External Hemorrhoids: Causes, Relief, and What You Can Do at Home
When you feel a tender lump right outside your anus, it’s often external hemorrhoids, swollen veins just under the skin around the anal opening that become inflamed and painful. Also known as perianal hematomas, they’re not the same as internal ones—you can see and feel them, and they often hurt more, especially when sitting or during bowel movements. Unlike internal hemorrhoids, which bleed silently, external ones bring the pain front and center—sometimes with a purple or blue lump you can touch, especially after straining or lifting heavy stuff.
What makes them flare up? Sitting too long, chronic constipation, pregnancy, or even heavy lifting. They’re not caused by spicy food or stress alone, but those can make things worse. The real culprit? Pressure. When blood pools in the veins around your anus and can’t drain properly, they swell up like a balloon. You might notice itching, sharp pain during bowel movements, or even a small clot forming inside the hemorrhoid—this is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid and it’s one of the most painful versions.
Here’s the good news: most external hemorrhoids don’t need surgery. Many clear up on their own in a week or two with simple care. Warm sitz baths, over-the-counter creams with witch hazel or hydrocortisone, and avoiding straining can help a lot. Staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, and apples keeps stools soft so you don’t have to push. Some people swear by ice packs to reduce swelling, and others find relief with cushioned seats when sitting for long periods. But if the pain is unbearable, the lump turns dark, or you’re bleeding heavily, that’s when you need to see a doctor—because it could be something else, like an abscess or fissure.
You’ll find real stories here from people who’ve dealt with this exact problem—how they managed pain at home, what products actually worked, and when they finally went to the clinic. We’ve gathered posts that cut through the noise: no fluff, no miracle cures, just practical advice on what helps, what doesn’t, and how to avoid making it worse. Whether you’re looking for natural remedies, signs you need professional care, or how to tell external hemorrhoids apart from other conditions, you’ll find clear, no-nonsense guidance below.
Hemorrhoids: Internal vs. External and What Actually Works for Treatment
Learn the difference between internal and external hemorrhoids, what causes them, and proven treatment options - from home care to surgery. Stop guessing and start managing your symptoms effectively.
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