EXTERNAL PILES
Is a name given to a small, but very painful clot on the anal verge.
It is also used by people to describe skin tags in the edge of the anus.
How do I know if I have piles?
Common symptoms are:
- Bleeding from back passage at the end of a bowel movement
- Itching around the anus
- Discomfort after opening bowels
- Mucus discharge
- Something protruding out of the anus
IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO IGNORE PILES PARTICULARLY BLEEDING FROM THE BACK PASSAGE PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE OVER 40 YEARS OF AGE, HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF BOWEL CANCER
It is safer to seek help from your doctor or a specialist.
Treatments:
- Small internal piles can get better by regulating diet and ensuring a regular soft bowel movement.
- Internal piles, which bleed, can be injected by chemical solution to shrink
- If they are 1st/2nd degree piles a band can be applied (banding) to them to cut of the blood supply and allow them to drop of.
Cryotherapy uses cold to freeze the piles - Surgery (Haemorrhoidectomy) is best for 3rd and 4th degree piles.