Hemorrhoids are among the most common of health ailments, affecting approximately eight out of ten people throughout their lifetimes. Hemorrhoids may have a genetic component, but they are most likely caused, and remedied by, such things as diet and toilet habits. Internal hemorrhoids are often present without causing any discomfort or even awareness of their presence. Until they thrombose or bleed you may not know you have them.
External hemorrhoids develop under the skin just outside the opening of the anus.
They are tender to the touch and are round and purple in colour. While there is no conclusive evidence as to the specific cause of hemorrhoids, there is a long list of contributing factors. These include constipation, straining during a bowel movement, pregnancy, lifting heavy objects, prolonged sitting or standing, being overweight, and faulty diet. Downward pressure can cause the small veins around the anus and rectum to stretch. As the veins lose their elasticity and retain excess blood, they become more vulnerable to injury, possibly triggering bleeding, which is often the first indication of hemorrhoids.