What are the symptoms of external hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoid symptoms can include can include an itching and burning sensation accompanied by bleeding. External hemorrhoids can also progress to a condition called thrombosed external hemorrhoid. The symptoms for this condition include a very painful blood clot which causes swelling around the anus region.

How do Internal Hemerrhoids differ from External Hemorrhoids?

Internal hemorrhoids are usually much less painful because of their location. If your stool is bright red with blood or you see signs of blood in the toilet bowl after a bowl movement, then there is a good chance that you have internal hemorrhoids. They can also become quite painful if the internal hemorrhoid protrudes through the anus. This condition is also referred to as a protruding hemorrhoid.

How important is good Hygiene?

Good hygiene is also important. Always keep the anal area clean by using mild soaps and gently dabbing your anus clean after each bowel movement. If possible, bathe the anus gently after each bowel movement as an alternative to wiping (or you can take a shower instead). Try to avoid a lot of wiping if possible because this will only irritate your condition. After bathing, dry the anus gently with a soft cloth or towel.

Do hemorrhoids "run in the family?"

There's no conclusive evidence, but some families do seem to have more trouble with hemorrhoids than others. Family diet may be partly to blame.

What other conditions may feel like hemorrhoids?

Sometimes a small split or crack occurs in the skin near the anus (anal fissure), often caused by large, hard bowel movements. People also suffer from moderate or severe itching in and around the anus (pruritus ani) that is not caused by hemorrhoids but may be due to heat and tight-fitting clothing, improper hygiene, soaps and detergents and stress.