Why do hemorrhoids cause both itching and pain?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, hemorrhoids may cause itching and pain due to improper anal hygiene, dietary irritation, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, inflammatory external hemorrhoids, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, and other reasons. In daily life, one should maintain cleanliness and dryness in the anal area, adjust dietary habits, and avoid consumption of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods to reduce the occurrence and worsening of hemorrhoids.
Generally, itchy and painful hemorrhoids may be caused by improper anal hygiene, dietary irritation, thrombosed external hemorrhoids, inflammatory external hemorrhoids, or incarcerated internal hemorrhoids. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Improper Anal Hygiene
If patients with hemorrhoids do not maintain proper hygiene in the anal area, bacterial growth may occur, leading to itching and pain. The skin around the anus is sensitive, and bacterial infection or irritation may cause an inflammatory response, resulting in symptoms of itching and pain. Good personal hygiene should be maintained daily, washing the anal area with warm water after bowel movements and keeping the area dry.
2. Dietary Irritation
Spicy, greasy, or irritating foods can increase the burden on the intestines, causing constipation or diarrhea, which may worsen hemorrhoid symptoms. Straining during bowel movements in constipation or frequent bowel movements in diarrhea can cause friction and irritation to the hemorrhoidal area, resulting in itching and pain. Adjusting the diet to include more fiber-rich foods can promote intestinal motility and maintain smooth bowel movements. Avoid excessive intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods.
3. Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids
Thrombosed external hemorrhoids occur due to acute blood clot formation in the venous plexus of the anal area, leading to the development of external hemorrhoids. After the formation of a blood clot, the affected area of the external hemorrhoid rapidly swells and is accompanied by severe pain and itching. A purplish-red mass with obvious tenderness may also appear. Treatment may include medications such as Ma Ying Long Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, Huaijiao Pills, and Jiuyi Hemorrhoid Capsules, as advised by a physician.
4. Inflammatory External Hemorrhoids
Inflammatory external hemorrhoids may be caused by infection of the anal skin folds, often related to poor local hygiene. After infection, symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and itching may appear in the area of the external hemorrhoid. There may also be a sensation of heat and increased secretions in the anal area. Treatment may include medications such as Erythromycin Ointment, Amoxicillin Capsules, and Metronidazole Tablets, as directed by a physician.
5. Incarcerated Internal Hemorrhoids
Incarcerated internal hemorrhoids occur when internal hemorrhoids develop to a certain stage, causing the hemorrhoidal mass to prolapse outside the anus and become unable to spontaneously retract, resulting in incarceration. The incarcerated hemorrhoid may be stimulated by external factors, causing severe pain and itching. Accompanying symptoms may include a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the anal area and rectal bleeding. Treatment may include medications such as Potassium Permanganate Solution, Compound Carrageenan Cream, and Diosmin Tablets, as instructed by a physician.
In daily life, it is important to keep the anal area clean and dry, adjust the diet, and avoid consuming spicy, greasy, and irritating foods to reduce the occurrence and worsening of hemorrhoids.
