The Difference Between External and Internal Hemorrhoids
Most people will eventually deal with either internal or external hemorrhoids. A hemorrhoid that occurs when the tissue inside the rectum becomes inflamed is designated as an internal hemorrhoid, and the external variety occurs when the anal tissue becomes swollen and irritated outside the body.
It is a lot easier to identify external hemorrhoids, as the inflamed areas of anal tissue and the lumps that they produce are outside of the body and can be readily seen and touched. These lumpy, swollen areas are often called “piles”, and they can become itchy, raw, and painful. Following defecation, red blood may appear on the paper when the area is wiped. Pain when sitting is common with external hemorrhoids and getting rid of them for good can feel like a nightmare.
Home remedies such as sitz baths and practicing better personal hygiene, as well as over the counter products such as pads, creams, etc., will help in healing external hemorrhoids. These remedies alleviate the discomfort and the hemorrhoids usually disappear entirely within a few weeks.
Most hemorrhoids that occur internally are not particularly painful; in fact, until the individual notices bloody stools or stained toilet paper when wiping after a bowel movement, he or she may be unaware of the problem. Internal hemorrhoids can also cause a non-painful, persistent urge to move the bowels, even when there is no necessity to do so. If the internal hemorrhoids are very large, they can be excruciatingly painful during defecation, and because they are inside the body, using ointments, creams, or pads is not appropriate.
Very large internal hemorrhoids that swell and protrude through the anal opening are said to be prolapsed hemorrhoids. A heavy discharge of blood and/or mucous is frequently experienced by a person who has prolapsed hemorrhoids, and the seepage can cause acute itching and inflammation of the anal area.
If the swelling is not too acute, pain while sitting or when wiping after a bowel movement can be avoided by carefully pushing the prolapsed hemorrhoids into the rectum. However, if you have any idea that you might be dealing with a prolapsed hemorrhoid it is wise to see medical attention immediately. Strangulation can occur with an acutely swollen prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be returned to the rectum. Strangulated hemorrhoids also occur when a clot has formed in its blood supply, that is, the blood supply to the hemorrhoid has been cut off, resulting in excruciating pain. Strangulated hemorrhoids require emergency medical attention.
If you’re unsure whether you have internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids, it’s always best to consult your physician.
There are various options when it comes to treating a painful case of hemorrhoids, from simple hemorrhoid home treatment to various procedures performed in a doctor’s office. Find out the best approach for you at Get Rid of Hemorrhoids.
Filed under: Hemorrhoids | No Comments »


