External hemorrhoids, is a term that refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum become swollen and inflamed. External hemorrhoids may result from excessive straining to expel stool from the body. Other contributing factors are pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea and anal intercourse.

Symptoms associated with the many anorectal problems may include fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching. Pruritus ani have smaller symtoms and are referred to as hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids are usually not considered dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoids systems heal spontaneously within a few days.

External hemorrhoid patients generally complain of a painful purple lump with anal skin. The external swelling is caused by thrombosis of the vein and is very tender to palpation and usually does not bleed unless there is erosion of the overlying skin.

In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of systems. Mucus type discharge may also contribute to itching.

External hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women. About half the population experiences the discomfort of hemorrhoids by the age 50. External hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen as well as hormonal changes, cause the external hemorrhoid vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. However, most hemorrhoids caused during pregnancy are generally a temporary problem associated with child bearing.

If the problem is non-threatening rectal bleeding from external hemorrhoids, the initial management should include high fiber diet, stool softener and bulk laxatives. Reduce the amount of time you spend on your feet, and no heavy lifting or straining. If your job activity is seated, always stand or walk during your breaks. Make it a point to stand and walk at least 5 minutes every hour and try to shift frequently in your chair to avoid rectal pressure.

Measures that can be taken to help prevent the recurrence of external hemorrhoids are:

Eating the right amount of fiber, and drinking at least eight glasses of fluid a day not (alcohol). This will contribute stool-softening benefits.

Always exhale when lifting or straining, don’t hold your breath.

Control your coughing.

Caring for diarrhea or constipation with early treatment will help prevent external hemorrhoids that may soon follow.

Make a rule: Never read or just relax on the toilet. If bowel movements take longer then five minutes, something is wrong. If you want to keep external hemorrhoids away, maintaining good bowel habits and softer stools should be your highest priority.

You must first find the cause for your external hemorrhoids and stop these practices as early as possible. Treating the hemorrhoids themselves is pointless unless you stop re-creating them.

Once you have eliminated factors causing your external hemorrhoids, it is time to treat them. There are two treatment goals: first, take away the symptoms (burning, pain, itching) and second shrink the hemorrhoids.

Some of the most common ways to treat external hemorrhoids, are things you do for yourself, it just take a few minutes a day. Pain medicine should be used for aching, but burning and itching respond best to surface-acting ointments, creams or suppositories.

Sitz baths (soaking in a tub of hot water, in a shallow bath) for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times/ a day is a simple and effective treatment for both goals. To shrink external hemorrhoids back down to normal size, topical ointments are again useful.

Cleanse the entire rectal area with warm water after each bowl movement, and use a bulk fiber laxative to soften bowls. This will help eliminate straining the bowel.

Many people take bulk fiber daily to prevent recurrences of External Hemorrhoids. Remember, it may take several days for the fiber to work.

If you have existing hemorrhoids you may want to use an immediate-acting stool softener and laxative to encourage elimination without straining and further aggravating your hemorrhoids. You should also consider a topical ointment to alleviate the existing pain associated with external hemorrhoids.

The next time you feel the urge to make a quick trip through a drive through for a cheeseburger and fries remember you are the one that ultimately pays for it with your health. Also when you are raiding the kitchen, making that king sized sandwich, you know the one, the triple-decker with cheese and anything else you can find. Then back to bed, where it will settle all night in the pit of your stomach. Then morning rolls around and there is no time for breakfast, oh well, you can stop on your way to work, and grab a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit extra butter and cream for the coffee. How many of you can relate to this life style? Now can you see where the problem lies? You are well on your way to external hemorrhoids.

Wake up people we are in control of our own lives, we really are what we eat! Isn’t it time to do for ourselves, what we are always telling others to do? Take care of your body you only get one chance.

Consultation with your doctor should be a priority, before taking any medication or using ointments. At the first sign of blood you should call your doctor.