Hemorrhoids, How Can You Tell if They’re Internal or External

What are hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus or lower rectum. Internal hemorrhoids protrude through the muscle and tissue that separate the anus and rectum anus mucous membrane. External hemorrhoids protrude from under this mucous membrane, appearing as a flesh-colored lump outside the anus.

If left untreated, they can become very painful and may grow in number. They often go away on their own without any treatment, but there are several treatments available for those who do not choose to wait out the condition.

What are the different types of hemorrhoids?

There are two main types: internal and external hemorrhoids. Internal symptoms are often more challenging to recognize than outward symptoms because the anal muscles hide internal piles.

What are external hemorrhoid symptoms?

External symptoms can be pretty easy to identify if you know what you’re looking for, thanks to their outside location. One of the most common symptoms is a lump or protrusion around the anus that generally has a smooth consistency and color between pink and brown.

Other symptoms include itching, pain during bowel movements, bleeding, rectal discharge, redness around the anus, swelling along with other anal irritations. If left untreated, they may worsen in size and number, leaving sufferers with full-blown prolapsed piles (also known as “ruptured piles”).

What are internal hemorrhoid symptoms?

Detecting piles hidden by the anus muscle (internal piles) can be slightly more difficult than external. While inside the anus doesn’t show anything outside, they tend to cause pain and discomfort throughout the day rather than during bowel movements. Some signs of internal piles include an itching around the anal area, mucus or blood present in stools, or rectal bleeding (fresh blood is bright red). If they become badly irritated, it’s not uncommon for them to prolapse and sticks out through the anus (prolapsed piles).

How do you remove external hemorrhoids?

If you think you may have piles, the best treatment for you will depend on the grade (degree of swelling). They are graded to give doctors an accurate representation of appearance and severity.

External hemorrhoid grades range from 1 to 4, with piles in grade 1 being less protruding than in grade 4. Grade 1 generally appears as small pink lumps around the anus, while grades 2-4 can show to be slightly more prominent at either end of the scale.

The easiest way to remove swollen tissue is by using your fingers or a wet wipe or compress to gently work it back into place after bowel movements. Other treatments may need to be used if this doesn’t work overtime.

How do you remove internal hemorrhoids?

Internal symptoms can be challenging to detect since they aren’t visible outside the body. Internal piles are best removed by a doctor who can confirm whether they need to be treated with surgery or other treatments like rubber band ligation (where bands are placed around the inflamed tissue causing the tissue to fall off without damaging surrounding organs). Pile removal can also involve putting staple lines, injections, lasers, or cryotherapy into the internal pile through an anoscope.

If you have severe internal piles that cannot be treated quickly, surgery may be necessary for permanent relief. Whatever your treatment option, it’s important to remember that they are inflatable veins around the anus or lower rectum. The best treatment is always to prevent them from developing in the first place. If you think you may be suffering from piles, take a natural approach and find out how to get rid of them today through Hemwell.

Ask your doctor about HemWell, an FDA-approved, pain-free treatment that’s permanent. If your provider doesn’t offer HemWell, we can assist you in finding one that does. Please visit our website to learn more about this life-changing treatment. Learn more about hemorrhoids.