps keep the anal area breathable, clean, and dry. Tight and polyester clothes should be avoided.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce irritation.

How to Prevent External Hemorrhoids from Developing?

There are some methods that can help in prevention of external hemorrhoids, they are:

Avoid Straining to Poop - Avoid sitting for long time on toilet for long time.
Take Measures to Prevent Constipation - Have diet rich in high fiber foods, drink lots of water, take fiber supplements.
Avoid Lifting Heavy Weights - Do not strain yourself.
Seek for professional advice if you are at higher risk.

What Are the Complications of Hemorrhoidectomy?

Pain.
Urinary tract infection.
Fecal Impaction - It is dry and hard stool stuck or impacted in the rectum.
Fecal Incontinence - Leakage of the stool from the rectum unintentionally when the patient is not able to control the movement.
Anal Stricture - It is the narrowing of the anal canal, making stool difficult to pass.

Conclusion:

Hemorrhoids are common diseases that affect many people. Usually both types of hemorrhoids go away on their own, but sometimes medical intervention can be required. It is best to prevent constipation and take a high-fiber diet to treat hemorrhoids. There is no quick treatment that can treat hemorrhoids within 48 hours, but hemorrhoidectomy is the most effective treatment option available.