Posts Tagged ‘External Hemorrhoids’
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids Treatment
This type of hemorrhoid is one which has originated from above the dentate line in the anal canal this has no nerve therefore are often painless. Below the line which has nerves are called external Hemorrhoids. This is why it can be a bit of a shock when you feel a piece of tissue outside your body which should be inside. This piece of tissue will not feel painful unless it has become strangulated or thrombosed that is to say that the hemorrhoid has become stuck outside the anus and you cannot push it back inside. If the tissue has become strangulated it will become painful and inflamed and you will need to seek medical help urgently.
Treatment for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
If you have suffered with prolapsed hemorrhoids this will mean that when you visit your Doctor you will referred to a Consultant at a hospital in your area. The surgeon will discuss your options with you when you go for your initial consultation and will usually suggest surgery of a Hemorrhoidectomy or Hemorrhoidopexy.
Internal Rectal Examination
This will involve the doctor doing what’s called a rectal examination, you will be asked to remove your underwear in privacy and lie on your side on the doctor’s couch. The doctor will ask you to lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest with your bottom towards the doctor. The doctor will gentle part your buttocks and look at your external anus to see if you have external hemorrhoids or any rash or skin tags. You may be asked to push gently as if you were going to have a bowel motion. The doctor will then lubricate the gloved finger which will be gently inserted into your anus. The doctor will be able to feel around inside the rectum to feel how your anal sphincter functions (which is the tight band around your anus which relaxes when you excrete your stool). The doctor will feel to check if you have internal hemorrhoids.
Occasionally your Doctor may wish to examine your rectum with a proctoscope this is a usually a disposable plastic conical shaped instrument with a rounded end which can be removed so that the doctor can see into the rectum they may have a separate light which they will place in position to help with the visibility. Once the procedure is complete they will either wipe off the excess lubricant or offer you tissues to do this yourself in privacy with the curtains around you. You will then be able to get dressed the doctor will then discuss their findings with you. This is not usually done during the procedure as you will have you mind on other thoughts.
If the doctor is completely satisfied that you have hemorrhoids they will offer you advice on how to treat them. If they feel that a surgeon should take a look and /or an endoscopy is appropriate for further investigations this will be arranged and you will be sent an appointment.
Hemorrhoids Cream
(OTC) Over the counter preparations can be purchased from you local chemist. If you speak to the pharmacist they will usually be able to help you decide which preparation will help you with your specific problem. Like all things in life creams/ lotions should be applied in moderation. Most of these topical creams will contain some of the following attributes.
- Local anaesthetic
This causes a short term numbing effect and a good form of topical pain relief. It may cause allergic reactions and should not be used for longer than a week at time as it might make the condition worse - Hydrocortisone 1%
This is an anti inflammatory product used for reducing the local irritation of swelling, burning, and itching sensations which you experience with external hemorrhoids - Vasoconstrictors
Ephedrine is one of the most common constrictors – this act by shrinking the blood vessels thereby reducing pain and bleeding. - Astringents
These can dry the skin surface and should be used sparingly witch hazel is one of these and it can reduce itching and swelling. - Corticosteriods
These should be used with great caution. They reduce the inflamed area around the anus and relieve itching however they should not be used for more than two weeks continuously as they may cause permanent skin damage. - Barriers / Skin Protectors
The are called barrier creams as they act as a barrier to the leakage of faecal mucous and fluid from the anal canal. This fluid can lead to irritation and soreness around the anus the cream protects the skin.
External Hemorrhoids
These hemorrhoids are fortunately not so common and are usually found on the outer rim of the anal sphincter (the tight band of tissue). These can become irritated by mucus, creams, fungal infections and occasionally they can become thrombosed – which means a clot has formed inside them.
These are very painful and require urgent treatment, you will need to seek help from your doctor or if the pain is very severe your A&E department if necessary.If you are extremely unfortunate you may suffer from both external and internal hemorrhoids
