What should I do about an external hemorrhoid lump?
Nov 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, the management of external hemorrhoidal masses mainly includes conservative treatment, topical medication, oral medication, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. In addition, patients should develop regular bowel habits, avoid spicy foods and alcohol, and undergo regular follow-up examinations. If abnormalities such as incarcerated mass or persistent bleeding occur, timely medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.
Generally, treatment methods for external hemorrhoid lumps mainly include conservative management, topical medication, oral medication, physical therapy, and surgical treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Conservative Management
External hemorrhoid lumps are often associated with prolonged sitting, constipation, and dietary irritation. Maintaining perianal health is fundamental. Patients should avoid prolonged sitting or standing, and get up regularly to move around to promote blood circulation in the anal area. Increasing dietary fiber intake, consuming more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and ensuring adequate hydration can soften stools and prevent compression of the lump during defecation. After bowel movements, clean the perianal area with warm water, keep it dry, and minimize irritation.
2. Topical Medication
Topical treatments can directly relieve discomfort. Patients may use Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment as directed by a physician to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Analgesic suppositories such as Gantai Suppository can also be used to improve perianal blood circulation and reduce swelling of the lump. Additionally, Compound Carrageenan Cream can protect the perianal mucosa and alleviate pain and itching.
3. Oral Medication
Oral medications primarily serve as adjunctive therapy to relieve symptoms. For obvious constipation, lactulose oral solution or polyethylene glycol 4000 powder can be taken to soften stools. In cases of pain and swelling, patients may take micronized purified flavonoid extract tablets (e.g., Mairoiling Tablets) under medical guidance to improve venous circulation and reduce congestion of the hemorrhoidal lump.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical therapies can accelerate the resolution of hemorrhoidal lumps. Common methods include warm water sitz baths and infrared irradiation. Warm water sitz baths, performed 1–2 times daily for 15 minutes each session, help relax the perianal muscles and enhance blood flow. Infrared irradiation promotes local metabolism, reduces inflammation, and aids in shrinking the lump.
5. Surgical Treatment
Surgery is required when conservative treatments fail or when the lump repeatedly prolapses or becomes incarcerated. Common procedures include excision of external hemorrhoids, which directly removes the lump, or thrombectomy for thrombosed external hemorrhoids, where the clot inside the hemorrhoid is removed to rapidly relieve pain.
In addition, patients should develop regular bowel habits, avoid spicy foods and alcohol, and undergo regular follow-up examinations. If abnormalities such as incarceration of the lump or persistent bleeding occur, timely medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.
