Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and rectum. They can be internal, meaning they occur inside the rectum, or external, meaning they occur outside the anus.
Internal hemorrhoids are often painless, but they can cause bleeding, itching, and a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement. External hemorrhoids can be painful, especially when they become thrombosed, or filled with blood. They can also cause itching, swelling, and a feeling of fullness in the anus.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what hemorrhoids look like, both internally and externally. We'll also provide pictures of hemorrhoids so you can see what they look like for yourself.
what do hemorrhoids look like
Hemorrhoids can appear in various forms, both internal and external. Here are 9 important points to consider:
- Internal: Hidden inside rectum.
- External: Protrude outside anus.
- Painful: Especially when thrombosed.
- Bleeding: Common symptom.
- Itching: Can be severe.
- Swelling: Around anus.
- Prolapse: Hemorrhoids push out of anus.
- Strangulation: Prolapsed hemorrhoids cut off blood supply.
- Thrombosis: Blood clots form in hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids can range in size from small, pea-sized bumps to larger, grape-sized masses. They can be red, purple, or bluish in color. Internal hemorrhoids may not be visible, but they can be felt as soft, tender lumps during a digital rectal exam.
Internal: Hidden inside rectum.
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum, above the anal opening. They are usually not visible, but they can be felt as soft, tender lumps during a digital rectal exam. Internal hemorrhoids can be classified into four grades, depending on their severity:
- Grade 1: Small, pea-sized hemorrhoids that do not prolapse (push out of the anus).
- Grade 2: Larger, grape-sized hemorrhoids that prolapse during a bowel movement but spontaneously retract (go back inside) afterward.
- Grade 3: Hemorrhoids that prolapse during a bowel movement and require manual repositioning to go back inside.
- Grade 4: Hemorrhoids that are permanently prolapsed and cannot be pushed back inside.
Internal hemorrhoids can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool
- Itching or irritation in the anal area
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum
- Pain during bowel movements
- Mucus discharge from the anus
Internal hemorrhoids are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Treatment for internal hemorrhoids depends on the grade of the hemorrhoids and the severity of the symptoms.
In most cases, internal hemorrhoids can be treated with conservative measures, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, stool softeners, and dietary changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the hemorrhoids.
External: Protrude outside anus.
External hemorrhoids are located outside the anus, under the skin. They can be seen and felt as small, firm lumps around the anus. External hemorrhoids are usually covered with skin, but they can also be covered with a thin layer of mucous membrane. External hemorrhoids can be classified into two types:
- Thrombosed external hemorrhoids: These are external hemorrhoids that have filled with blood. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are usually painful and swollen. They can also be bluish or purplish in color.
- Non-thrombosed external hemorrhoids: These are external hemorrhoids that have not filled with blood. Non-thrombosed hemorrhoids are usually not painful, but they can be itchy or irritating.
External hemorrhoids can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain, especially when sitting or straining during a bowel movement
- Itching or irritation in the anal area
- Swelling around the anus
- Bleeding, usually bright red
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum
- Difficulty cleaning the anal area
External hemorrhoids are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Treatment for external hemorrhoids depends on the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, external hemorrhoids can be treated with conservative measures, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, stool softeners, and dietary changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the hemorrhoids.
If you have external hemorrhoids, it is important to keep the area clean and dry. You should also avoid straining during bowel movements. If you have severe pain or bleeding, you should see a doctor.
Painful: Especially when thrombosed.
Hemorrhoids can be painful, especially when they are thrombosed. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are external hemorrhoids that have filled with blood. The blood clot in a thrombosed hemorrhoid can cause severe pain, swelling, and inflammation.
The pain from a thrombosed hemorrhoid can be sharp, throbbing, or burning. It can also be worse when sitting, straining during a bowel movement, or walking. In some cases, the pain from a thrombosed hemorrhoid can be so severe that it makes it difficult to sit or walk.
Other symptoms of a thrombosed hemorrhoid include:
- Swelling around the anus
- Bluish or purplish discoloration of the hemorrhoid
- Itching or irritation in the anal area
- Bleeding, usually bright red
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum
If you have a thrombosed hemorrhoid, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment for a thrombosed hemorrhoid typically involves removing the blood clot. This can be done with a simple surgical procedure.
There are a number of things you can do to help relieve the pain of a thrombosed hemorrhoid at home, including:
- Applying a cold compress to the area
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Soaking in a warm bath
- Using witch hazel pads
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
Bleeding: Common symptom.
Bleeding is a common symptom of hemorrhoids. It can occur with both internal and external hemorrhoids. The bleeding is usually bright red and occurs during or after a bowel movement. The amount of bleeding can vary from a few drops to a significant amount.
- Internal hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids can bleed when they are irritated or strained. The bleeding is usually painless and may not be noticeable. However, it can sometimes be seen on toilet paper or in the stool.
- External hemorrhoids: External hemorrhoids can bleed when they are irritated, thrombosed, or ulcerated. The bleeding is usually painless and may be noticeable on toilet paper or in the stool. However, it can sometimes be more severe and require medical attention.
- Anal fissure: An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. Anal fissures can cause bleeding, pain, and itching. They are often caused by hard stools or straining during a bowel movement.
- Other causes: Bleeding from the anus can also be caused by other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and colon cancer. If you have bleeding from the anus, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause.
Hemorrhoidal bleeding is usually not serious, but it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If you have hemorrhoidal bleeding, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other causes of bleeding.
Itching: Can be severe.
Itching is a common symptom of hemorrhoids. It can be caused by the irritation of the hemorrhoids on the surrounding skin, or by the leakage of mucus from the hemorrhoids. Itching can also be a sign of an infection.
- Internal hemorrhoids: Internal hemorrhoids can cause itching when they prolapse (push out of the anus). The itching is usually worse after a bowel movement.
- External hemorrhoids: External hemorrhoids can cause itching when they are irritated or inflamed. The itching is usually worse when sitting or lying down.
- Skin tags: Skin tags are small, fleshy growths that can develop on the skin around the anus. Skin tags can also cause itching.
- Infection: An infection of the hemorrhoids can also cause itching. The itching is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and discharge.
Hemorrhoidal itching can be severe and can interfere with daily activities. There are a number of things you can do to relieve the itching, including:
- Keeping the anal area clean and dry
- Applying a cold compress to the area
- Using witch hazel pads
- Taking over-the-counter anti-itch medications
- Avoiding scratching the area
Swelling: Around anus.
Swelling around the anus is a common symptom of hemorrhoids. It can be caused by the inflammation of the hemorrhoids, or by the formation of a blood clot in a hemorrhoid. Swelling can also be a sign of an infection.
The swelling from hemorrhoids can range from mild to severe. Mild swelling may only be noticeable when you look at the anal area in a mirror. Severe swelling can make it difficult to sit or walk.
Other symptoms of hemorrhoids that can be associated with swelling include:
- Pain
- Itching
- Bleeding
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum
- Difficulty cleaning the anal area
If you have swelling around the anus, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause. Treatment for hemorrhoidal swelling depends on the severity of the swelling and the underlying cause.
There are a number of things you can do to help reduce swelling from hemorrhoids, including:
- Applying a cold compress to the area
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Soaking in a warm bath
- Using witch hazel pads
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
Prolapse: Hemorrhoids push out of anus.
Prolapse is a condition in which hemorrhoids push out of the anus. This can happen during a bowel movement, or it can occur spontaneously. Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be internal or external.
- Internal prolapse: Internal hemorrhoids prolapse when they push out of the rectum into the anal canal. This can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum, and it can also lead to bleeding, itching, and pain.
- External prolapse: External hemorrhoids prolapse when they push out of the anus onto the skin. This can cause pain, swelling, and itching. External prolapsed hemorrhoids can also become thrombosed, which is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the hemorrhoid. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are very painful.
- Mixed prolapse: Mixed prolapse occurs when both internal and external hemorrhoids prolapse at the same time.
- Strangulated prolapse: Strangulated prolapse is a serious condition that occurs when a prolapsed hemorrhoid becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off. This can lead to tissue death and infection.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be treated with a variety of methods, depending on the severity of the prolapse. Treatment options include:
- Rubber band ligation: This is a procedure in which a small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid. The rubber band cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink and fall off.
- Sclerotherapy: This is a procedure in which a chemical solution is injected into the hemorrhoid. The solution causes the hemorrhoid to shrink and harden.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This is a surgical procedure in which the hemorrhoids are removed.
Strangulation: Prolapsed hemorrhoids cut off blood supply.
Strangulation is a serious condition that occurs when a prolapsed hemorrhoid becomes twisted or trapped, cutting off its blood supply. This can lead to tissue death and infection.
- Symptoms of strangulated hemorrhoids:
- Severe pain
- Itching
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- scuro scuro
- Pus
- Fever
Strangulated hemorrhoids are a medical emergency. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor immediately.
Strangulated hemorrhoids are often caused by straining during a bowel movement. Other risk factors for strangulated hemorrhoids include:
- Constipation
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- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Obesity
- sitting for long periods of time
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent strangulated hemorrhoids, including:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Thrombosis: Blood clots form in hemorrhoids.
Thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid. This can occur in both internal and external hemorrhoids. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are often painful and swollen. They can also be bluish or purplish in color.
Thrombosis occurs when blood pools in a hemorrhoid and clots. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- Straining during a bowel movement
- Sitting or standing for long periods of time
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Obesity
- Constipation
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Symptoms of thrombosed hemorrhoids can include:
- Severe pain, especially when sitting or straining during a bowel movement
- Swelling and inflammation around the anus
- Bluish or purplish discoloration of the hemorrhoid
- Itching or irritation in the anal area
- Bleeding
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum
Thrombosed hemorrhoids are usually not serious, but they can be very painful. Treatment for thrombosed hemorrhoids typically involves removing the blood clot. This can be done with a simple surgical procedure.
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent thrombosed hemorrhoids, including:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about hemorrhoids:
Question 1: What are hemorrhoids?
Answer: Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and rectum. They can be internal, meaning they occur inside the rectum, or external, meaning they occur outside the anus.
Question 2: What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Answer: Hemorrhoids can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, itching, bleeding, swelling, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum.
Question 3: What causes hemorrhoids?
Answer: Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum. This can be caused by straining during bowel movements, sitting or standing for long periods of time, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, and constipation.
Question 4: How are hemorrhoids diagnosed?
Answer: Hemorrhoids are usually diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may also recommend other tests, such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, to rule out other conditions.
Question 5: How are hemorrhoids treated?
Answer: Treatment for hemorrhoids depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mild hemorrhoids can be treated with home remedies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, stool softeners, and dietary changes. More severe hemorrhoids may require surgery.
Question 6: Can hemorrhoids be prevented?
Answer: There are a number of things you can do to help prevent hemorrhoids, including drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high-fiber diet, avoiding straining during bowel movements, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Question 7: When should I see a doctor about hemorrhoids?
Answer: You should see a doctor if you have severe hemorrhoid symptoms, such as bleeding, pain, or prolapse. You should also see a doctor if you have any changes in your bowel habits.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ
Hemorrhoids are a common problem, but they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. If you have hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for preventing and treating hemorrhoids:
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing and treating hemorrhoids:
Tip 1: Eat a high-fiber diet. Eating a high-fiber diet can help to prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements, which can both contribute to hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Tip 2: Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to keep your stools soft and easy to pass, which can also help to prevent hemorrhoids. Aim for eight glasses of water per day.
Tip 3: Avoid straining during bowel movements. Straining during bowel movements can put pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum, which can lead to hemorrhoids. If you have difficulty having a bowel movement, try using a stool softener or laxative.
Tip 4: Get regular exercise. Getting regular exercise can help to improve your overall health and well-being, which can also help to prevent hemorrhoids. Exercise can also help to reduce constipation.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
Following these tips can help to prevent and treat hemorrhoids. If you have hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Hemorrhoids are a common problem, but they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids or manage your symptoms if you already have them.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids are a common problem, but they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. They are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum, while external hemorrhoids occur outside the anus.
Hemorrhoids can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, itching, bleeding, swelling, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum. Hemorrhoids are often caused by increased pressure on the veins in the anus and rectum. This can be caused by straining during bowel movements, sitting or standing for long periods of time, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, and constipation.
Hemorrhoids can be treated with a variety of methods, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Mild hemorrhoids can be treated with home remedies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, stool softeners, and dietary changes. More severe hemorrhoids may require surgery.
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent hemorrhoids, including:
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Closing Message
If you have hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Hemorrhoids are a common problem, but they can be managed with proper treatment.