Did you know that hemorrhoids can be both internal AND external? They are!  Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are similar to varicose veins because they are veins inside of the rectum or under the skin around the opening to the rectum that have become swollen.

External Hemorrhoids
These types of hemorrhoids are generally found underneath the skin around the anus. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids can include itching around the anus or anal opening, pain and swollen lumps around the anus, bloody stool.

Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside of the anus and usually cannot be seen or felt. They are often painless because there are not as many nerves inside of the anus. The main symptom of internal hemorrhoids is painless bleeding during bowel movements.

If the hemorrhoids prolapses or extends outside of the anal opening, symptoms become more severe. Prolapsed hemorrhoids become very painful and can cause irritation or infections.

What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids at some point in their life. There are many causes including:

• Sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods
• Being obese
• Being pregnant
• Straining on the toilet from constipation or diarrhea
• Not eating enough fibre
• Heavy weightlifting
  
  

Treating and Preventing Hemorrhoids
There are many lifestyle changes that are vital in preventing hemorrhoids. Eating a diet rich in fibre, exercising regularly and drinking plenty of fluids can help. It is also important to avoid sitting for long periods and to avoid straining when going to the toilet.

If you do develop hemorrhoids, there are several treatment options. For external hemorrhoids that become painfully swollen with blood clots, your doctor may want to perform a small surgical procedure called a Clot Removal to remove the clot and the swollen veins.

Another surgical treatment, Injection Sclerotherapy, is for severe internal hemorrhoids. An injection is administered around the area of the haemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and to eventually go away.

Surgical intervention is not always needed as hemorrhoids are most commonly treated with topical medications. Some of the most popular are Proctosedyl, Scheriproct, and Xyloproct Ointments, all of which are available to buy online in the UK through Pharmacy Planet. https://www.pharmacyplanet.com