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External hemorrhoids are characterized by the appearance of anal pain, especially when defecating, and by the presence of anal itching and small nodules that come out of the anus.
In most cases, external hemorrhoids disappear in just 2 days with simple measures such as sitz baths, use of ointments, and measures such as avoiding standing for too long, and increasing fiber and water consumption, to soften the stool. However, when these measures are not enough, surgery may be recommended to permanently remove the hemorrhoids.
Check out in the video below the best home remedies to improve hemorrhoids quickly:
How to identify
External hemorrhoids are dilated veins that come out of the anus usually due to intense straining during bowel movements, or from chronic constipation, which cause symptoms such as:
- Sharp pain in the anal region worse when defecating and sitting down;
- Itching in the anus due to leakage of mucus and small particles of feces;
- Palpation of one or more nodules or balls in the anus;
- Light bleeding after straining to evacuate.
Most of the time, external hemorrhoids also bleed due to trauma to the vein, when passing stool or when cleaning the area with toilet paper. In this case, the best thing to do is wash the area whenever you evacuate, with soap and water, to reduce the symptoms and thus achieve faster improvement.
How to treat
Treatment for external hemorrhoids is usually done with a warm sitz bath, relieving local pain. If the 'ball' has come out through the anus, it can be reintroduced with a clean finger, to avoid further complications. The sitz bath will deflate the site and anesthetize, facilitating the manual introduction process.
However, other measures are also important and are part of the initial treatment, such as avoiding using toilet paper, preferring moist tissues or washing the area with soap and water. Avoid lifting weights, avoid straining to have a bowel movement, eat more fiber, drink plenty of water, do physical activity and avoid standing or sitting for long hours.
In more severe cases, when it is not possible to find relief from the symptoms with these measures, surgery may be indicated to permanently remove the hemorrhoid. See how surgery is performed to remove hemorrhoids without cuts.
Main causes
Hemorrhoids are related to:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Inflammation of the anal region;
- Obesity;
- Chronic constipation;
- Working many hours on your feet;
- Aging and relaxation of anal sphincter support fibers;
- Pregnancy;
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Diet low in fiber.
Hemorrhoidal disease affects about half of the adult population, but not everyone has prolonged symptoms. The most common is for a person to experience hemorrhoid symptoms once or twice throughout their lives, at times such as pregnancy or during a different eating phase than usual, for example. However, when a person has a crisis once, they are more likely to develop a new hemorrhoidal attack later.
When to go to the doctor
A medical evaluation is recommended when hemorrhoid symptoms are present for more than 48 hours and interfere with everyday tasks. When it is not possible to find relief of symptoms with the use of medicines, ointments and changes in lifestyle, in just 2 days of treatment, the general practitioner may recommend a consultation with a proctologist to assess the need for surgery and thus achieve a cure. definitive.
