External hemorrhoids are swelling of the veins surrounding the anus. This type of hemorrhoid may be easier to diagnose as it is visible to the eye, and you can often feel a painful lump or swelling around the anus. This is different from the internal variety because it occurs outside the anus rather than inside it.
There are many conventional and alternative ways to treat external hemorrhoids. More conventional ways of such treatment include prescription medication, medicated pads or surgery. However, caught early on you may be able to avoid expensive and time-consuming treatments that may be painful or interrupt your daily routine.
Many people nowadays look for alternative treatments for many reasons. These include a desire to avoid unnecessary high costs of medication, or more abrasive and traumatic treatments.
Because they often result in painful or itchy discomfort, there are different forms of topical treatments that may soothe an external hemorrhoid that you can find over the counter in any grocery store or pharmacy. These treatments may take the form of creams or medicated pads.
If you are one of the many people who may prefer more natural remedies, one very effective natural treatment for an external hemorrhoid is the application of witch hazel. This natural ingredient often makes up more conventional medications, which can be prescribed or bought over the counter but is less expensive and organic.
Therefore, if one wishes to treat external hemorrhoids alternatively, witch hazel may be the first thing you want to try. Witch hazel can be most effective when applied after the affected area is soaked in a warm bath or treated with a cool compress. You may want to try these treatments on their own as well, if you suspect your hemorrhoids are in the early stages. But these cool compresses and warm baths also work well with other treatments you may try, be they conventional or alternative.
There are oral supplements one may take as well to try to heal external hemorrhoids with alternative or natural remedies. These ingredients can be found in nature or health food stores, or even your local market. These include some familiar household names such as vitamin e, cayenne or red sage.
Less common ingredients that may be effective include butchers broom or horse chestnut. Although they are natural and alternative methods of treatment on their own, often these ingredients are the same ingredients found in manufactured medicines made to treat external hemorrhoids.
If you believe you may be suffering from an external hemorrhoid it may be because you are experiencing painful bowel movements. Try to decrease strain during movements and also include more fiber in your diet. Consuming more fiber can be achieved by taking supplements like psyllium husk, also available in health food stores, or just by eating more leafy green vegetables.
When you increase your fiber intake and keep the affected area clean and dry, as well as applying cool compresses to the external hemorrhoid which reduce swelling, you may find that you can alleviate your hemorrhoid without seeking further care or treatment.
Alex Lerner has been researching digestive disorders for many years, focusing on treatment and management options. Alex contributes regularly to the Hemorrhoids Treatment Guide, a site dedicated to diagnosing and treating hemorrhoid flareups with conventional and alternative therapies. Learn more about detecting an external hemorrhoid and relieving pain on the site.