Hemorrhoids: what the dermatologist should know

B A Orkin1, A M Schwartz, M Orkin

  • 1Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Anorectal disorders are common and more than one half of the population will experience one at some time during their lives. It is important for the clinician to recognize the differences between internal and external hemorrhoids and other anorectal problems such as fissures, abscesses, fistulas, skin tags, and a variety of dermatologic conditions because the treatment is often different. This article will discuss the anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of internal and external hemorrhoids.

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