External hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins located just outside the anus. While often uncomfortable, they are generally not serious and frequently resolve on their own. About one in twenty Americans experiences hemorrhoids, with roughly half of individuals over 50 affected. The duration of external hemorrhoids varies considerably, and understanding factors influencing healing time can be helpful.
How Long Do External Hemorrhoids Usually Last?
Most external hemorrhoids typically resolve within a few days to a week. During this time, associated symptoms like pain, itching, and swelling usually begin to subside.
However, external hemorrhoids can sometimes develop a blood clot, known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. While pain from a thrombosed hemorrhoid may improve within 7 to 10 days, the clot can take two to three weeks, or longer, to be reabsorbed. These cases are often more painful and require a longer recovery.
What Affects How Long They Last?
Several factors can influence how long an external hemorrhoid lasts. The initial size and severity play a role; larger or more inflamed hemorrhoids take longer to diminish. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid often causes more intense pain and a longer resolution time, sometimes extending to several weeks.
Lifestyle habits also impact healing. A low-fiber diet and inadequate hydration can lead to hard stools and straining during bowel movements. This straining puts excessive pressure on anal veins, prolonging healing or worsening the hemorrhoid. Prolonged sitting on the toilet can also delay recovery.
Underlying conditions like chronic constipation or diarrhea can irritate the anal area and impede healing. Consistent self-care can speed up recovery, while inconsistent management may prolong symptoms.
Strategies for Faster Healing and Relief
Implementing strategies can help manage symptoms and accelerate healing. Adjusting your diet to include more fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and ensuring adequate hydration helps soften stools, reducing straining during bowel movements.
Sitz baths, soaking the anal area in warm, shallow water for 10 to 20 minutes, two to three times daily, provide considerable relief. The warm water relaxes anal muscles, increases blood flow, and reduces pain, itching, and swelling, promoting healing.
Over-the-counter topical treatments can also alleviate discomfort. Creams and ointments containing witch hazel can reduce swelling, pain, and itching. Hydrocortisone decreases inflammation and swelling, while lidocaine offers a numbing effect. For general pain management, over-the-counter relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin can reduce discomfort.
Practice gentle hygiene using moistened wipes or water instead of dry toilet paper after bowel movements to prevent irritation. It is also important to avoid straining when having a bowel movement, as this can exacerbate symptoms.
When Medical Attention is Needed
While many external hemorrhoids resolve with self-care, seeking professional medical attention is important in specific circumstances. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve within a week of consistent home treatment, or if they worsen significantly.
Severe, sudden pain could indicate a thrombosed hemorrhoid or another underlying issue requiring evaluation. Any significant or persistent rectal bleeding, including heavy bright red blood, blood clots, or dark red blood, warrants immediate medical assessment to rule out more serious conditions.
Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, increased redness, swelling, or unusual pus or discharge, require prompt medical care. If an external hemorrhoid remains prolapsed (bulging out) and cannot be gently pushed back inside, professional intervention may be necessary. If uncertain whether symptoms are due to hemorrhoids or something else, a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance.