The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood
on stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.
Internal hemorrhoids that are not prolapsed are usually not painful.
Prolapsed hemorrhoids often cause pain, discomfort, and anal itching.
Blood clots may form in external hemorrhoids. A blood clot in a vein
is called a thrombosis. Thrombosed external hemorrhoids cause bleeding,
painful swelling, or a hard lump around the anus. When the blood clot
dissolves, extra skin is left behind. This skin can become irritated or
itch.
Excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may make symptoms, such as itching and irritation, worse.
Hemorrhoids are not dangerous or life threatening. Symptoms usually
go away within a few days, and some people with hemorrhoids never have
symptoms.
