Can hemorrhoids pop?
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are enlarged veins in the rectum and anus. For some, they cause no symptoms. But for others they can cause itching, burning, bleeding, and discomfort, especially when sitting.
There are several types of hemorrhoids:
- Internal hemorrhoids develop in the rectum
- External hemorrhoids develop around the anal opening, under the skin.
- Thrombosed hemorrhoids occur when an internal or external hemorrhoid develops a blood clot inside.
- Prolapsed hemorrhoids refer to an internal hemorrhoid that has been pushed out of the anus.
Both external and prolapsed hemorrhoids, as well as thrombosed external hemorrhoids, might look like a hard pimple, leading some people to try popping them like a pimple would. But is it even possible?
Technically, you can pop a hemorrhoid to release blood, but this is not recommended. Read on to understand why and find out more ways to get relief.
Can hemorrhoids pop? Why shouldn’t I break out hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, even when they are large and outside the anus, are very difficult to see. Consequently, there is no way of knowing what you are actually doing when you try to open one. This also makes it very easy to accidentally injure the delicate tissue surrounding your anal area.
However, not all skin lesions around the anus are hemorrhoids. It is important not to self-diagnose. This can lead to a delay in the proper diagnosis and treatment of other conditions, such as anal cancer.
Additionally, your anal area is exposed to many bacteria from both bowel movements and skin. An open wound in this area, including the type that would result from a hemorrhoid outbreak, is very vulnerable to infection.
Bursting a hemorrhoid can also be extremely painful, both when it bursts and during the healing process.
What if I have already popped it?
If you have already had a hemorrhoid, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of infection. See your doctor as soon as possible so you can be properly evaluated and treated. They can make sure there are no complications. A sitz bath, which consists of immersing the area in a few centimeters of hot water, can temporarily relieve discomfort. Read how to do it.
After soaking for about 20 minutes, gently pat the area with a clean towel, making sure not to rub.
You will also need to look for signs of a possible infection and report them to your doctor. The signs of a possible infection include:
- warmth or redness
- swelling and inflammation
- pus or discharge
- increased pain when sitting
- fever
- fatigue
However, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid further complications and to ensure that you are receiving the proper diagnosis and treatment.
What can I do instead?
Can hemorrhoids pop? If you have a hemorrhoid that causes pain or discomfort, resist the urge to burst it. There are many other things you can do at home to relieve without additional risk.
Start by gently cleaning the area and reducing inflammation:
- Take a sitz bath. This involves soaking the anal area in a few centimeters of hot water. For further relief, add some Epsom salts to the water. Learn more about sitz baths.
- Use wet wipes. Toilet paper can be rough and irritating to external hemorrhoids. Instead, try using a wet washcloth. Look for something similar, available on Amazon, that has no added fragrances or irritants.
- Use a cold pack. Wrap a cold pack with a towel and sit on it to reduce inflammation and calm the area. Limit the use of the cold pack for 20 minutes at a time.
- Avoid straining or sitting on the toilet for long periods of time. This can put more pressure on the hemorrhoids.
- Use an over-the-counter product. You can also apply a topical cream to external hemorrhoids or use a medicated suppository for internal hemorrhoids. Amazon carries both creams and suppositories.
Next, try to soften the stool to keep your digestive system in good working order to reduce the risk of further irritating or damaging a bleeding hemorrhoid.
Here are some suggestions:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid constipation.
- Eat fiber. Try to gradually add more fiber-rich foods to your diet, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruit. This can help prevent constipation and irregular stools.
- Get a stool softener. If you’re constipated, try getting an over-the-counter stool softener, available on Amazon.
- Stay active. Physical activity can help reduce constipation.
- Add a fiber supplement to your routine. If you need extra help keeping things moving, you can also take a fiber supplement, such as methylcellulose or psyllium husk. You can buy fiber supplements online.
- Try MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol). This product is generally safe to use on a regular basis as it draws water into the intestinal tract to soften the stool.
Do I need to see a doctor?
There are a variety of procedures that can be safely used to treat hemorrhoids. They can often be performed by the doctor in their office.
- Elastic binding. The tying of the elastic involves the application of a small rubber band at the base of an internal hemorrhoid. This restricts blood flow, eventually causing the hemorrhoids to curl and fall.
- Sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a medicated solution into a hemorrhoid and has results similar to those of tying rubber bands.
- Bipolar, laser or infrared coagulation. This method causes the internal hemorrhoids to dry out and eventually wither.
- Electrocoagulation. An electric current hardens the hemorrhoids, causing them to fall.
It is important to confirm that any anal lesions or bleeding are actually hemorrhoids. If you have been diagnosed with hemorrhoids and they have become larger or more severe, your doctor may recommend more advanced treatment. Your doctor can help you determine which procedure might be best for you based on the type and severity of your hemorrhoids.
These treatment options could involve general or regional anesthesia, as well as a potential overnight stay in hospital:
- Hemorrhoidectomy. This involves the surgical removal of a prolapsed or external hemorrhoid.
- Hemorrhoidopexy. A surgeon will attach a prolapsed hemorrhoid into the anus using surgical stitches.
- DG-HAL (Doppler-guided hemorrhoid artery ligation). This procedure uses ultrasound to identify the blood supply to the hemorrhoids. The blood supply is then interrupted, causing the hemorrhoids to shrink. However, there is a high relapse rate with this procedure with severe hemorrhoids.
Can hemorrhoids pop? The final thought
Hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, but trying to pop them can only lead to more pain, complications, and discomfort. It can also leave you at risk of developing a potentially serious infection or damaging delicate tissues. When it comes to hemorrhoids, home treatments are quite effective. If you find that they don’t work, there are also many things a doctor can do to help you.
