What Are External Hemorrhoids?
The term
hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. There are several groups of veins that surround the rectum and anus -- one group is known as internal hemorrhoidal veins, the others are known as external hemorrhoidal veins. External hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure within the external hemorrhoidal veins.
There are a number of conditions that can increase pressure within the external hemorrhoidal veins. These risk factors include:
- Straining to move stool, or other poor bowel habits such as sitting for long periods
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea
- Anal intercourse
- Cirrhosis
- Obesity
- A high-fat, low-fiber diet.
Symptoms of External Hemorrhoids
Unlike
internal hemorrhoids, which are usually not painful, external hemorrhoids can be quite painful. For a person with an external hemorrhoid, symptoms may also include:
These symptoms can be caused by excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus. Draining mucus may also cause itching.
External
hemorrhoid symptoms may also include a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
Keep in mind that not everyone with external hemorrhoids will have symptoms.
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