What are Hemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, often called piles, are a common yet sometimes uncomfortable condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. They occur when veins in the lower rectum or around the anus become swollen and inflamed, often due to straining during bowel movements, prolonged sitting, or increased pressure from pregnancy. While they may sound concerning, haemorrhoids are typically manageable, especially if identified and treated early. However, the challenge is that many people aren’t sure what piles look like, making recognising them a bit tricky.
Haemorrhoids can vary in size, colour, and shape depending on the type – external, internal, or prolapsed. Some may look like small lumps around the anus, while others may only be noticeable due to their symptoms, like itching or bleeding during bowel movements.
This article will walk you through what do hemorrhoids look like, the symptoms associated with each type, and when to seek a doctor.
What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like?
Internal Hemorrhoids
Internal haemorrhoids are found within the rectum and typically cannot be seen without medical examination unless they protrude outside the anal opening.
When internal haemorrhoids do prolapse, they appear as moist, pinkish, or reddish tissue protruding from the anus. Unlike external haemorrhoids, they are usually smoother and softer. However, a prolapsed internal haemorrhoid may appear darker due to increased blood flow.
Internal haemorrhoids are often painless but can cause bleeding during bowel movements. They may cause discomfort or a sense of fullness in the rectum if they prolapse.
External Hemorrhoids
External haemorrhoids are found beneath the skin surrounding the anal area. Due to their location, they’re usually visible and can often be felt as small lumps near the anal opening.
External haemorrhoids often appear as swollen, bluish, or purplish lumps around the anus. The size can vary, but they tend to be more prominent when irritated. In some cases, a blood clot (thrombosis) can develop in these haemorrhoids, making them look larger, darker, and firmer.
External haemorrhoids can be itchy, tender, and painful, especially when sitting. They may also bleed during bowel movements if irritated.
Related: How to get rid of external Haemorrhoids in 48 hours?
Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
A prolapsed haemorrhoid happens when the internal haemorrhoid swells up and pushes out through the anus. It often appears as a red, swollen lump that may be visible if you use a mirror to check the area.
Prolapsed haemorrhoids look like soft, bulging, red or pink lumps of tissue that protrude from the anal opening. They may appear inflamed or swollen and could have a darker colour if there’s pressure on the blood vessels.
Doctors sometimes classify prolapsed haemorrhoids by grades, depending on how far they extend outside the anus:
Grade 1: Not prolapsed at all, staying inside the rectum.
Grade 2: Prolapsed but can retract on its own. These haemorrhoids may only pop out during activities that put pressure on the rectal area, like straining during bowel movements, and then pull back in naturally.
Grade 3: Prolapsed and needs to be manually pushed back in. These may require treatment to prevent pain or bleeding.
Grade 4: Fully prolapsed and cannot be pushed back in without significant pain. These usually require medical treatment to manage discomfort and avoid complications.
Some people may only notice the haemorrhoid’s bulging appearance, while others experience symptoms like pain, itching, or a burning sensation. In severe cases, a prolapsed haemorrhoid may need surgical treatment to prevent ongoing discomfort or potential issues.
Thrombosed Hemorrhoids
Thrombosed haemorrhoids develop when a clot accumulates inside a haemorrhoid. This type is particularly painful and is often the result of haemorrhoids becoming irritated or inflamed. Blood clots can happen in both external and internal haemorrhoids.
Thrombosed haemorrhoids appear as hard, bluish-purple lumps around the anus. Due to the trapped blood clot, they often look darker than typical external haemorrhoids and may even appear black if the clot is significant.
Thrombosed haemorrhoids are very painful, especially when sitting or during bowel movements. Swelling and inflammation are common, and thrombosed haemorrhoids may bleed if they rupture.
Related: Do Haemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own?
When to See a Doctor?
Haemorrhoids can often be managed by simple lifestyle changes, like staying hydrated, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and keeping a healthy weight. These adjustments are particularly helpful for small, uncomplicated haemorrhoids, especially in people who are otherwise in good health. Warm sitz baths, sometimes with potassium permanganate, can also provide relief.
However, it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Hard, tender lumps around the anus.
- Pain in the anal area, especially when sitting.
- Bright red blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet after a bowel movement.
- A bulging or swollen area around the anus, which could indicate a prolapsed haemorrhoid.
- Symptoms that haven’t improved despite using over-the-counter treatments for more than a week.
- Fever or chills.
- Abdominal pain or bloating.
These signs might suggest a potentially serious condition that necessitates immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Haemorrhoids can be painful or uncomfortable, but often, you may not show any obvious symptoms. Internal and external haemorrhoids usually heal on their own without significant symptoms or complications. However, prolapsed and thrombosed haemorrhoids tend to cause more discomfort and may raise the likelihood of complications.
If you notice symptoms associated with haemorrhoids, it’s important to consult with a doctor who can help identify the type and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can you tell if it’s just a haemorrhoid?
Common symptoms of haemorrhoids include bright red blood in your stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet. You might also feel pain or irritation around your anus and notice swelling or a hard lump in that area.
2. Do haemorrhoids go away by themselves?
Yes, haemorrhoids often heal on their own without any treatment. Symptoms like pain and bleeding might last for about a week or a little longer. During this time, you can relieve symptoms using over-the-counter products that contain ingredients like lidocaine, witch hazel, or hydrocortisone in the affected area.
3. What conditions are commonly confused with haemorrhoids?
Several conditions can be mistaken for haemorrhoids, such as anal skin tags, which are excess skin near the anal canal, and anal fissures, which are tears in the lining of the anal canal that cause pain. Anal fissures are one of the most frequently misidentified issues related to haemorrhoids.
4. What’s the quickest way to relieve haemorrhoids?
To quickly relieve haemorrhoids, you can use a cream or suppository that contains hydrocortisone, which is available over the counter. Pads with witch hazel or numbing agents can also help. Taking regular warm baths or sitz baths—soaking your anal area in plain warm water for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day—can provide relief as well.
5. How long do haemorrhoids usually last?
Most haemorrhoids tend to resolve on their own after a few days. However, there are various treatments available that can help ease itching and discomfort. Making simple changes to your diet and avoiding straining during bowel movements are usually recommended as initial steps.
6. When do haemorrhoids require surgery?
Surgery is often suggested for grade 3 or grade 4 haemorrhoids. During such procedures, doctors typically remove the enlarged haemorrhoids using instruments like scissors, scalpels, or lasers.
