Internal hemorrhoids
Located inside the rectum. They often cannot be seen or felt and may not cause discomfort unless irritated or prolapsed.
Hemorrhoids
Physician-informed education • Hemorrhoid comfort support
Hemorrhoids: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Options
Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are enlarged and swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They are similar to varicose veins and may form inside the rectum or beneath the skin around the anus.
This page explains the difference between internal, external, and thrombosed hemorrhoids, common symptoms and causes, at-home care steps, when to seek medical attention, and how Pranicura may help relieve itching, burning, and irritation associated with hemorrhoids and sensitive anorectal skin.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in the anus and lower rectum. When they form inside the rectum, they are called internal hemorrhoids. When they occur beneath the skin surrounding the anus, they are called external hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are common, but symptoms can vary widely. Some people notice only mild irritation or occasional bleeding, while others experience swelling, itching, pain, or a protruding hemorrhoid that causes discomfort during bowel movements or daily activities.
External hemorrhoids
Located under the skin around the anus. They may cause itching, irritation, swelling, discomfort, pain, or bleeding.
Thrombosed hemorrhoids
When blood collects in an external hemorrhoid and forms a clot, it may cause severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and a firm discolored lump.
Common hemorrhoid symptoms
Hemorrhoid symptoms depend on the type and severity. Symptoms may become more noticeable after bowel movements, prolonged sitting, straining, wiping, or irritation of the surrounding skin.
Bleeding during bowel movements
Internal hemorrhoids may cause painless bleeding, such as small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet.
Itching, irritation, or burning
External hemorrhoids can irritate the anal region and make the skin feel itchy, raw, swollen, or sensitive.
Pain, swelling, or a lump
External or thrombosed hemorrhoids may cause swelling around the anus, discomfort, severe pain, or a firm discolored lump near the anal opening.
Common causes of hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids develop when veins in the lower rectum become swollen from increased pressure. This pressure can come from bowel habits, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and other factors.
1
Straining or bowel changes
Straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, or chronic diarrhea can increase pressure in the lower rectum.
2
Prolonged sitting
Sitting for long periods, especially on the toilet, can contribute to pressure and irritation around the anal area.
3
Pregnancy, obesity, or aging
Pregnancy and obesity can increase pressure on rectal veins, while aging can weaken the tissues that support those veins.
4
Heavy lifting or anal intercourse
Stressful lifting of heavy objects and anal intercourse may aggravate pressure, friction, or irritation in the anorectal area.
Self-care tips for hemorrhoid discomfort
Self-care should focus on reducing pressure, avoiding irritation, supporting easier bowel movements, and protecting sensitive anorectal skin.
Avoid straining
Try not to force bowel movements. Supporting softer, easier stools can help reduce pressure on swollen veins.
Limit toilet sitting
Long bathroom sessions can increase rectal pressure. Avoid lingering on the toilet when possible.
Clean gently
Use a careful, unscented approach and avoid aggressive wiping, harsh soaps, or fragranced products that can worsen irritation.
Soothe irritated skin
Topical support may help relieve itching, burning, and irritation while you work on the habits that trigger symptoms.
A simple at-home care routine
A consistent routine can help reduce hemorrhoid-related irritation. The goal is to reduce pressure during bowel movements, clean without over-wiping, keep the area dry, and support irritated skin.
1
Support easier bowel movements
Avoid straining and pay attention to constipation or diarrhea patterns that may be contributing to pressure and irritation.
2
Keep bathroom visits efficient
Try not to sit on the toilet longer than needed, since prolonged sitting can increase pressure in the lower rectum.
3
Clean gently and pat dry
After bowel movements, avoid rubbing or harsh products. Pat dry carefully to reduce moisture and friction.
4
Apply Pranicura as directed
Pranicura can help relieve itching, burning, and irritation associated with hemorrhoids while sensitive skin has a chance to calm down.
When to see a doctor
Hemorrhoids are common, but rectal bleeding, severe pain, or persistent symptoms should be evaluated so the cause can be confirmed and more serious conditions can be ruled out.
Excessive or regular bleeding
Seek medical advice if bleeding is heavy, frequent, recurrent, or occurs with bowel movements or other activities.
Dizziness, faintness, or blood loss
Emergency care may be needed if bleeding is associated with dizziness, faintness, weakness, or signs of significant blood loss.
Severe pain or a firm lump
Severe pain, swelling, inflammation, or a firm discolored lump near the anus may suggest a thrombosed hemorrhoid and should be checked.
Rectal bleeding can also be associated with colorectal and anal cancer. Do not rely on self-diagnosis if bleeding is new, unexplained, persistent, or concerning.
Looking for relief from hemorrhoid irritation?
Pranicura helps relieve itching, burning, and irritation associated with fissures, hemorrhoids and sensitive anorectal skin, while fitting into a daily routine focused on reducing pressure, moisture, friction, and recurring irritation.