Do minor external hemorrhoids itch?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on May 03, 2025
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Mild external hemorrhoids can also cause localized itching in the anal area, but the itching is not pronounced. This is because the external hemorrhoids themselves stimulate the perianal skin, causing mild itching and a sensation of a foreign body in the anus. Moreover, external hemorrhoids can lead to increased secretions around the anus, further irritating the perianal skin and, in severe cases, causing anal eczema. Thus, in most cases, mild external hemorrhoids can cause itching, although it is not intense. For such situations, it is primarily important for patients to keep the perianal area dry and hygienic, wear loose, breathable cotton underwear, and avoid friction against the hemorrhoids. For mild itching, topical treatments such as calamine lotion can be used, along with keeping the perianal area dry. Additionally, a light diet should be maintained.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do about thrombosed external hemorrhoids?

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids often occur due to intense exercise, straining during bowel movements, eating spicy and stimulating foods, or after fatigue. The onset of thrombotic external hemorrhoids is quite sudden, presenting as a round or oval lump under the skin at the edge of the anus during defecation, with the lump being a subcutaneous blood clot formed from subcutaneous bleeding. The treatment method for thrombotic external hemorrhoids is determined by the amount of subcutaneous bleeding. If the diameter of the thrombus is less than 0.5 centimeters, conservative treatment can be chosen, which includes eating more vegetables and fruits to keep bowel movements smooth and applying hemorrhoid creams and suppositories. If the thrombotic external hemorrhoids do not respond to conservative treatment and the thrombus cannot be absorbed and resolved, a thrombotic external hemorrhoid excision procedure may be adopted.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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How to eliminate a two-centimeter external hemorrhoid?

The external hemorrhoid is about two centimeters in size, which indicates that it's relatively large. This condition can cause feelings of a foreign object in the anus, itching, and even moisture around the anal area, leading to anal eczema. If one wishes to completely eliminate it, it is advisable to go to the hospital's proctology department as soon as possible to have a hemorrhoidectomy. Post-surgery, one should choose anal cleaning solutions or potassium permanganate solution for sitz baths, complemented by external applications of medicines such as Jing Huang Gao or hemorrhoid creams. At the same time, the patient's diet should consist of light and easily digestible food to prevent dry and hard stools, which will aid in the healing of the surgical site. Additionally, patients should develop good bowel habits, maintain smooth bowel movements, and avoid sitting or squatting for long periods. Regularly performing anal lifting exercises can prevent the recurrence of external hemorrhoids. If patients prefer not to undergo surgery, conservative medical treatment can be used to reduce the size of the external hemorrhoids, but it cannot completely eliminate them.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can thrombotic external hemorrhoids go away?

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids mainly refer to the formation of blood clots within the external hemorrhoids located around the anus. During the acute phase of thrombotic external hemorrhoids, there is generally severe pain and a feeling of distension in the anal region. If not treated with medication, thrombotic external hemorrhoids are difficult to resolve on their own. Options include applying hemorrhoid cream or using traditional Chinese medicine solutions for fumigation and hot compresses to promote the absorption and dissipation of the blood clots in the external hemorrhoids. If conservative medication does not yield good results, surgery can be considered to strip and remove the blood clots from the external hemorrhoids. Failure to use medications can potentially lead to a worsening of the thrombotic external hemorrhoids, or an increase in blood clots leading to necrosis and delaying treatment of the disease.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Can external hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Some external hemorrhoids do not require surgical treatment, as they come in three types. The first type, connective tissue external hemorrhoids, mainly presents as a mild foreign body sensation, generally painless, thus surgery is not necessary. Varicose vein type external hemorrhoids typically cause a feeling of heaviness and discomfort around the anus, and if symptoms are not severe, surgery is not required either. Only thrombosed external hemorrhoids, which usually involve severe pain, may resolve significantly on their own within two to three days if the lump is not large. Surgery is only needed for large, thrombosed external hemorrhoids.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Can thrombotic external hemorrhoids be lanced?

Thrombosed external hemorrhoids, as the most common clinical symptom of external hemorrhoids, exhibit significant local pain during acute attacks and are accompanied by a feeling of constriction. If during an acute attack, dark red hemorrhoidal prolapse occurs around the anal area and cannot be absorbed or retracted, a professional doctor can use specialized techniques to crush the local hemorrhoid node or surgically excise it. However, it is not advisable for patients to burst it themselves because if done without proper sterilization and hygiene, it can easily lead to local infection, thereby exacerbating the condition or complicating future surgical treatments. Therefore, if thrombosed external hemorrhoids are detected, it is crucial to seek prompt and active treatment at a hospital.