Internal Hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the anal canal, above the dentate line and that is the reason why they are usually painless. Nerves above the dentate line are called visceral nerves and sense only pressure not pain. However nerves below the dentate line are called somatic nerves and can feel pain.

Most common internal hemorrhoid symptoms:

• Bleeding 
• Anal itching and burning
• Prolapse

External Hemorrhoids

External symptoms are what people usually mean when talking about “having hemorrhoids”. Their location is near the anal opening, usually all swellings or bulges near the anal opening except prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, are considered to be external hemorrhoids.

Most common external hemorrhoid symptoms are:

• Swelling or hard bulge/lump
• Anal itching and burning
• Bleeding
• Thrombosis

Picture of hemorrhoids

A note for the end, it is entirely possible to have both internal and external problem signs at the same time. For more info about specific hemorrhoid symptoms visit our Internal & External Hemorrhoids pages, I hope that now you know what do they look like, and that it will help you to cure or prevent them easier.

I apologize to those who might be shocked by above picture of hemorrhoids, it is here to remind you what might happen if you delay your treatment.