External Hemorrhoids Treatment

Posted by admin

August 17, 2008

External hemorrhoids are swollen areas of the skin that appears around the anus. This sac-like protrusion is often characterized by itchiness, pain and irritation. There are different factors that contribute to the development of external hemorrhoids. Working in an office sitting all day, straining while lifting heavy objects while on job, pregnancy, aging, anal intercourse, constipation, and chronic diarrhea are some of the causes. Depending on the severity, treatment can be simple as taking more fibers or as complex as having surgery. You’ll soon learn the different treatment options available in case you have developed external hemorrhoids.

The simplest way of treating external hemorrhoids is by taking sitz baths. The most convenient way to take this bath is to use a plastic sitz bath that’s readily available in most drug store chains or in medical supply stores. If you don’t want to purchase a sitz bath, then you can use a bath tub or a shallow bucket. Next, you need to fill it with warm water and sit on it to cover your buttocks and hips for 15 to 20 minutes. The warm water will allow more blood to reach those areas which will help ease discomfort such as pain and itchiness. After taking the sitz bath, make sure to properly dry the area with a clean and soft towel. Avoid rubbing the areas, instead, gently pat them to dry. Air drying is also recommended by some practitioners.

Adjusting your diet accompanied by exercise is another way of treating external hemorrhoids. Start taking in more fiber by eating more fruits and vegetables. Most common sources are beans, apple, peas, barley, citrus fruits, oats and squash. Having lots of fiber in your diet will prevent constipation and soften your stools which can help treat external hemorrhoids.

It also follows that you increase your water intake by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily. This will sustain the smooth flow of digestion. When it comes to exercise, it doesn’t mean that you have to undergo an extensive workout regimen. Simple exercises like running or walking is sufficient as long as you do them regularly. I know that some have really busy schedules so what we can do here is to incorporate exercise in our daily routine. Instead of taking the elevator when going into your office, you might want to use the stairs instead. If your floor is too high, consider using the stairs when going down instead.

If the external hemorrhoids are so severe that natural ways of treatment no longer work, it’s time to consider undergoing a surgery like hemorrhoidectomy. In this procedure, the hemorrhoids will be cut using a scalpel. General or spinal anesthesia will be given prior to the operation so that you won’t feel any pain. After hemorrhoidectomy, your doctor may give you some pain relievers and stool softeners to aid with your recovery. Sitz baths may also be needed to ease discomfort and pain during the recovery process. This is a major operation so if you’re considering this treatment, it’s best that you consult your doctor first.

Several treatment options are available for external hemorrhoids treatment. For minor symptoms, taking a sitz bath can help heal the hemorrhoids and provide relief. Constipation is another factor that causes internal hemorrhoids so adding more fiber and regular exercise should help make your bowel movement smoother. For severe cases, hemorrhoidectomy is one of the surgical procedure available. Your doctor should know if this is the right treatment option for you.