Hemorrhoids are cushions of blood vessels located in or around the lower part of the rectum and the anus. When they become enlarged and inflamed, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including itching.
Itchy hemorrhoids can disrupt daily routines and activities. Hemorrhoid itching occurs because of inflammation and excess moisture in the anal region. Factors like how inflamed the hemorrhoids are and where they are located can also impact the severity of your symptoms and what type of hemorrhoid treatment can offer relief.
Why Do Hemorrhoids Itch?
Hemorrhoids can feel itchy or irritated due to swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum. Inflammation triggers the immune system to release a chemical called histamine, which causes itching and irritation. Scratching the itch can worsen symptoms, leading to more inflammation and making the itching feel even more intense.
There are also specific reasons why external and internal hemorrhoids might itch.
External Hemorrhoid Itching
External hemorrhoids are located outside of the anus. They are covered by skin that’s very sensitive and can quickly become dry, irritated, and itchy from either excessive effort to keep the anal area clean or lack of hygiene. The following factors can irritate the skin and cause hemorrhoids to feel itchy:
- Excess wiping after a bowel movement
- Using wipes that contain alcohol or other chemicals that can dry out the skin
- Leftover fecal matter after a bowel movement
Internal Hemorrhoid Itching
An internal hemorrhoid that protrudes outside of the anus (a prolapsed hemorrhoid) can cause itching by making the skin moist. Internal hemorrhoids are covered by a lining of mucosa. When they prolapse, they discharge mucus. This extra moisture on the sensitive skin around the anus can cause itching and irritation.
If a prolapsed hemorrhoid stays outside the anus for an extended period, it will continue to discharge mucus, leading to more trapped moisture against the skin and more severe hemorrhoid itching. The mucus can also mix with fecal matter, making the irritation even more intense.
The Impact of Hemorrhoid Itching
The itching and irritation can make it difficult to fall asleep or cause persistent discomfort throughout the night. Scratching, extra wiping to try and keep the area clean, or over-cleaning can cause more irritation, dryness, and inflammation, leading to a cycle of discomfort, itchiness, and frustration. A hemorrhoid itch is often accompanied by other symptoms that can make sitting for long periods or passing a stool uncomfortable or even painful.
Associated Symptoms of Hemorrhoid Itching
Other symptoms that can occur alongside hemorrhoid itching include the following:
- If an internal hemorrhoid causes itching, whether prolapsed or not, the feeling of pain or fullness during a bowel movement may occur due to swelling and inflammation.
- Internal hemorrhoids can also cause ruptured veins, leading to blood in the stool, toilet bowl, or toilet paper after wiping.
- Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can discharge mucus, creating more moisture in the anal region and irritation.
- If the itching is from external hemorrhoids, it’ll likely be accompanied by lumps or protrusions around the anus.
- Scratching hemorrhoids can also lead to increased irritation and possibly an infection.
If you are dealing with any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with a hemorrhoid doctor for a proper diagnosis. USA Hemorrhoid Centers has top-rated hemorrhoid doctors who can evaluate your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan so you can start feeling relief from unwanted symptoms.
Hemorrhoid Itching Treatment Options
In some cases, itchy hemorrhoids will go away on their own. People with external hemorrhoids can get itch relief from over-the-counter treatments and dietary and lifestyle changes to help reduce any pressure on the veins around the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids can require medical treatment to get lasting relief from itching and other symptoms. However, over-the-counter treatments and at-home care can offer temporary relief from itchy hemorrhoids until medical treatment is received.
Medical Hemorrhoid Treatments
Medical treatments for hemorrhoids can offer long-term relief from hemorrhoid itching and other symptoms.
- Hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE): This non-surgical treatment leaves hemorrhoid tissue intact. HAE is not painful and has a quick recovery.
- Rubber band ligation: This treatment works by tying off hemorrhoids with a rubber band to cut off the blood supply and shrink the hemorrhoid. It’s a somewhat painful non-surgical procedure.
- Infrared coagulation: This procedure uses infrared light to shrink hemorrhoid tissue. It’s also a non-surgical option.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a surgical procedure for severe hemorrhoids that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Lifestyle Changes for Hemorrhoid Relief and Prevention
Lifestyle changes can help hemorrhoids heal quickly and prevent them from developing again. Understanding why hemorrhoids can suddenly develop or flare up can also help you identify everyday triggers, such as constipation, changes in bowel habits, or increased pressure on the rectal veins.
- Eating a high-fiber diet: Adding more fiber to the diet by eating whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds can soften the stool, reducing the pressure on hemorrhoids so they’re less likely to become swollen and inflamed.
- Drinking more water: Water improves circulation, supporting anal veins. It also prevents constipation, which is a possible cause of hemorrhoids.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity can encourage regular bowel movements, strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles, and improve circulation.
When to See a Doctor About Hemorrhoid Itching
Hemorrhoid itching can impact your quality of life and lead to more severe symptoms or complications, such as burning irritation in the anal area and an infection. If itching and other hemorrhoid symptoms don’t start getting better after one week or are severe, schedule a consultation with an experienced hemorrhoid doctor. A hemorrhoid specialist can provide an evaluation and recommend the best treatment for you.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers has non-surgical hemorrhoid clinics nationwide. Our doctors treat hemorrhoids non-surgically with hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE). Schedule a consultation at a hemorrhoid treatment center near you to consult with one of our expert doctors and find out if HAE can help you get relief from your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Internal Hemorrhoids Itch?
Yes, internal hemorrhoids can itch. Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed cushions of veins and other tissue. The inflammation can trigger the release of histamine, which causes itching and irritation around the anal area. Internal hemorrhoids can cause itching when they discharge mucus. The extra moisture can irritate the sensitive skin around the anus, leading to itching.
How Long Does Hemorrhoid Itching Last?
Hemorrhoid itching can last for several days or longer. Some hemorrhoids can persist for weeks or even months, and symptoms can become severe. If your symptoms don’t start improving after one week, consider making an appointment with a hemorrhoid doctor near you.
Why Do Hemorrhoids Itch More at Night?
Hemorrhoids might feel more itchy at night if you sleep in a warm environment. The warmth and moisture can increase itching and irritation.
For such a personal issue, I really appreciated how discreet and professional everyone was. The staff made me feel comfortable from check-in through my appointment.
The whole experience was much easier than I expected. The doctor listened to what I was dealing with, explained my options, and answered my questions without making me feel rushed
I had been ignoring my symptoms for months, hoping they would eventually go away. When they started interfering with my daily routine, I knew it was time to see someone. I’m glad I finally did.
I put off getting checked because I was embarrassed. After finally making the appointment, I realized I had built it up in my head to be much worse than it was. I wish I had taken care of it sooner.”
Very professional and compassionate staff. They listened to my concerns, explained my options clearly, and made an uncomfortable situation much easier to deal with.
I came in with a lot of questions and wasn’t sure what treatment would involve. The doctor explained my options clearly and took the time to make sure I understood everything
The doctor was professional, respectful, and easy to talk to. I never felt embarrassed about why I was there, which made a big difference for me.”
Making the appointment was probably the hardest part because I was embarrassed about my symptoms. Once I got there, I realized there was nothing to be embarrassed about. The team was understanding and focused on helping me find the right treatment option.
From scheduling my appointment to meeting with the doctor, I had a positive experience. Everyone treated me with respect and made an uncomfortable health issue much easier to address
I didn’t realize there were different ways to treat hemorrhoids until my consultation. The doctor took the time to explain my options and answer all my questions before I made a decision.
I had been dealing with hemorrhoid symptoms for longer than I should have. The doctor listened to what I was experiencing, explained my options, and helped me understand what treatment might be appropriate.
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I put off getting treatment because I was embarrassed, but I’m glad I finally made the appointment. Everyone was professional and respectful, and the doctor made it much easier to talk about than I expected.
Dr. Pridjian and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, professional, friendly, patient, and put me at ease as I was very nervous. The procedure went exactly it had been explained to me. I would highly recommend Dr. Pridjian and his team!
Dr. Reichman did his job competently and professionally. He is a credit to his profession. His assistant, nurse Kenya was professional, courteous, comforting, and definitely competent during the procedure. They are lucky to have her on their team.
Very helpful staff who made me feel comfortable. The provider was fantastic and I’m actually looking forward to my procedure. 🤞🏻
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That’s a good place to receive better treatment of Hemorrhoids. You will get a good care of what you are looking for. Dr. Aaron D. Reichman is an amazing person.
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The doctor was great. Very good experience. My procedure was a success, they are very pleasant, helpful and respectful to me and my husband.
The doctor and staff are wonderful. it was my first procedure ever and they made me very comfortable with explaining the procedure step by step. Also, his assistant was very nice. She took very good care of me and I appreciate her so much! 10/10 recommend.
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