How long do external hemorrhoids take to heal?

How'd you get them?: "healing" depends on whether the original cause for hemorrhoids persists. Have you been straining at stool, have rectal dysfunction, perform an activity that increases pelvic engorgement with blood or increases pelvic pressure (heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, etc.)? Have your hemorrhoids been surgically or medically managed (& with otc or prescription drugs)? Too many variables here to know...