COMMON HEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS

Have you got rectal pain or itching? Do you see blood on your toilet tissue? Can you feel lumps around the anus area? If so, these are all symptoms of piles, or hemorrhoids.

Don’t be alarmed – hemorrhoids usually clear up on their own after a few days. It’s thought that 3 out of 4 people get them occasionally. However, it’s important to know which type you have and to keep an eye on the symptoms. If they persist for longer than a week after you’ve treated them with home remedies like Preparation H Cream, you should see your doctor.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of piles below.

WHAT DO HEMORRHOIDS LOOK LIKE?

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside your body – in fact, many people who have internal hemorrhoids don’t even know they have them. It’s only if they hurt, bleed, or prolapse (start to protrude through the anus) that you might become aware of them.

External hemorrhoids are a little more noticeable. You will feel swelling or lumps around the anal area when you wipe or wash your bottom. External hemorrhoids look like skin-coloured lumps around the anus, but can be red, purple, or blue if they become thrombosed (develop blood clots inside).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEMORRHOIDS

Different types of hemorrhoids can have different symptoms. Below are the 4 main types of piles and how to spot if you have them:

INTERNAL HEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS

Internal hemorrhoids often go unnoticed because they typically cause no discomfort and are hidden inside the rectum. However, one signal that you may have them is small amounts of bright red blood when passing a stool which usually goes away after a few days. If you experience any kind of unexpected rectal bleeding, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.

PROLAPSED HEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS

Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that have grown to push through the rectum and can be felt protruding from the area. Sometimes straining while going to the toilet causes internal piles to prolapse. These can be painful and should be treated by a doctor.

EXTERNAL HEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS

External hemorrhoids can cause more of an issue. If you have these, you might get:

• Lumps or swelling around the anus
• Anal itching
• Discomfort or pain
• Bleeding

THROMBOSED HEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS

Thrombosed hemorrhoids occur when piles develop blood clots inside. Symptoms of this include:

• Rectal inflammation and swelling
• Severe pain
• Hard lumps around the anus

TREATING HEMORRHOID SYMPTOMS

In most cases, Preparation H products can help soothe and treat hemorrhoids at home without needing to visit a doctor.

• Topical products: our cream, ointment, and gel products are designed to relieve both internal and external hemorrhoids.
• Suppositories: Preparation H Suppositories can be inserted several times per day to reduce symptoms and treat piles.
• Soothing wipes: our Soothing Wipes are a great option for when toilet paper irritates the area, or you feel itching or discomfort.

If you’re unsure which product you need, use our Relief Finder or ask your pharmacist.

If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor:

• Symptoms persisting for more than 7 days
• You have frequent flare-ups
• A high temperature, shivering, and feeling unwell when you have piles
• Hemorrhoids leaking pus
• You’re in severe pain
• You experience any kind of unexpected rectal bleeding