Before we explore in depth what external hemorrhoids are, it is essential to understand what hemorrhoids are in general.

If the veins around the anus or the lower rectum get swollen or inflamed it leads to a condition called hemorrhoids (piles).  Hemorrhoids can be categorized into two different kinds.

In the most lucid language, it can be said that the hemorrhoid that originates at the rectal or top side of the anal canal is the internal hemorrhoid, while if it originates at the lower end of the anal canal near the anus, it is referred to as external hemorrhoids.

Technically speaking, when the hemorrhoidal vessels become enlarged into a sac like protrusion under the skin around the anus, they form external hemorrhoids. Similarly, the protrusion of the vessels inside the rectal canal causes internal hemorrhoids.

The reasons why hemorrhoids form are not always very clear yet. However, if the blood pools in the external hemorrhoid forming a thrombus (clot), the same external hemorrhoid is termed as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

The most common risk factor for such swelling is undoubtedly chronic constipation.  Other than this, the list below can also be either contributing factors or add to or bring on the problem of hemorrhoids:

• Cirrhosis of liver
• Anal infection
• Anal intercourse
• Overweight
• sneezing
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Prolonged sitting
• pregnancy

The most important cause of concern here is the fact that the skin around external hemorrhoids is very sensitive and this can make the them much more painful than the internal hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids generally occur along the 3cm anal canal where the skin changes to mucous membrane.

Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids

Some of the most prominent symptoms for this condition include:

• Swelling
• Severe pain
• A hard lump with blue or purple tint in the anal region.

Together with this, there can be burning sensations, irritation and rectal itching in the area concerned. A common problem with external hemorrhoids is that they do not show clear symptoms in everyone and therefore, at times diagnosis becomes difficult.

In such cases, doctors generally ask for a brief medical history, as well as carrying out a physical examination and certain tests. A thorough evaluation and diagnosis is very important to get rid of this painful condition.

The general treatment of external hemorrhoids includes thermotherapy with the use of ice packs or a sitz bath several times a day. This can provide immense relief in pain and swelling. Other than these, stool softeners and lots of fibers and water in your diet can also be extremely helpful. Apart from these, itching and inflammation can often be alleviated with over-the-counter medicines and ointments.

In the case of thrombosed hemorrhoids, some pain medicines may also be prescribed since these external hemorrhoids are extremely painful. In extreme cases, surgery becomes unavoidable.

Most of the time, external hemorrhoids take several days to heal. To avoid such painful situations, it is recommended to use some preventive measures like reducing constipation. The best way to do this is to include a lot of fruits and fiber in your diet along with water, as well as performing regular exercises and rigorous walking activities. Keeping your stools soft will decrease pressure and straining and also the chances of getting Hemorrhoids.