External Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids are hemorrhoids that develop on the exterior of the anus. These hemorrhoids, unlike internal hemorrhoids can cause considerable discomfort.

External hemorrhoids are known to cause itching, swelling, pain and bleeding directly on the anus. If not treated they can also contribute to infections on the anus which can complicate matters even worse.

In most cases, when a person complains of hemorrhoids they are complaining about external hemorrhoids.

External hemorrhoids can readily be seen directly on the anus. They sometimes appear as redish swollen inflamed lumps. They are generally somewhat painful to the touch. More severe cases of exernal hemorrhoids appear as dark purple lumps on the anus.

When external hemorrhoids form blood clots they usually look purple and are sometimes hard to the touch. If they are hard they probably have dried, clotted blood inside. These types of hemorroids are considered thrombosed and are therefore termed thrombosed hemorrhoids.