External Hemorrhoid Treatment: Surgery Is Your Last Option

External hemorrhoids (which are hemorrhoids that take place outside the anus) can cause a significant amount of pain, itching, and swelling. External hemorrhoids are usually caused by the veins surrounding the anus bursting. This can be caused for various reasons. External hemorrhoids are painful and can also be dangerous because there is some risk of the victim developing a blood clot or bleeding from a ruptured vein.

External hemorrhoids should be treated by a doctor because of the pain and risk involved. Sometimes they will need to be treated with surgery. The course of external hemorrhoid treatment a doctor chooses depends on the severity of the hemorrhoids. The treatment also depends on whether or not the patient is wiling to endure surgery or if they would rather rely on medication that will ease the suffering while the hemorrhoids heal. The medicine usually only provides temporary relief.

One of the first precautions a person suffering from external hemorrhoids should take is to keep the anal area as clean and hygienic as possible. This should be done so that bacteria doesn’t fester and cause an infection. Additionally, to prevent further attacks of external hemorrhoids the patient should be sure to eat a diet that is high in fiber.

Eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is a healthy way to increase fiber naturally. Fiber softens the stool and makes it easier to eliminate which is welcome relief to someone suffering from external hemorrhoids. If the patient has not been eating a high fiber diet, fiber should be introduced gradually. Too much fiber all of a sudden can cause constipation which is the opposite of what is needed. Also, with high fiber foods make sure to drink plenty of water.

Another way to provide relief from external hemorrhoids is through the application of many of the soothing creams and ointments manufactured for this purpose. Another way to provide external hemorrhoid treatment is by avoiding junk food and spicy foods -- these can both aggravate hemorrhoids.

Additionally, large amounts of alcohol and smoking should be eliminated as these both harden stools and make them hard and painful to eliminate. Alcohol and smoking also increase blood pressure which aggravates an external hemorrhoid condition.

One of the easiest and most effective treatments for external hemorrhoids is to use a sitz bath. A sitz bath usually provides immediate relief to someone suffering from hemorrhoids. Ice packs applied to the anal region can also provide numbing comfort.

The final, and most extreme, resort is to have surgery to remove the painful hemorrhoids. If you would rather avoid surgery you may want to experiment with some of the natural remedies listed above or research others that may help your painful situation. Whatever you do... don’t just sit around and do nothing! Sitting is the absolute last thing someone suffering from external hemorrhoids will want to do!