Are you feeling itchiness lately and are embarrassed for it? Do you wonder about the cause of your discomfort and what is urging you to scratch private parts in crowds? Well, if it comforts you, you aren't alone, and many go through this same thing. Various conditions, including STDs like herpes and hemorrhoids being the common ones. There is a significant difference between hemorrhoids and herpes.
Taking a look at hemorrhoids and herpes
Hemorrhoids are the cluster of inflamed veins and blood vessels around the anus or in the lower rectal area. They are also called piles.
By the age of 50, around half of the adults experience the symptoms of hemorrhoids. They can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the anus, while external ones are found outside. External hemorrhoids are found commonly and troubling. They can cause severe itching, pain, and difficulty in sitting. But the good thing is that they are treatable.
Anal herpes, caused by the herpes virus, are sores and blisters around the anus' opening by which bowel movements pass. The cause for anal herpes is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The condition is transferred through sexual contact.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids and herpes
Let's take a look at the symptoms of these conditions one by one, starting with the hemorrhoids:
- Extreme itching
- Pain and irritation around the anus
- Painful lump or swelling
- Fecal leakage
- Painful bowel movements
Although you go through a lot of pain, they may go away on their own without treatment, but if you experience bleeding, you might want to visit a doctor.
Symptoms of anal herpes include the following:
- White blisters or red bumps
- Itching and pain around the anus
- Ulcers at the site of blisters
- Bowel habit changes
Causes of hemorrhoids
The occurrence of hemorrhoids is because of too much pressure on the anus' veins. The factors responsible are:
- Straining because of bowel movement
- Chronic constipation
- Family history
- Sitting for long periods, especially in the toilet
Transmission of herpes
Anal herpes is transmitted from one to another through sexual intercourse. The virus, causing genital herpes can also cause lesions in the anus, perianus, or genitals.
Once the symptoms are diagnosed, the doctors discuss the treatment options you have.
Treatment options
Hemorrhoids are treated either at home or at a doctor's. Here are some options that you can go for.
- Soak yourselves in a warm tub of water for 15 minutes daily, or you can also sit on a warm water bottle to get relief from the pain.
- Over-the-counter fiber supplements can also help.
- If home treatments are ineffective, you can visit a doctor for medical treatments.
The treatment for herpes reduces the intensity and outbreak length. It also reduces the risk of infecting your sexual partner. The primary treatment is antiviral therapy and medications. If the medication is used for an extended time, it is known as suppressive therapy.
In case herpes is severe, the doctor suggests intravenous antiviral therapy.
It is common to confuse between the two conditions if you don't know the difference between hemorrhoids and herpes. Consulting a doctor for the treatment is the best you can do to ensure your safety.