Hemorrhoids are a common condition involving swollen veins located in the rectum or around the anus. These vascular cushions are a normal part of human anatomy, but they can cause symptoms when they become enlarged or inflamed. Concerns about their appearance, particularly their color, are frequent.
Understanding Hemorrhoid Appearance
The color of hemorrhoids varies significantly depending on their type, location, and specific condition. This variation is due to differences in the tissue covering them and the blood flow within them.
Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and are typically covered by the rectal lining, which gives them a pinkish appearance. They are often not visible externally unless they prolapse, meaning they extend outside the anal opening. If an internal hemorrhoid bleeds, the blood is usually bright red because it comes from a rich supply of oxygenated blood vessels.
External hemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus. They generally appear skin-colored or reddish, but can also be purplish or bluish due to the presence of deoxygenated blood beneath the skin surface.
A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms within an external hemorrhoid. This clotting leads to a distinct change in color, often making the hemorrhoid appear dark blue, purple, black, or dark brown. Thrombosed hemorrhoids are typically accompanied by severe pain and swelling.
Several factors can influence the perceived color of any hemorrhoid. Inflammation, irritation, or bleeding can alter its usual appearance. For instance, bleeding from an internal hemorrhoid can cause bright red streaks on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While many hemorrhoids can be managed with home care, certain symptoms require professional medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, as self-diagnosis based solely on appearance or mild discomfort may not be sufficient.
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or discomfort that does not improve with home remedies within about a week. Significant or persistent rectal bleeding, especially if bright red, warrants a doctor’s visit. Rectal bleeding can also be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as anal fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain cancers, which require proper diagnosis.
Other symptoms that should prompt medical consultation include changes in bowel habits or a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation. Also seek medical attention if a hemorrhoid prolapses and cannot be gently pushed back inside, or if it causes severe pain. Signs of infection, such as fever or pus, or a discolored lump that is hard and very painful, especially if it appears suddenly, also necessitate prompt medical attention.