External hemorrhoids
External hemorrhoids - The big picture: External hemorrhoids occur on the outer portion of the anal cavity and can be felt as lumps, sacs, or nodules on and around the anus. External hemorrhoids are caused when the internal tissues of the anal cavity become irritated and start to distend, exposing them outside of the body. External hemorrhoids can be itch, become extremely painful to the touch, and even bleed. If left untreated or if home treatment fails external hemorrhoids can progress into a thrombosed state. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are external hemorrhoids were blood becomes trapped and clotted in the vessel which under normal and healthy conditions supports the surrounding anal tissues with a steadily flowing supply of blood. A figurative picture of a thrombosed vein would be that of a basketball full of air where the air represent trapped blood within the vessel. Symptoms can become unbearable and the condition can reach a point where serious medical attention is needed up to and including surgery for the either removal of the blood clot and vein, or blood clot alone.
Treatment of external hemorrhoids: There are several ways to treat external hemorrhoids and any home treatment available currently can provide relief for any symptom related to onset of a hemorrhoid attack. During the early stages of an attack it important to increase water and fiber intake. It might be a good idea to include a stool softener incase of constipation or to reduce the likelihood that passing of hard fecal matter will lead to further irritation and worsening of external bleeding. Along with taking measures to address internal factors that exist in the body at the time of an attack the external area of the anus must be treated as well. There are several products available over the counter such as suppositories which act as constrictors and protectors. There are also creams and ointments that provide a pain relieving affect. Wipes and pads are available and useful in their astringent properties. There are several herbal remedies on the market as well. As a precautionary measure, it is always a wise idea to consult a pharmacist or physician prior to following any particular course of treatment to prevent adverse reactions. When external hemorrhoids get to a point where they are thrombosed, surgery for relief maybe the only option for treatment. Just the mere picture of a thrombosed external hemorrhoid and the treatment thereof is motivation enough the keep up with a healthy diet, hydration, exercise to prevent the internal triggers that can lead to irritation of the hemorrhoid tissue.
Thrombosed external hemorrhoids - important things to know: Internal bleeding of the blood vessel located inside of the irritated and distended tissues can become blocked and clotted or thrombosed. Home treatment can have limited affects on the internal blood clot. Thrombosed treatment requires either the body breaking down and absorbing the clot, or removal of the clot by surgical means. Either way, the overall treatment picture of a thrombosed hemorrhoid is hardly pleasant. If attempts are made to avoid surgery the sufferer of the hemorrhoid attack can experience prolonged pain, swelling, and irritation, until any particular symptom becomes so acute that surgery is inevitable. Surgery for thrombosed external hemorrhoids is relatively quick and few complications have been experienced or reported.
Characteristics of external hemorrhoids as seen in photos: Photos of external hemorrhoids show their formation clearly on the exterior of the anus, as external hemorrhoids are defined as anal tissue that becomes irritated and swollen and begins to distend form the anal cavity. An external hemorrhoid appears as a red lump, sac, or nodule where bleeding can occur. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids present with a tinge of blue or purple as the swollen and clotted vein can be seen from beneath the swollen and tender tissue.
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