External hemorrhoids are swollen veins located just under the skin around the anus. Unlike internal hemorrhoids, they appear outside the rectal opening and can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding when irritated.
External hemorrhoids may lead to:
External hemorrhoids can develop from:
Don't let external hemorrhoids hold you back any longer. At GastroDoxs, our board-certified specialists in Houston offer personalized, minimally invasive treatments and compassionate follow-up care designed for your fastest relief. Call us today at 832-632-4070 or click below to schedule your appointment online. Your path to pain-free living starts now.
We've successfully treated more than 871 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Most external hemorrhoids resolve within 1-2 weeks with conservative measures such as warm sitz baths, topical therapies, increased fiber intake, and adequate hydration. Persistent or severe cases may require further evaluation.
Mild external hemorrhoids can improve on their own as inflammation subsides. However, most patients experience faster relief with home remedies like sitz baths, over-the-counter creams, and dietary adjustments.
To reduce swelling quickly, take multiple warm sitz baths daily, apply over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointments or witch hazel pads, increase fiber and fluid intake, and avoid straining during bowel movements. In-office treatments like rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy can also offer rapid improvement.
External hemorrhoids appear as tender, bluish-purple lumps or bumps around the anal opening. They may feel firm or painful, especially if a blood clot (thrombosis) has formed.
You can view clinical photos on reputable medical websites such as the Mayo Clinic or WebMD, or request educational images from your healthcare provider during a consultation.
The ICD-10 code for thrombosed external hemorrhoids is I84.0. This code is used by medical professionals for accurate diagnosis documentation and insurance billing.
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are usually painless but may bleed. External hemorrhoids form under the skin around the anus and often cause pain, itching, and swelling, particularly when thrombosed.
Yes. Gastroenterologists at GastroDoxs in Houston specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of hemorrhoids, offering both non-surgical and minimally invasive office-based procedures.
Yes. Many patients find relief with non-surgical options such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation, dietary modifications, fiber supplements, and topical therapies.
GastroDoxs offers board-certified expertise, personalized treatment plans, convenient local care, and a focus on privacy and comfort. Our goal is to provide fast, effective relief and lasting results.
