Hemorrhoids can be extremely bothersome to those afflicted with them. It is estimated that nearly 100 million Americans are suffering from hemorrhoids, many of those with external hemorrhoids. More than half of the US population will develop hemorrhoids by the time they reach 50 years old. This is why it is so vital to have a sufficient action plan for effective hemorrhoid treatment.

External hemorrhoids are veins that are swollen and they develop outside of the anus and develops into a soft lump. These lumps can sometimes turn into blood clots. These blood clots are hard and get very painful.

What causes hemorrhoids? There are also several different reason that people get them in the first place and here are some hemorrhoid triggers:

- STRAINING TO HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMENT
- OBESITY
- FETUS PRESSURE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
- EPISODES OF DIARRHEA
- CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER (RARE CASES)

There are several measures you can take to avoid getting hemorrhoids and I strongly recommend that you do. If you are currently suffering from this ailment, you should start taking the preventative route now because it will exponentially improve your symptoms and help with your hemorrhoid treatment.

Some of the preventative measures to take are to add more fiber to your diet, drink plenty of water and exercise. You do not have to join a gym or run a marathon. Walking for about 20 minutes a day will help your digestive system and bowel movements will become more regular. These simple tips can prevent constipation and help you lose weight which is essential in treating external hemorrhoids.

You can also use protectants to avoid irritation to the rectal area. This can cause a barrier between the sensitive anal area and liquid or stool that can prevent further pain and irritation.

Here is a list of protectants:

- Cocoa Butter
- Lanolin
- Starch
- Petroleum Jelly
- Mineral Oil
- Calomine
- Liver Oil

The very best hemorrhoid treatment you should add to your list is using natural home remedies for internal or external hemorrhoids. Natural remedies get to the root of the problem and usually work without little to no side effects. They work quickly and are very convenient since some of these can be found in your own home.