What should I do about an external hemorrhoid, a fleshy lump?
In general, an external hemorrhoid lump may result from lack of physical activity, poor lifestyle habits, constipation, connective tissue hemorrhoids, or local venous thrombosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Lack of physical activity
If one remains seated for prolonged periods—such as during office work or driving—local blood circulation may become impaired, increasing pressure on the pelvic and perianal veins. This can lead to venous congestion and dilation, ultimately causing the formation of an external hemorrhoid lump. Engaging in regular exercise such as jogging, yoga, or swimming, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, can help alleviate this condition.
2. Poor lifestyle habits
Frequent consumption of spicy and irritating foods—such as hot pot, mustard, or garlic—may cause excessively dry stools. During defecation, these hard stools can compress the rectal veins, leading to venous swelling and the development of an external hemorrhoid lump. Adjusting dietary and lifestyle habits can help relieve symptoms.
3. Constipation
Constipation causes difficulty during bowel movements, requiring excessive straining. This increased strain raises pressure in the anal veins, obstructs blood return, and leads to venous dilation, congestion, and tissue proliferation. Therefore, an external hemorrhoid lump may be caused by constipation. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride citrate tablets, or麻仁润肠丸 (Ma Ren Run Chang Wan) to achieve symptom relief.
4. Connective tissue hemorrhoids
Connective tissue hemorrhoids are primarily caused by hyperplasia and fibrosis of connective tissues around the anus. Frequent anal intercourse, childbirth, or anal surgery may damage the anal and rectal walls, triggering reparative hyperplasia of surrounding connective tissues, eventually forming external hemorrhoids. Thus, an external hemorrhoid lump may result from connective tissue hemorrhoids. Patients may use medications under medical supervision, such as diosmin tablets, Zhisuning tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules.
5. Local venous thrombosis
Vein thrombosis causes blood to clot or cellular components to accumulate within blood vessels, leading to vessel blockage. When thrombosis occurs in the perianal veins, it may impair blood circulation, causing blood to pool and form a lump in the anal area, resulting in an external hemorrhoid. Patients may be treated under medical guidance with medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, aspirin tablets, or clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets.
In daily life, it is recommended to consume foods rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients—such as eggs, lean meat, tomatoes, and apples—to provide necessary energy and support overall health.