Hemorrhoids can occur in two places: internally and externally. An external hemorrhoid is the inflammation of the soft tissue on the outside of the anus, whereas an internal hemorrhoid is the inflammation of the anal tissue that resides within the rectum.

It is a lot easier to identify external hemorrhoids, as the inflamed areas of anal tissue and the lumps that they produce are outside of the body and can be readily seen and touched. These lumpy, swollen areas are often called “piles”, and they can become itchy, raw, and painful. Often, after a bowel movement, you will notice fresh red blood on the toilet paper. Discomfort while being seated is frequently experienced by people who have external hemorrhoids, and it can be very difficult to eradicate them permanently.

Home remedies such as sitz baths and practicing better personal hygiene, as well as over the counter products such as pads, creams, etc., will help in healing external hemorrhoids. They will relieve the associated pain and itching and will usually get rid of the hemorrhoids in three weeks or less.

Most hemorrhoids that occur internally are not particularly painful; in fact, until the individual notices bloody stools or stained toilet paper when wiping after a bowel movement, he or she may be unaware of the problem. Internal hemorrhoids can also cause a non-painful, persistent urge to move the bowels, even when there is no necessity to do so. However, large internal hemorrhoids can be very painful, especially during a bowel movement, and cannot be treated with creams, ointments, and pads because of their internal location.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids occur when internal hemorrhoids become so large that they extend outside of the anal orifice. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be painful and are often accompanied by heavy blood and mucous discharge that seeps from the hemorrhoid and causes severe itching and irritation of the anus and surrounding area.

If the swelling is not too acute, pain while sitting or when wiping after a bowel movement can be avoided by carefully pushing the prolapsed hemorrhoids into the rectum. If you suspect that your hemorrhoid is prolapsed, you should see your physician right away. Strangulation can occur with an acutely swollen prolapsed hemorrhoid that cannot be returned to the rectum. There is also a chance of a strangulated hemorrhoid occurring if a clot forms in the blood supply, meaning the blood supply is cut off to the hemorrhoid, which can cause intense pain. Emergency treatment by a medical professional is necessary when a strangulated hemorrhoid occurs.

If there is any question as to whether you’re dealing with external or internal hemorrhoids, it’s better to contact your doctor for help.

If you’re looking for relief from the pain of hemorrhoids, you’ll need to learn about the options in hemorrhoids remedies. At Get Rid of Hemorrhoids you can find the information that will help you better understand the problem of hemorrhoids so you can deal with them more effectively.