Can external hemorrhoids be pinched?

Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on May 22, 2025
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In clinical practice, external hemorrhoids can be classified into skin tag hemorrhoids, varicose vein hemorrhoids, thrombosed hemorrhoids, and inflammatory hemorrhoids. Among these, skin tag hemorrhoids can be pinched, but do not exert excessive force to avoid skin damage and causing anal pain. On the other hand, varicose vein hemorrhoids, thrombosed hemorrhoids, and inflammatory hemorrhoids should not be pinched, as pinching may easily cause subcutaneous vein damage, exacerbate thrombosis, and lead to anal distension and pain. External hemorrhoids can be gently massaged and rubbed, but should not be pinched forcefully. Moreover, clinically, treatments for external hemorrhoids often involve the use of anal washes or potassium permanganate solution for sits baths, and it is recommended to take a sitz bath for five to ten minutes after defecation to help reduce external hemorrhoids and prevent their enlargement. Maintaining good bowel habits is essential, avoiding prolonged defecation and excessive straining. After defecation, it is advisable to perform more anal lift exercises to strengthen the anal sphincter muscles.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What is inside a thrombotic external hemorrhoid?

Thrombotic external hemorrhoids are a common clinical presentation of external hemorrhoids. During an episode, blood clots generally form within the hemorrhoidal nucleus, which means that thrombotic external hemorrhoids mainly consist of blood clot particles. Because the blood clots are wrapped inside the hemorrhoidal nucleus, the pressure inside the nucleus increases, leading to congestion and edema. Patients experience significant pain and a feeling of fullness. Severe symptoms may also affect the patient's ability to sit or walk normally. Therefore, it is crucial to treat thrombotic external hemorrhoids early in their development. For early-stage mild thrombotic external hemorrhoids, local treatments such as hot compresses with hemorrhoidal medication or manual pressure can be employed to promote the absorption of the blood clots. Oral medications that reduce swelling, relieve pain, and stop bleeding can also be used for symptomatic relief. If thrombotic external hemorrhoids recur frequently or if conservative medication fails, surgical excision and stripping of the thrombotic external hemorrhoids can also be considered.

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Can external hemorrhoids be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs?

Some types of external hemorrhoids can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. External hemorrhoids refer to hemorrhoids that are located below the dentate line. They can be divided into four categories: connective tissue external hemorrhoids, varicose vein type external hemorrhoids, thrombotic external hemorrhoids, and inflammatory external hemorrhoids. The first three types of external hemorrhoids do not require anti-inflammatory drugs. Only inflammatory external hemorrhoids, which are caused by inflammatory hyperplasia around the anus, can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs during inflammation to reduce the size of the pathological tissues. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
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Can anal dilation treat external hemorrhoids?

Anal dilation cannot treat external hemorrhoids. Anal dilation, also known as anal canal dilation surgery, is a common surgical treatment method in proctology. It primarily involves using external force to increase the diameter of the anal canal in order to achieve the purpose of dilation. It is mainly used for patients with early-stage anal fissures and anal stenosis. External hemorrhoids, which grow below the dentate line of the anal canal skin, are not affected by anal dilation treatments.

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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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Colorectal Surgery
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What fruits should be eaten for thrombotic external hemorrhoids?

During the acute phase of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, patients experience varying degrees of pain in the anal region, occasionally accompanied by a feeling of bloating. Therefore, the diet should primarily consist of light, liquid, and easy-to-digest foods. If consuming fruits, it is best to eat soft, cool-natured fruits such as dragon fruit and bananas, avoiding hard or tropical fruits that may cause dry stools, which can exacerbate the symptoms of thrombosed external hemorrhoids. During the acute phase of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, in addition to dietary considerations, it is also necessary to use topical hemorrhoid cream locally or undergo surgery to excise and strip the local thrombosis for significant symptom relief, to prevent the condition from worsening, which could lead to increased thrombosis or necrosis.