Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

Print this page print this page

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/06/2006 at 01:28PM

Thrombosed hemorrhoids are an extreme form of hemorrhoid. They are very tender to the touch, and sufferers may experience severe pain during bowel movements, while walking or even while sitting. But as with other types of hemorrhoids, they can typically be treated with home remedies. In severe instances, thrombosed hemorrhoids may require medical intervention. How do you know if you have thrombosed hemorrhoids? Read on to learn more about this common but painful condition.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids - Do I Have A Hemorrhoid?

Hemorrhoids are an extremely common condition that affect both man and women, young and old. More than half of the American population will experience a hemorrhoid at some point in their lives. The prevalence of hemorrhoids increases after age thirty, however, people of all ages are treated for this condition.

Hemorrhoids are caused by excessive pressure in the anal area that causes rectal veins to stretch and swell. They are similar to varicose veins in the legs. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids affect the veins that are inside the rectum. They are usually not painful, but they may bleed. Rectal bleeding associated with internal hemorrhoids is usually bright red. Occasionally, this type of hemorrhoid may stretch until it bulges on the outside of the anus. This condition is called a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Over time, a prolapsed hemorrhoid may shrink on it's own and recede back into the rectum. It may also need to be gently pushed back inside. However, if a prolapsed hemorrhoid cannot be pushed backed inside the anus, medical intervention may be necessary.

External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids occur under the skin around the anus. The can be itchy and quite painful and occasionally they may crack and bleed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are an extreme form of external hemorrhoid. They occur when blood clots develop inside the hemorrhoid itself. This makes the hemorrhoid very tender and it may prohibit bowel movements, sitting, or walking.

Treatment

There are many conventional, homeopathic, and herbal remedies that can be used to treat external thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Conventional Medications (contain toxic chemicals, I recommend natural therapies.)

Zinc oxide and petroleum jelly ointments can be used to reduce itching and prevent further irritation to thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Preparation H is a commonly used hemorrhoidal cream that can be used in place of zinc oxide or petroleum jelly.

Suppositories can be used to relieve pressure during bowel movements and lubricate the anal area. However, some of these products contain ingredients that can harm anal tissues if used for an extended period of time.

Hydrocortisone cream can be purchased in an over-the-counter strength containing 1% of the steroid. It can relieve inflammation and itching, however it should not be used for more than two weeks as it can cause changes to anal tissues.

A local anesthetic (any medication that has the suffix "-caine") can be used to temporarily numb the affected area. Consult your health care provider before using one of these products.

Prescription Hydrocortisone containing 2.5% of the steroid may be recommended by your health care provider for hemorrhoids that have not responded to other treatments.

Herbal Medications (Recommended)

Homeopathic Remedies

Calendula is an ointment that can be used as a healing agent when applied to open wounds. Use this ointment on bleeding external thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Collinsonia canadensis relieves anal itching, dry stools and constipation

Graphites relieve constipation, and the burning soreness and itching associated with hemorrhoids.

Nux Vomica can be used to alleviate the pain and itching of thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Pulsatilla is used when hemorrhoids are accompanied by itching and sharp sticking pains. This preparation is particularly helpful for hemorrhoids that appear during pregnancy or around menstrual periods.

Surgical Treatment of Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

If a thrombosed hemorrhoid is too painful to bear, or if the symptoms persist for an unusual length of time, your health care provider may recommend that the blood clot be surgically removed to avoid rupture, bleeding, and further damage. Depending upon your doctor's preference and the severity of the hemorrhoid, there are a few different types of surgery that can be used on thrombosed hemorrhoids.

Suggestion Box

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form.