If you’re experiencing itchiness in the rectal area or having painful bowel movements, it could be a sign of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids happen whenever the small veins near your rectum and anus become swollen or inflamed. In a sense, they’re like varicose veins, but are located in the butt.
Many people do not know that there two types of hemorrhoids: internal and external. The internal one forms deep within the rectum, hidden from plain sight, and is virtually painless. In fact, most people who have them don’t even know they have one. The only sign of an internal hemorrhoid is bleeding.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, develop under the skin around the anus. This area has a lot of sensitive nerves, so unlike an internal hemorrhoid, you’ll know right away if you have one. If your hemorrhoids are causing you a lot of discomfort, itchiness, and bleeding, then you are having an external one.
What Happens When Hemorrhoids Worsen
If an internal hemorrhoid worsens over time, it becomes a prolapsed hemorrhoid and may cause symptoms similar to that of an external hemorrhoid.
There are cases when a ruptured blood clot may develop from an external hemorrhoid and push through the skin. This is what is called a thrombosis. While not life-threatening, it can be extremely painful, and a Los Angeles hemorrhoid doctor may be needed to have the thrombosed hemorrhoid removed if it cannot be managed by medication.
Hemorrhoids are generally not serious and are usually treatable on their own. They can be relieved in a number of ways, such as sitz baths, topical creams, and over-the-counter medicine.
However, there are cases when they do get worse over time. They could even be an indication that there is a problem with your rectum or gastrointestinal tract. If you suspect that there is something more seriously wrong with your hemorrhoid, please visit the Proctology Institute to have yourself checked by a medical professional.
