Concerns About Persistent External Hemorrhoids

Question #29048

20 days ago

Concerns About Persistent External Hemorrhoids - #29048

Client_8553b3

Hello doctor, I have external hemorrhoids for a long time. I used an ointment and it became smaller, but a small lump still remains outside. Today after bowel movement it became more swollen and slightly purplish in color, but I don’t have severe pain or bleeding. Should I see a doctor urgently or continue using ointment? Will it improve on its own? Thank you.

How long have you been experiencing the external hemorrhoids?:

- More than 6 months

Have you noticed any changes in your bowel habits recently?:

- Not sure

What type of ointment have you been using?:

- Natural remedy

300 INR (~3.53 USD)

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

20 days ago

Hello
What you’re describing sounds like a long-standing external hemorrhoid that has recently become irritated or mildly thrombosed (a small clot inside), especially since it turned slightly purplish after a bowel movement but without severe pain or bleeding. This is common with chronic hemorrhoids and usually not an emergency.
In most cases, you do not need urgent medical care if pain is mild and there is no heavy bleeding. The swelling often settles down on its own over several days to a couple of weeks. The small lump that remains outside is likely a skin tag or residual hemorrhoid tissue, which can persist even after treatment and is generally harmless.
You can continue conservative care. Using a proper hemorrhoid ointment from a pharmacy is usually more effective than natural remedies. Options commonly used include Anobliss, Preparation H, or Proctosedyl for about 5–7 days during flare-ups. Warm sitz baths for 10–15 minutes after bowel movements, drinking plenty of water, and keeping stools soft are very important because straining is the main trigger for swelling and color change.
It will likely improve on its own if the color stays stable and pain remains mild. However, you should see a doctor sooner (not emergency, but within a few days) if the swelling becomes very painful, the lump turns very dark purple or black, bleeding becomes significant, fever develops, or the lump does not settle after about 2–3 weeks. If hemorrhoids have been present for more than 6 months with repeated flare-ups, a routine surgical or colorectal evaluation can be helpful to discuss long-term options, though many people manage them successfully without procedures.
Overall, based on your description, this sounds like a temporary flare of chronic external hemorrhoids, not a dangerous situation, and continuing treatment and monitoring is reasonable.
Take care

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

20 days ago

Hello dear
See as per clinical history it seems either hemorrhoids
I am suggesting some tests for confirmation of exact diagnosis and best treatment
Please share the result with gastroenterologist or general physician medicine for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician
Serum ferritin
Serum RBS
Stomach USG
Urine analysis
Rft
Lft
Culture
Endoscopy
Anascopy if recommended by gastroenterologist
Rectal physical examination
Esr
Cbc
Hopefully you recover soon
Regards

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

20 days ago

Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out. Here are the key points regarding your situation:
· Not an emergency: Since you have no severe pain or active bleeding, this does not require an urgent ER visit.
· What is happening: The purplish color suggests a thrombosed (clotted) external hemorrhoid. This often occurs after straining or a bowel movement.
· Why it persists: You have had this for over 6 months. The “small lump” is likely a skin tag or residual clot that will not disappear with ointment alone.
· Ointment caution: “Natural remedies” are often not strong enough to resolve internal clots or shrink fibrotic tissue.
· Recommendation:
· See a specialist (General Surgeon or Urologist/Proctologist) within the next few days.
· Continue warm sitz baths (15 mins, 2-3 times a day) to reduce swelling.
· Avoid straining and keep stools soft with high fiber/water.
It is unlikely to improve completely on its own given the chronic duration. An in-office procedure may be needed to remove the residual lump.
Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

20 days ago

وعليكم السلام،
الوصف الذي ذكرته يشير غالبًا إلى بواسير خارجية مع تخثر بسيط (thrombosed hemorrhoid)، خاصة مع ظهور كتلة منتفخة بلون بنفسجي بعد التبرز. بما أنه لا يوجد ألم شديد أو نزيف، فالحالة عادة ليست طارئة ويمكن التعامل معها تحفظيًا في البداية. يمكنك الاستمرار على المرهم الذي وصفه لك الطبيب، مع إضافة حمامات ماء دافئ (Sitz bath) لمدة 10–15 دقيقة عدة مرات يوميًا، وتجنب الإمساك عن طريق الإكثار من الألياف (خضار، فواكه) وشرب الماء بكثرة. حاول أيضًا عدم الشد أثناء التبرز. راجع الطبيب إذا زاد الألم، كبر الحجم، ظهر نزيف، أو لم تتحسن خلال أسبوعين، فقد تحتاج لتقييم إضافي أو تدخل بسيط. بشكل عام، حالتك تبدو مستقرة ويمكن متابعتها بالعلاج المحافظ حاليًا.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

20 days ago

Hello
Thanks for sharing these details. Based on your description, it sounds like you have a long-standing external hemorrhoid that has recently become more swollen and purplish after a bowel movement, but without severe pain or bleeding.
### What This Likely Means
- The purplish color and swelling suggest a thrombosed external hemorrhoid (a small blood clot inside the hemorrhoid), which is common and can happen after straining or hard stools.
- Since you don’t have severe pain or active bleeding, this is usually not an emergency, but it does need attention to prevent worsening.
### What You Can Do
- Continue using the ointment if it was prescribed for hemorrhoids, unless you notice irritation or an allergic reaction.
- Warm sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day) can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements—use a stool softener if needed and keep stools soft with fiber and fluids.
- Keep the area clean and dry.
### When to See a Doctor
- If the swelling increases, pain becomes severe, or you notice significant bleeding.
- If the lump does not improve or continues to grow over the next week.
- If you develop fever or signs of infection (redness spreading, pus).
Since this is a recurring issue and you now have a persistent lump, it’s a good idea to have a doctor examine it. They can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and discuss long-term management or minor procedures if needed.
Thank you

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

18 days ago

Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like you might be experiencing a thrombosed external hemorrhoid. These can become more swollen or change color due to accumulated blood in the hemorrhoidal tissue. While they’re not life-threatening and usually resolve with conservative treatment, there are specific things to consider. If it’s not causing severe pain or bleeding, you might be okay to manage it at home for now; however, if there was significant pain, a sudden increase in size, or bleeding, it would be a reason to seek more immediate medical attention. To help it improve, using over-the-counter hemorrhoid ointments can be beneficial, as they might reduce swelling and discomfort. Additionally, warm sitz baths for 15-20 minutes a few times a day may help alleviate symptoms. Ensuring you’re keeping stools soft will help reduce irritation—consider a fiber supplement if your dietary intake is low and increase water intake. Avoid prolonged sitting periods and excessive straining during bowel movements. If the lump persists beyond a week or if new symptoms like increased pain, difficulty passing stools, or unusual discharge appear, it’s wise to book an appointment with a healthcare professional. They might suggest more targeted treatments like prescription medication or, in certain cases, assess if a minor outpatient procedure could be beneficial. Always let a physician evaluate prolonged or recurrent hemorrhoid issues to rule out other conditions.

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