Internal or External Hemorrhoids: Which Type Do I Have?

By the age of 50, almost half of the population has experienced hemorrhoids — and all the symptoms that come with the condition — at some point in their lives. 

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located at the base of your rectum and anus. They’re typically caused by increased pressure around your anus, which often stems from factors such as pregnancy, being overweight, or straining too much during bowel movements. 

If you find yourself plagued by swelling, itching, and bleeding around your anal area, don’t fret. Hemorrhoids are common and incredibly easy to treat; however, your hemorrhoid symptoms and subsequent treatment plan might vary depending on the type you have. 

At the Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Town and Country, Missouri, licensed practitioner Betsy F. Clemens, MD, leads our team in diagnosing and treating internal and external hemorrhoids. This month’s blog highlights how to know which type of hemorrhoid you have and how to treat it.

Understanding external hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are the type that comes to mind when you think of hemorrhoids. This kind sits underneath your skin right outside your anus, and it can be itchy and uncomfortable as it pulls at your skin. If the hemorrhoid gets swollen enough, you may notice a lump around your rectal area. 

In some cases, a blood clot forms inside of an external hemorrhoid, which can become very painful very quickly. As a result, sitting or doing any physical activity might be more difficult. If an external hemorrhoid gets to be too unbearable, you may need professional treatment. 

Understanding internal hemorrhoids 

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside your rectum, which often makes them a little more challenging to detect. They’re not usually painful, and you may not have any symptoms other than some minor rectal bleeding. However, if the internal hemorrhoid worsens and gets larger, you might experience some pain and discomfort. 

If an internal hemorrhoid swells enough, it can prolapse and extend beyond your anus, and prolapsed hemorrhoids often require professional treatment. 

Treating your hemorrhoids

No matter the type of hemorrhoid you have, it should go away on its own. To get some symptom relief, you can try out some of these home remedies:

• Apply topical treatments such as lidocaine or hydrocortisone cream 
• Increase your fiber intake to about 25-30 grams per day
• Soak in a warm bath for 10-20 minutes per day
• Gently pat dry the hemorrhoid area with wet wipes after using the bathroom
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications for any discomfort

However, if you notice that your symptoms persist longer than seven days, you develop a fever, or your hemorrhoid prolapses, you should seek professional treatment. Dr. Clemens can examine your hemorrhoid and determine an appropriate course of treatment, which may include removing the hemorrhoid through procedures such as rubber band ligation or surgery. 

For expert-level external and internal hemorrhoid treatment, call 314-669-2758 or use our online booking feature today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Clemens.