External hemorrhoids can be very painful.  Fortunately there are several different treatment options available to alleviate this painful condition which occurs when the veins surrounding the anus and rectum become inflamed.  Increased pressure to one’s external hemorrhoidal veins is what causes external hemorrhoids.

External Hemorrhoids Causes and Symptoms

This increased pressure can be caused by several factors, including poor bowel habits, a low fiber, high fat diet, obesity, cirrhosis, anal sex, chronic diarrhea or constipation, aging and pregnancy.

Although internal hemorrhoids generally aren’t very painful, this is not the case with external hemorrhoids.  Symptoms may include anal itching, bleeding, painful bowel movements, burning sensations and irritation.  A thrombosed external hemorrhoid can also develop, which is a hard lump surrounding the anus and is the result of blood clots forming.

External Hemorrhoid Treatment Options

External hemorrhoid treatments include taking several warm sitz baths daily, applying ice packs, increasing fiber and fluids to one’s diet, over-the-counter medications such as ointments and topical creams and stool softeners.  If trying a topic hemorrhoid cream, be sure the cream contains an anesthetic like lidocaine, benyl alcohol or benzocaine.  This will help to reduce irritation and pain.

Another hemorrhoid treatment option to try is a pharmaceutical ointment.  Tucks and Preparation H are two well-known ointments available over-the-counter.  These include chemical agents known as vaso-constrictors which help to prevent blood clots from forming and also help to reduce swelling.  The mild anesthetic effects of these ointments can also provide relief from pain and itching fairly quickly.  If you decide to try a hemorrhoids ointment, be sure that it contains epinephrine or ephedrine sulfate.

Astringents such as aloe vera and witch hazel gels can also help to reduce external hemorrhoid symptoms and help to provide fast relief.  Often these treatments will improve one’s symptoms in a few days.

The use of ice cubes and warm sitz baths also can be effective in reducing bleeding and swelling of the hemorrhoid.  Salt and ice cubes can also be added to a sitz bath.

If these home hemorrhoid treatments are not successful, surgery may become necessary.  Surgical options include sclerotherapy, hemorrhoid banding procedures, hemorrhoid laser treatment or a hemorrhoidectomy.

Prevention of External Hemorrhoids

To prevent external hemorrhoids from occurring, good bowel habits should be employed, including emptying ones bowels right away and keeping stool soft to allow it to easily pass through.  Eating a healthy, high fiber diet and implementing a good exercise routine, which includes walking, are also very helpful and will help to reduce the risk of constipation and the development of external hemorrhoids.