Ruptured Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help

Hemorrhoid rupture?

Hello Doctor: A few days ago, my hemorrhoid ruptured, and I consulted with a doctor about its severity.
The day after it ruptured, I had a bowel movement and noticed a small amount of blood.
When wiping, I found a small, elongated piece that looked like flesh had come out.
What could this be? Now, on the third day, I have a slight feeling of a foreign body in the anal area, some itching, and occasional pain similar to skin irritation.
These sensations are relatively mild.
When I touch the anal area, I feel some protruding tissue.
Could this be the ruptured hemorrhoid? I haven't seen any bleeding, but when applying ointment, my finger often has blood stains.
Is this still considered normal? (I am only applying it externally.) On the first day after the rupture, I visited a family medicine clinic, where I was prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pain medications, as well as stomach medication and topical ointments.
Given my current situation, should I go to a major hospital for colorectal surgery, or can I wait for natural healing? (The symptoms are mild, but seeing blood stains and feeling the wound makes me a bit anxious.) Thank you for your patient response.

Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/05

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

What has fallen out and what is protruding cannot be determined without a personal examination.
If it is a thrombosed external hemorrhoid, light bleeding within a week after it ruptures is considered normal.
However, if the bleeding lasts more than a week, it is advisable to consult a colorectal surgeon for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/05/05

More Info

When dealing with ruptured hemorrhoids, it is essential to understand the symptoms, treatment options, and when to seek further medical help. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus that can become painful, especially when they rupture. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as a feeling of an object in the anus, itching, and occasional pain, are common after a hemorrhoid rupture. The presence of blood, even if minimal, is also not unusual in such cases.

From your description, it seems that you may have experienced a rupture of an external hemorrhoid. The "long strip-like thing" you mentioned could be a thrombosed hemorrhoid or a piece of tissue that has become necrotic due to the rupture. The fact that you are experiencing a slight bleeding when applying ointment and that you can feel some protrusion when touching the area suggests that there may still be some inflammation or irritation present.

In terms of treatment, you have already taken a good first step by consulting with a family physician who prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. These medications can help reduce the risk of infection and alleviate pain. Additionally, over-the-counter topical treatments, such as hydrocortisone creams or witch hazel pads, can provide relief from itching and discomfort.

It is crucial to maintain good hygiene in the area to prevent any further irritation or infection. After bowel movements, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, and avoid using harsh wipes or toilet paper that could exacerbate the irritation. Applying a barrier cream or ointment can also help protect the area as it heals.

As for your concern about whether to visit a colorectal surgeon, it depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they progress. If the bleeding persists, increases, or if you experience significant pain, it would be wise to seek further evaluation. A colorectal surgeon can provide a more specialized assessment and determine if any surgical intervention is necessary, especially if there are complications such as a large thrombosed hemorrhoid or if the tissue appears necrotic.

In general, most ruptured hemorrhoids heal on their own within a few days to a week. However, if you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, or if you develop a fever, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while your symptoms seem manageable at this point, keep monitoring your condition. If you experience any worsening symptoms or if the bleeding does not resolve, do not hesitate to consult a specialist. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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