What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like? Signs to Look For

What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like?

Hemorrhoids appear as soft or firm lumps near or inside the anus. They may look reddish, bluish, or skin-colored, depending on the type and level of swelling. Some are not visible at all but can still cause bleeding or irritation.

External hemorrhoids are easier to see and feel, while internal ones usually stay inside the rectum.

Types of Hemorrhoids and Their Appearance

Hemorrhoids can develop in different areas around the anus and rectum (the end of the digestive tract), and each type has its own appearance, symptoms, and level of discomfort.

Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum and are often painless because the area lacks many nerve endings. You might notice bright red blood on toilet paper or in the stool, especially after straining.

External Hemorrhoids

These are visible under the skin near the anus. They can look bluish, purplish, or flesh-colored and may feel tender, itchy, or swollen. When irritated, they can become painful, especially during bowel movements or sitting for long periods.

A thrombosed hemorrhoid forms when a blood clot develops inside an external hemorrhoid. It looks like a hard, bluish-purple lump near the anus and is usually very painful and swollen. 
Although the appearance may seem alarming, thrombosed hemorrhoids are not dangerous and often improve within a few days with home care or minor medical treatment.

How to Tell if It’s a Hemorrhoid or Something Else

Hemorrhoids share symptoms with other anal or rectal conditions. To understand the difference, you must look at where the discomfort starts, how severe it feels, and what other signs appear.

Here’s how hemorrhoids compare with other common anal conditions.

Because several conditions can resemble hemorrhoids, medical confirmation is important. A simple examination allows your doctor to identify the exact cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective care.

How Hemorrhoids Are Diagnosed

Doctors often confirm hemorrhoids with a physical exam and sometimes an anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to view the rectal canal.

These procedures are simple and help exclude other causes of bleeding or discomfort.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Hemorrhoids can cause a range of sensations and visible changes that vary from mild discomfort to noticeable pain. Early attention to these signs helps you act quickly and find relief.

• Bright red blood during or after bowel movements - you might notice it on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. The blood is usually painless and fresh-looking.
• Itching or irritation around the anus - the skin may feel sore, sensitive, or constantly itchy, especially after wiping or sitting for long periods.
• Swelling or a small lump near the anus - it can feel like a soft bump under the skin or a firm knot when inflamed.
• Pain or pressure when sitting or passing stool - the area may feel tender, throbbing, or tight, particularly with thrombosed hemorrhoids.
• A feeling of fullness or incomplete emptying after using the toilet - some people describe this as a heavy or blocked sensation.

These symptoms often come and go, depending on diet, bowel habits, and lifestyle. 

You can also try the Docus Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms. It’s a quick and easy tool that gives you possible explanations based on what you’re feeling.

However, remember that online tools don’t replace a professional diagnosis; it’s always best to see a doctor for confirmation and proper care.

When to See a Doctor

Most hemorrhoids heal with self-care, but some symptoms mean it’s time to seek medical attention. A doctor can confirm the cause of your discomfort and rule out other, more serious conditions.

You should see a doctor right away if you experience:

• Heavy or ongoing rectal bleeding - blood that fills the toilet or continues after wiping (BRBPR) may signal a deeper problem, such as a tear, ulcer, or other bowel disease.
• Severe or constant pain - sharp, throbbing pain that does not ease could point to a thrombosed hemorrhoid or infection.
• A lump that does not go back inside - a permanently prolapsed hemorrhoid can swell and cut off blood flow, which needs medical treatment.
• Dark or tar-like stools - this may indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract, not from hemorrhoids.
• Sudden change in bowel habits - ongoing diarrhea, constipation, or thin stools could suggest another underlying issue.
• Signs of infection such as fever, pus, or spreading redness around the anus.

What Medical Treatments May Doctors Offer

If symptoms continue or worsen despite home care, doctors can offer safe and effective procedures to remove or shrink hemorrhoids.

Minimally invasive options such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation work by cutting off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid so it shrinks naturally.

These techniques are quick, usually performed in an outpatient setting, and allow a fast recovery.

For very large or persistent hemorrhoids, surgery may be needed. Modern surgical advances make these procedures far less painful and more precise than before.