What Do External Hemorrhoids (Piles) Look Like? A Visual Guide

Searching for "pictures of external piles hemorrhoids" is a common first step for many people experiencing discomfort and uncertainty about their anal health. Understanding what external hemorrhoids look like can help you identify potential symptoms, but it is crucial to remember that a professional medical diagnosis is essential for proper treatment and to rule out more serious conditions.

This comprehensive guide synthesizes information from medical experts and patient experiences to provide a clear visual and descriptive breakdown of external hemorrhoids, from mild cases to more severe complications.

What Do External Hemorrhoids Look Like? A Visual Breakdown

External hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins that form under the sensitive skin around the anus. Unlike internal hemorrhoids, which are located inside the rectum, external ones are visible and palpable.

General Appearance and Characteristics

According to medical sources like MedicalNewsToday and Verywell Health, the visual characteristics of a typical external hemorrhoid include:

• Location: They appear as lumps or bumps just outside the anal opening.
• Size: Their size can vary significantly, from as small as a pea to as large as a grape.
• Texture: They generally feel like soft, fleshy, or rubbery lumps. However, they can become firm or hard if a blood clot forms inside.
• Color: The color can be similar to your skin tone, or it may appear pinkish or reddish.

The Visual Spectrum of Severity: Mild vs. Thrombosed Hemorrhoids

The appearance of an external hemorrhoid changes dramatically based on its severity, particularly if it becomes thrombosed.

Pictures of Mild External Hemorrhoids

Mild external hemorrhoids often present as small, soft bumps. They may not cause significant pain but can lead to:

• Itching and irritation around the anus.
• A feeling of discomfort, especially when sitting for long periods.
• Small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement.

These hemorrhoids can often be managed with home remedies and typically resolve on their own within a few days to a week.

Pictures of Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids

A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms inside the swollen vein, blocking blood flow. This is an acute condition that causes a distinct and more severe appearance.

• Appearance: A thrombosed hemorrhoid presents as a hard, swollen, and tender lump.
• Color: Due to the trapped blood, its color changes dramatically to a dark purple, blue, grey, or black.
• Symptoms: The primary symptom is a sudden onset of severe and constant pain, which can be incapacitating.

Image Source: Dr. Jonathan Adler via Medscape

This condition often requires medical attention for pain relief.

Visual Clues: Distinguishing Hemorrhoids from Other Anal Conditions

Several other anal conditions can be mistaken for hemorrhoids, which is why a professional diagnosis is vital. Here’s how they visually differ:

Condition	Key Visual and Symptomatic Differences
External Hemorrhoid	Soft, grape-like lump around the anus. Itchy or painful. Becomes hard and dark-colored if thrombosed.
Anal Fissure	A small, linear tear in the anal lining. Not typically a visible lump. Causes severe, sharp pain during and after bowel movements.
Anal Abscess	A firm, red, warm, and swollen lump caused by infection. Associated with constant, throbbing pain and may be accompanied by fever and pus drainage.
Anal Skin Tag	A painless, soft flap of excess skin. Often a remnant of a previous hemorrhoid. Does not bleed or cause significant discomfort.
Anal Warts	Caused by HPV, these growths can be single or multiple and often have a cauliflower-like texture. They may itch or bleed but are distinct from swollen veins.
Anal or Colorectal Cancer	A lump in the anal area could potentially be a tumor. Symptoms like a change in bowel habits, persistent bleeding, and unexplained weight loss warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Visual Indicators and Corresponding Treatment Paths

The appearance of an external hemorrhoid can help indicate the most appropriate course of action.

When Home Remedies Are Appropriate (Mild Hemorrhoids)

For soft, skin-colored, or reddish lumps with mild itching or discomfort, home treatment is often effective. According to Harvard Health and other medical sources, these remedies include:

• Sitz Baths: Soaking the anal area in a few inches of warm water for 15 minutes, several times a day.
• OTC Creams: Applying over-the-counter creams containing witch hazel or hydrocortisone to reduce itching and swelling.
• Cold Compresses: Using a cloth-covered ice pack to soothe the area and reduce inflammation.
• Dietary Changes: Increasing fiber and water intake to soften stools and prevent straining.

When to See a Doctor (Thrombosed or Persistent Hemorrhoids)

Medical intervention is recommended if you see:

• A hard, severely painful, dark blue or purple lump.
• Bleeding that is heavy or doesn't stop.
• Symptoms that persist for more than a week despite home care.
• Any anal lump accompanied by a fever.

A doctor may recommend a procedure called an external thrombectomy, where a small incision is made to drain the clot, providing immediate pain relief. This is most effective if done within 48-72 hours of the clot's formation.

Frequently Asked Questions About External Hemorrhoids

Based on common user questions and search data, here are answers to other related concerns.

Can external hemorrhoids cause fever?

No, hemorrhoids themselves do not cause a fever. A fever accompanied by anal pain and swelling is a red flag for a complication, such as a perianal abscess (a pocket of pus), which requires urgent medical care.

Can hemorrhoids cause headaches?

Hemorrhoids do not directly cause headaches. However, in rare cases of chronic or severe bleeding, significant blood loss can lead to anemia. One of the symptoms of anemia is headaches, along with fatigue and dizziness.

What about hemorrhoids in toddlers?

While less common, toddlers can get hemorrhoids, often due to constipation and straining. Treatment focuses on gentle, at-home care like ensuring adequate fiber and fluid intake and giving warm sitz baths. Always consult a pediatrician for diagnosis and to rule out other issues.

The Importance of a Professional Diagnosis

While this guide provides detailed visual descriptions, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Self-diagnosing based on pictures can be misleading and risky, as serious conditions like anal cancer can mimic the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

If you are experiencing rectal bleeding, severe pain, or have a lump that concerns you, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can perform a physical examination to give you an accurate diagnosis and ensure you receive the safest and most effective treatment plan.

References

• External hemorrhoids: Treatment, pictures, symptoms, and causes - Medical News Today
• What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like - Ernest Castro, M.D.
• Hemorrhoids: Expanded Version - American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS)
• Hemorrhoids - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
• Thrombosed External Hemorrhoid Excision - Medscape
• Anal Cancer vs Hemorrhoids - The Anal Cancer Foundation