If you’ve ever had a hemorrhoid, then you know that it can be one of the most painful things to deal with. Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen blood vessels in and around the anus, so they can also cause itchiness, pain while sitting or standing up, and bleeding.
While there are certain at-home remedies you can try to alleviate the discomfort associated with a hemorrhoid, you should never attempt to pop it yourself! You may think popping a hemorrhoid is harmless because it may seem like it can’t get any worse一 however, there are certain dangers involved when trying to pop them yourself, which is why hemorrhoid treatment is always best left to the professionals!
What Is A Hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located around the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoid symptoms usually include itchiness, irritation, or pain in this area, as well as mucus discharge and bleeding with bowel movements (BM). There is a common misconception that hemorrhoids can be “popped” like pimples to release their painful contents; however, popping a hemorrhoid is never a good idea.
Types of Hemorrhoids
There are three types of hemorrhoids: internal, external, and thrombosed.
What Are Internal Hemorrhoids?
As perhaps expected, internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum, and aren’t normally troublemakers, rarely being seen or felt. Occasionally, straining when passing a bowel movement can “push” an internal hemorrhoid through the rectum opening, causing pain and irritation.
What Are External Hemorrhoids?
External hemorrhoids, meanwhile, are found found outside of the rectum, beneath the skin of the anus. When irritated, these hemorrhoid will normally itch and bleed.
What Is A Thrombosed Hemorrhoid?
A thrombosed hemorrhoid is a large, painful external hemorrhoid that has become clotted and inflamed. The blood in this case can be dark brown or even black in color and the pain is often described as an intense cramping sensation.
What Happens If A Hemorrhoid Bursts?
If a hemorrhoid bursts on its own, there is a risk of infection, the formation of a painful skin tag, and make bowel movements more painful than before.
When To Seek A Doctor
There are certain signs to look out for to seek medical attention for a hemorrhoid.
A doctor can treat a hemorrhoid in their office using several different procedures. They can inject the hemorrhoid with medication to shrink it or stop the bleeding, for example.
Rubber band ligation (otherwise known as Hemorrhoid Banding) could also be used. In this procedure, rubber bands are tied around the hemorrhoid's base in this procedure. Eventually, the hemorrhoids will fall off as the bands cut off the blood supply.
Surgical treatment is available in more serious cases. Surgical removal of hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy. Laser treatment or stapling can be used. During the surgery, the individual will be under general anesthesia, so he or she will not feel pain.
A doctor will prescribe antibiotics if hemorrhoids become infected. Treatment in a hospital may be necessary if the infection is severe.
Conclusion: It Is Never Ok To Pop A Hemorrhoid On Your Own
If you pop it yourself, there is also the risk of infection and scarring. Avoid popping at-home hemorrhoids, even with sterile tools like tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Attempting to pop a hemorrhoid puts pressure on the bulging blood vessel. Blood vessels can open under enough pressure to create an open wound, which typically causes bleeding. If the blood vessel is large, bleeding can be severe and hard to stop.
Occasionally, internal hemorrhoids prolapse, causing an external appearance. A prolapse may result in life-threatening bleeding.
Because popped hemorrhoids are open wounds, bacteria have an easier time entering the bloodstream and causing an infection. Bacteria are abundant in stools, which increases this risk. Hemorrhoids that are infected are very painful. If the infection spreads to other body parts, it can become very serious.
Instead, consult your doctor for treatment options that will help heal the area quickly and effectively without damaging surrounding tissue.
Hemorrhoid Specialists In Tampa Bay
Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we specialize in colorectal procedures and diseases such as hemorrhoidectomies, hemorrhoid banding and new THD system.
Our specialists can help you with the relief you need if you think you're suffering needlessly from hemorrhoids.