How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids In South Africa
Overview
Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that are found inside or around the bottom (the rectum and anus). In many cases, haemorrhoids don’t cause symptoms, and some people don’t even realise they have them.
Swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that cause discomfort and bleeding.
Haemorrhoids are usually caused by straining during bowel movements, obesity or pregnancy.
Discomfort is a common symptom, especially during bowel movements or when sitting. Other symptoms include itching and bleeding.
A high-fibre diet can be effective, along with stool softeners. In some cases, a medical procedure to remove the haemorrhoid may be needed to provide relief.
How To Get Rid Of External Hemorrhoids In South Africa
- Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can worsen symptoms from existing hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.
- Use topical treatments. Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent.
- Soak regularly in a warm bath or sitz bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day. A sitz bath fits over the toilet.
- Take oral pain relievers. You can use acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) temporarily to help relieve your discomfort.
Medications
If your hemorrhoids produce only mild discomfort, your doctor might suggest over-the-counter creams, ointments, suppositories or pads. These products contain ingredients such as witch hazel, or hydrocortisone and lidocaine, which can temporarily relieve pain and itching.
Don’t use an over-the-counter steroid cream for more than a week unless directed by your doctor because it can thin your skin.
External hemorrhoid thrombectomy
If a painful blood clot (thrombosis) has formed within an external hemorrhoid, your doctor can remove the hemorrhoid, which can provide prompt relief. This procedure, done under local anesthesia, is most effective if done within 72 hours of developing a clot.
Minimally invasive procedures
Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoid Open pop-up dialog box
For persistent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids, your doctor might recommend one of the other minimally invasive procedures available. These treatments can be done in your doctor’s office or other outpatient setting and don’t usually require anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the fastest way to get rid of an external hemorrhoid in South Africa?
Apply an over-the-counter hemorrhoid cream or suppository containing hydrocortisone, or use pads containing witch hazel or a numbing agent. Soak regularly in a warm bath or sitz bath. Soak your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day. A sitz bath fits over the toilet.
Can you get rid of external hemorrhoids completely?
External hemorrhoids will usually go away on their own. Taking steps to reduce the incidence of constipation and avoiding straining with bowel movements can help a person reduce the likelihood of developing any types of hemorrhoids.
How do they remove an external hemorrhoid?
Acutely tender, thrombosed external hemorrhoids can be surgically removed if encountered within the first 72 hours after onset. Hemorrhoidectomy is performed through an elliptic incision over the site of thrombosis with removal of the entire diseased hemorrhoidal plexus in one piece.
Can I remove a hemorrhoid myself?
Both external and prolapsed hemorrhoids, as well as thrombosed external hemorrhoids, might feel like a hard pimple, leading some people to try popping them the way they would a zit. But is this even possible? Technically, you can pop a hemorrhoid to release blood, but this isn’t recommended.
How long does external hemorrhoids last?
There is no set duration for hemorrhoids. Small hemorrhoids may clear up without any treatment within a few days. Large, external hemorrhoids may take longer to heal and can cause significant pain and discomfort. If hemorrhoids have not resolved within a few days, it is best to see a doctor for treatment.
Is surgery necessary for external hemorrhoids?
The ASCRS estimates that less than 10 percent of hemorrhoid cases require surgery, but this can become necessary in some cases when external or prolapsed hemorrhoids become too irritated, infected, or when there are complications.
Why won’t my hemorrhoid go away?
If you have hemorrhoids that won’t go away, see your doctor. They can recommend a variety of treatments, ranging from diet and lifestyle changes to procedures. It’s important you see your doctor if: You’re experiencing discomfort in your anal area or have bleeding during bowel movements.
What does a external hemorrhoid look like?
Prolapsed hemorrhoids look like swollen red lumps or bumps coming out of your anus. You may be able to see them if you use a mirror to examine this area. Prolapsed hemorrhoids may have no other symptom than the protrusion, or they may cause pain or discomfort, itchiness, or burning.
What is a Grade 4 hemorrhoid?
Grade 4 (severe) – A hemorrhoid(s) extends outside the anus and are not able to be manually pushed back inside. If you have this seek medical attention immediately. There are significant potential complications.
Is Vaseline good for hemorrhoids?
Here’s how to treat hemorrhoids with Vaseline. Petroleum jelly can soothe the affected area if you dab a bit onto the sore spot for quicker hemorrhoid relief.
Can you band external hemorrhoids at home?
While they can be uncomfortable, they’re relatively common in adults. In some cases, you can treat them at home. Hemorrhoid banding, also called rubber band ligation, is a treatment method for hemorrhoids that don’t respond to home treatments.
Can I pop a hemorrhoid with a needle?
Avoid popping at-home hemorrhoids, even with sterile tools like tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Attempting to pop a hemorrhoid puts pressure on the bulging blood vessel. Blood vessels can open under enough pressure to create an open wound, which typically causes bleeding.
Does touching hemorrhoids make them worse?
Hemorrhoid symptoms vary depending on whether the inflamed veins are external or internal. External hemorrhoids may cause itching and pain, especially while seated. Also, you may feel one or more tender lumps around the anal area. Scratching, rubbing or excessively cleaning the area can make symptoms worse.
What happens if hemorrhoids go untreated?
Though your hemorrhoids may retract back inside on their own, or with a little help from you, prolapsed hemorrhoids tend to worsen over time. When left untreated, your internal prolapsed hemorrhoid may get trapped outside the anus and cause significant irritation, itching, bleeding, and pain.
Can I push a hemorrhoid back in?
Yes, you can push a hemorrhoid back in. In fact, pushing it back inside can protect the blood vessel and lower your risk of getting a blood clot or hemorrhoid strangulation. A strangulated hemorrhoid happens when an internal hemorrhoid pushes outside the anus and gets trapped outside by sphincter muscles
Can external hemorrhoids burst?
An external hemorrhoid can burst if it becomes thrombosed, meaning that a blood clot has formed in the hemorrhoid. If this happens, people may feel a hard, painful lump outside their anus. If too much pressure builds up in a thrombosed hemorrhoid, it can burst.