Hemorrhoids are a type of varicose vein that form inside or outside the anus as a result of excessive pressure. External hemorrhoids are a swelling or the veins that occur outside of the anal canal. Straining caused by constipation or additional pressure due to obesity or pregnancy can lead to external hemorrhoids. Small hemorrhoids do not usually require treatment, according to the online version of the "Merck Manual." Larger external hemorrhoids that itch, bleed or cause pain can be treated with topical ointments or surgery.
Pain Relief
Ointments and creams designed for hemorrhoid sufferers can be used on external hemorrhoids to treat pain and itching. Corticosteroid creams, found over the-counter in pharmacies, may reduce some of the inflammation that causes discomfort. Creams with lidocaine, an anesthetic medication, can provide some measure of pain relief. Witch hazel is a more natural substance that can help stop the itching caused by external hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can be found in pharmacies and natural health stores, and it is applied with a cotton ball to the affected areas.
Sclerotherapy
Some external hemorrhoids become too large to be treated with home care measures and may require a more invasive treatment method. Sclerotherapy is a procedure that can shrink the size of hemorrhoids, and it can be used as a treatment for varicose veins in the legs. An injection of chemicals is introduced to the vein that is causing the external hemorrhoid. Sclerotherapy can significantly reduce the size of external hemorrhoids and is mainly performed on areas that bleed frequently.
Hemorrhoidectomy
A surgical procedure called a hemorrhoidectomy can be formed as a treatment for external hemorrhoids that contain blood clots. An incision is made into the hemorrhoid, and the blood clot is removed or drained. In some cases, the entire external hemorrhoid is removed from the anal area. Hemorrhoidectomy is usually performed within three days of the appearance of the hemorrhoid. After the three-day mark, the pain of the surgery may actually exceed the pain of the hemorrhoid itself.
