What is it and why does it remain
The skin around the anus is elastic and stretches easily when swelling occurs. When the external hemorrhoid becomes thrombosed or inflamed, the tissue increases in volume, and after the inflammation subsides, the swelling goes away, but excess skin remains in the form of a soft fold. The same mechanism works during the healing of an anal fissure: a sentinel tubercle is formed at its edge. The fimbriae are painless, mobile, have the color of normal skin and do not change over time unless there are new exacerbations.
- Consequence of thrombosis of external hemorrhoids
- Sentinel tubercle for chronic anal fissure
- Skin stretching after pregnancy and childbirth
- Consequence of prolonged constipation and straining
- It is not a tumor and does not degenerate
How are they different from other formations?
The main thing is not to confuse the fringe with something that requires treatment. During an exacerbation, the external hemorrhoidal node is dense, bluish and painful, and the fimbria is soft and painless. Genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus are usually multiple, have a papillary, uneven surface and tend to grow - they need to be removed and examined for infection. The prolapsed polyp or tumor has a different consistency and often bleeds. An examination by a proctologist helps to figure it out.
- Hemorrhoidal node - dense, painful with thrombosis
- Condylomas - multiple, with a bumpy surface
- Polyp - pedunculated, prone to bleeding
- Hypertrophied anal papilla - from the anal canal
- Perianal abscess - sharp pain and fever
Symptoms and discomfort
The fringe itself does not cause pain. The main inconveniences are related to hygiene: moisture and fecal residues are retained in the folds, the skin becomes wet, itching, burning and irritation appear, and sometimes a fungal or bacterial infection occurs. People often describe a feeling of incomplete cleansing after using the toilet. Psychological discomfort plays a special role - many people mistake the folds for hemorrhoids and are afraid that it is a tumor.
- Painless soft folds at the anus
- Itching and burning of the perianal skin
- Dampness and irritation
- Difficulty with hygiene after defecation
- Aesthetic and psychological discomfort
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made during a routine examination: the proctologist evaluates the type, density and mobility of the formations. Additionally, a digital examination of the rectum and, if necessary, anoscopy are performed to exclude internal hemorrhoids, fissure, polyp or fistula. If the formations are multiple and lumpy, tests are taken for human papillomavirus and other infections. When there is blood in the stool or a person is over 45 years old, the doctor may recommend a colonoscopy - fimbriae do not explain this symptom.
- Examination of the perianal area
- Digital rectal examination
- Anoscopy for associated complaints
- HPV testing for suspected condylomas
- Colonoscopy for blood in stool
Treatment and prevention
There are no conservative ways to remove fringes: ointments and suppositories relieve irritation, but do not reduce the skin fold. If it does not interfere, no treatment is needed. In case of persistent discomfort, excision is performed under local anesthesia or removal by laser and radio wave method is an outpatient procedure, healing takes from several days to a couple of weeks. The most important thing is the prevention of new folds: soft, regular stools without straining, enough fiber and water, timely treatment of hemorrhoids and fissures.
- Observation if folds do not bother you
- Gentle hygiene: rinsing with cool water, blotting dry
- Excision under local anesthesia
- Laser or radio wave removal
- Normalization of stool and avoidance of straining
- Treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissure