What's causing hemorrhoids to itch?

Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Hemorrhoids cause secretions to flow out from within the anal canal, particularly in the case of internal hemorrhoids. When severe, these secretions can flow outside the anus due to changes in the position of the anus or the patient's body, irritating the local skin and mucosa around the anus, thus leading to symptoms of itching. Additionally, with repeated prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, the mucosa may get trapped at the anal opening and cannot retract normally, also causing irritating itching and possibly even pain and bleeding due to repeated friction. To treat the itching from hemorrhoids, it is first necessary to alleviate the increased secretion from internal hemorrhoids. Options include using anti-inflammatory suppositories or gels, and washing the anal area with saline water or herbal washes that have antipruritic effects.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
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What should be avoided in the diet for hemorrhoids with bleeding?

Hemorrhoids presenting with rectal bleeding is a rather typical symptom. This condition definitely requires dietary restrictions because dietary irritants can potentially worsen bleeding. Thus, it's essential to avoid certain foods both during an episode and as a precautionary measure. It is generally advised to steer clear of cold and spicy foods, as these can stimulate the intestines and potentially exacerbate bleeding. In cases where bleeding is more pronounced, a bland diet is usually recommended. Other stimulating foods should also be avoided to prevent aggravating the condition. Of course, dietary restrictions are not only essential during symptomatic periods but also as a preventive measure regularly to effectively prevent recurrent episodes of hemorrhoids.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can hemorrhoid suppositories be used for hemorrhoid bleeding?

For hemorrhoid bleeding, if the bleeding is not severe, external hemorrhoid suppositories can be used to compress and stop the bleeding, which can be quite effective. If the hemorrhoid bleeding is heavy and prolonged and the suppository is not effective, hospitalization is required. Intravenous hemostatic drugs or oral hemostatics should be administered, with local gauze compression, and surgery should be performed as soon as possible to definitively stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is due to oral anticoagulants, it may be necessary to consider discontinuing these medications, providing symptomatic support treatment for hemostasis, and surgical treatment if necessary.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How come hemorrhoids bleed?

In this case, it depends on the cause of the hemorrhoids. In general, the most common cause of hemorrhoids is varicose veins around the rectal veins, which can be caused by obstructed venous return. Generally, there are no corresponding venous valves around the upper rectal veins, and the veins or small vein walls of hemorrhoids are very thin. In the case of hemorrhoidal venous varicose, if the stool is relatively dry, it is easy to cause the veins to rupture and bleed during defecation. This type of bleeding is generally painless, and the bleeding can stop on its own, usually being bright red blood. Due to high local pressure, some people may experience significant bleeding, or even show signs of shock. In this case, surgical treatment measures must be taken to achieve radical cure.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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What should I do if hemorrhoids are bleeding?

Hemorrhoids that bleed should be treated to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. The common clinical symptoms of hemorrhoids mainly include localized bleeding, repeated prolapse of the internal part of the anus, and pain. Early bleeding can be managed with oral hemostatic medications, application of hemorrhoidal creams to the anal area, and use of anal plugs with thrombotic agents for comprehensive treatment, for minor bleeding. The symptoms can be relieved with medications. However, if the bleeding lasts long or if there is a greater amount of bleeding from mucous membranes and the bleeding points are fragile, further surgical ligation may be necessary to stop the bleeding. Common surgical methods mainly include excision of mixed hemorrhoids, internal ligation, or hemorrhoid banding procedure, and can also be combined with submucosal sclerotherapy injections.

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Written by Chen Tian Jing
Colorectal Surgery
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Consequences of hemorrhoids bleeding

Rectal bleeding, commonly seen in cases of hemorrhoids, usually appears as bright red blood. The bleeding is not mixed with the stool but is excreted along with it from the anus. Minor hemorrhoid bleeding can cause local anal itching. When the bleeding is heavy or prolonged, it can lead to a significant loss of blood volume, resulting in anemia in the patient. Anemia can then lead to other systemic diseases and problems. Therefore, it is important to treat hemorrhoid bleeding early. Treatment options include oral hemostatic medications combined with the topical application of hemorrhoid cream to stop the bleeding.