What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like?

If you are reading this and investigating what do hemorrhoids look like; then you are probably suffering from some potentially embarrassing and uncomfortable rear end anatomy problems.

So, what do hemorrhoids look like?

A quick look at the varied names used by people wanting to know what do hemorrhoids look like tells us there are many fellow sufferers. Starting with hemorrhoids (American English), haemorrhoids (British English), emerods (or hemroids, hemorroid, hemorhoid, hemorroids, hemoroid, hemmoroids, hemeroids, hemmeroids, hemmroids, hemmorhoids, haemoroids, haemorroid, hemorroides) and lastly piles. Whatever they are called, they refer to swelling and inflamed anal veins.

Hemorrhoids are caused by over-exertion of bowels, frequent and severe constipation, excessive obesity, difficult pregnancies, prolonged diarrhea and sometimes hypertension.

What do hemorrhoids look like – internal and external hemorrhoids

What do internal hemorrhoids look like?

Internal hemorrhoids commonly form inside the anus. Depending on the size and location of the swellings, internal hemorrhoids are of grades 1 to 4.

Just how do external hemorrhoids look like?

Swollen and engorged, these veins show up as brownish lumps on the anal rim.

What do hemorrhoids look like - thrombosed & prolapsed hemorrhoids

Thrombosed hemorrhoids (both internal and external) are dark red or purple/blue in color. They are those which are engorged with blood clots inside, and creates great discomfort for the sufferer.

A simple mirror at the right spot gives a pretty good idea what do hemorrhoids look like.

Ordinary prolapsed (i.e. falling out of place) internal hemorrhoids are small grape-like looking light-red colored lumps drooping from the anus. Firmly, yet gently, tug them back in.

Bumps or lumps, usually brownish in colour, developing on the anus rim are most likely external hemorrhoids.

If the lumps are dark red or bluish looking, whether due to external or internal hemorrhoids, it is very likely that they are already thrombosed. Great discomfort validates this visual observation.

What should you do immediately?

Now that you know what do hemorrhoids look like, and you find it embarassing to visit the doctor, what can you do immediately?

Some home or natural remedies present quick solutions to early stage hemorrhoids as they are not thrombosed. Commonsense preventive steps will be helpful; avoid undue straining when clearing your bowels; prevent and manage constipation through proper fiber-rich diets; consistently practise good toilet hygiene; use warm baths to soothe the anal area; and apply over-the-counter anaesthetic creams as cooling balm for the hemorrhoids.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids require immediate medical attention as they can be very serious. Your family doctor may suggest surgery, commonly rubber band ligation and hemorrhoidectomy, as the most effective way to help you beat a nagging problem.

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