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Many thrombosed external hemorrhoids may go away within a few weeks.
Many thrombosed external hemorrhoids may go away within a few weeks. An external thrombosed hemorrhoid develops under the skin surrounding the anus and causes discomfort due to the presence of a blood clot in the vein. The pain of thrombosed hemorrhoids may improve within 7-10 days without surgery and may disappear within two to three weeks.
- Initial days of a thrombosed external hemorrhoid blood vessel are a combination of pain/discomfort with an associated anal lump.
- After a few days, the pressure of the underlying blood clot on the overlying skin will lead to spontaneous splitting of the skin and bloody drainage of the lump. The appearance of this blood can be alarming but should be self-limited. This drainage event is also associated with a decrease in the anal lump and improvement in the painful symptoms.
- If the pressure of the underlying blood clot does not result in spontaneous drainage during the first several days, then the body will eventually reabsorb the clotted blood within a few days.
Although the blood clot may likely be reabsorbed into the body in a few days to a couple of weeks, complications may occur if the thrombus is not fully reabsorbed. If unhealed, quick treatment of thrombosed external hemorrhoids is necessary to prevent loss of blood supply and damage to the surrounding tissue.
What actually are thrombosed external hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower area of the anus/rectum. Hemorrhoids can occur inside the lining of the anus or rectum (internal hemorrhoids), or one may form at the anal opening (external hemorrhoids). A thrombosed hemorrhoid happens when blood clots become trapped inside hemorrhoid. It is a common complication of hemorrhoids. Generally, external thrombosed hemorrhoids look like dark bluish lumps. The color is due to a blood clot inside a blood vessel. Symptoms that accompany a thrombosed hemorrhoid are often more severe than normal and may include:
- Intense itching
- Burning
- Severe pain
- Redness
- Swelling
External thrombosed hemorrhoids may develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum. As an individual ages, the risk of external thrombosed hemorrhoids increases because the tissues that support the veins in your rectum and anus can weaken and stretch. Other causes may include:
- Severe injury near the anal area
- Having anal intercourse
- Regular heavy lifting
- Being pregnant
- Being obese
- Straining during bowel movements
- Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
- Having severe diarrhea or constipation
- Being overweight or having obesity
- Eating a low-fiber diet
How are thrombosed external hemorrhoids treated?
If the blood clot has formed within the past 48-72 hours, the doctor may remove it from within the hemorrhoid. This is a simple procedure that may relieve pain. Patients may be under local anesthesia during the procedure. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin and removes the blood clot. Stitches are generally not needed. If more than 72 hours have passed, the doctor may suggest home treatments.
- In the first 24 hours, applying an ice pack to the area can help limit the size of the clotted blood and associated discomfort.
- After 24 hours, gentle warmth may be applied to the area in an attempt to melt the blood clot. This will aid the body in its efforts to disintegrate the clot and resolve the lump.
- Use a stool softener or gentle laxatives such as fiber or Miralax (or generic) to avoid constipation. Warm baths, ointments, suppositories, and witch hazel compresses may be helpful.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) can bring temporary relief from symptoms. These products include creams and ointments.
- The doctor may also prescribe additional steroid foams and suppositories.
- Persistent bleeding or painful hemorrhoids may require banding, ligation, or removal (hemorrhoidectomy). Surgery to remove hemorrhoids may be done if other treatments don't work.
- Adding fiber to your meals and drinking more water may help in faster healing.
What is the outlook of thrombosed external hemorrhoids?
Thrombosed hemorrhoids may most likely get better after a couple of days and resolve on its own. If it doesn't seem to be resolving, there are various treatment options to get rid of the discomfort and get back to your life. Although it is a very painful condition, it is not serious and resolves without specific treatment over several days to a week or two. No further special evaluation or treatment is needed. Rarely, if the hemorrhoid is very large, the doctor may remove some of the clot under local anesthesia. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure that will prevent an individual from ever getting hemorrhoids, but there are several treatments that can manage hemorrhoids.