What to Do About an Infected Hemorrhoid (2024)

An infected hemorrhoid is rare but it can occur with hemorrhoids, also known as piles. These are swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. Depending on their location, hemorrhoids can cause substantial discomfort.

Hemorrhoids are the third most common gastrointestinal (GI) diagnosis when people see a healthcare provider and account for nearly 4 million office and emergency department visits each year.When infected, they require proper treatment in order to heal.

This article will help you to learn more about infected hemorrhoids, including, signs,- and symptoms and treatment options.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Infected Hemorrhoids?

Signs and symptoms of an infected hemorrhoid are similar to all hemorrhoids and include:

• Itchiness
• Red skin around your anus
• Swelling
• Pain during bowel movements
• Small amounts of bright red blood in toilet or on the toilet paper
  

If you're experiencing symptoms of hemorrhoids, infected or otherwise, see your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. This usually involves a simple physical examination and medical history.

If a hemorrhoid is, in fact, infected, your healthcare provider will have you start treatment.

What Causes Infected Hemorrhoids?

Certain lifestyle risk factors can increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids. Diet (the amount of fiber you consume), hydration (drinking enough water), and exercise are contributing factors.

Hemorrhoids can become infected for a number of reasons. Some of these might include:

Hemorrhoid type: Hemorrhoids can either be external (anus) or internal (rectum). Internal hemorrhoids rarely become infected. That said, a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid is most likely to become infected; this happens when a hemorrhoid in the rectum is pushed down and out. Sometimes, external hemorrhoids can lead to anal skin tags.

Lack of blood flow: When blood flow is cut off from the vein, it can quickly and easily cause an infection.

Removal methods: Hemorrhoidectomy is one way to remove hemorrhoids, which can increase the risk of hemorrhoids becoming infected.

Risk Factors

Certain people may be at greater risk for hemorrhoids, including those that become infected. Conditions including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may increase this risk. Also among them are:

• Pregnancy
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease
• Obesity

The development of hemorrhoids is more likely among an older group of 45 to 65. Your bathroom and bowel habits also add to the risk. Chronic constipation and straining to have a bowel movement, frequent diarrhea, and spending too much time on the toilet are risk factors.

How Are Infected Hemorrhoids Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will complete a physical exam, looking to confirm signs of hemorrhoids and any infection. This may include a digital rectal exam, in which a gloved finger is placed inside the rectum to check for muscle tone and other features. It is typically painless.

Other tests may include:

• Anoscopy, a procedure used to look at tissues of the anus and lower rectum
• Proctosigmoidoscopy, which allows your provider to look at the rectum and lower colon

Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to check for infection, or add urine screening to see if infection has spread to other parts of the body.

How Are Infected Hemorrhoids Treated?

Infected hemorrhoids can be treated in a number of different ways:

• Antibiotics: A course of antibiotics will usually be prescribed to treat an infected hemorrhoid.
• Surgery: For severe cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the infected hemorrhoid. Keep in mind that infection may be a complication of surgery, too.

In addition to medical interventions, a number of home remedies may be helpful during your treatment for an infected hemorrhoid including:

• Applying an ice pack or cold compress
• Taking pain relievers
• Incorporating more fiber into your diet

Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying any home remedies to avoid potentially worsening or spreading the infection.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you're experiencing any signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider so you can confirm that an infected hemorrhoid is what is causing your symptoms. It's important that you begin treatment to reduce the risk of complications, such as peritonitis (when infection spreads to the inner lining of the abdomen).

If you're having extensive rectal bleeding, this is abnormal and may signal that something more serious may be occurring. Hemorrhoid symptoms usually last around seven to 10 days before they begin to improve. If you're experiencing worsening pain, contact your healthcare provider.

How Are Infected Hemorrhoids Prevented?

The best prevention of infected hemorrhoids is to avoid hemorrhoids in the first place. Be sure to:

• Drink enough water to avoid dehydration, since water helps to form softer stools.
• Add fiber-rich foods to your diet, like whole grains and fresh produce.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Stay active through exercise, which can improve muscle tone and overall health.
• Avoid straining when having a bowel movement.

Consider taking a fiber supplement, but be sure to speak with your healthcare provider. They may also recommend other medication if appropriate for treating an underlying digestive condition.

Summary

Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. Although it's rare, hemorrhoids can become infected. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include itchiness, pain during bowel movements, and more.

In some cases, treatment for infected hemorrhoids includes antibiotics or surgery. Some at-home remedies include applying cold compresses, taking pain relievers, or adding more fiber to your diet.