The type and severity of the hemorrhoid will often determine how long it will last. Small internal hemorrhoids generally clear up over the course of a few days to one week. Larger hemorrhoids, on the contrary, could take several weeks to improve or may need professional medical care. External hemorrhoids typically need treatment from a physician. Such treatment options may involve nutritional and lifestyle modifications, nonprescription medications, a procedure like hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation), surgery, or another type of care.