External haemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus become irritated. The anus is where faeces exit the body. External haemorrhoids are often itchy, painful, and may bleed and clot. Haemorrhoids are also known as piles, and they form due to an excess of pressure on the veins of the rectum or anus. Everyone is susceptible to haemorrhoids, although age does increase the risk. Only children are rarely diagnosed with external haemorrhoids, and that’s because it takes long-term, repetitive pressure on the veins around the anus to cause a haemorrhoid.
Symptoms of external haemorrhoids include:
External haemorrhoids occur when the veins around the anus are put under a lot of pressure. Pressure can come from different types of strain that are put on the anus, such as:
The biggest risk factor for external haemorrhoids is age. The likelihood of developing haemorrhoids increases significantly with age due to a weakening of the tissues that support the anus and rectum and the veins that supply blood to them. This weakening also happens temporarily in pregnancy.
To diagnose external haemorrhoids, your doctor will take a medical history, asking about any issues passing bowel movements recently and taking into account any risk factors for haemorrhoids. Your doctor will then do a physical examination of the outside of your anus using gloved hands. They should be able to visualise the external haemorrhoids and how severe they are.
Complications of external haemorrhoids include:
Haemorrhoids can often be treated at home by frequently soaking in warm baths, using haemorrhoid cream, beginning to incorporate more fibre into your diet, and taking over the counter painkillers. There are also minimally invasive and surgical treatment options for those dealing with more serious haemorrhoids, including:
There is a lot that you can do to prevent haemorrhoids. They are extremely common, so these preventative measures may not prevent every haemorrhoid, but they will help minimise the symptoms of any haemorrhoids you do get.
Having a high-fibre diet, drinking enough water every day, going to the bathroom when you feel the urge to pass a bowel movement, exercising, avoiding straining when trying to pass a bowel movement, taking fibre supplements, and moving frequently are all ways that you can prevent haemorrhoids and minimise the potential symptoms.