Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are enlarged and swollen blood vessels which are in or around the lower rectum and the anus. Most of the time you are not aware of having haemorrhoids but in most cases you will feel a small lump which is just inside or outside the anus. Bleeding from a pile can be quite scary when first discovered but it is not serious. Haemorrhoids, anal tears and anal fissures can all result in bleeding from the anus, which can be quite alarming. All these conditions are relatively common and in most cases any bleeding is not a cause for alarm. However, any bleeding from the anus should always be investigated immediately as it may be a symptom of a more serious condition. If there is an irritation or an itch associated with piles, ask your pharmacist for advice. There are a number of preparations that can help ease the discomfort.

What is a weak anal sphincter?

How does the rectum work?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. A perianal hematoma is a pool of blood that collects in the tissue surrounding the anus.
1. Introduction
An anal fissure is a small tear or ulcer open sore in the skin just inside your anus bottom. It causes severe pain and, sometimes, bleeding when you have a bowel movement poo. Anal fissures often go away by themselves with some simple self-help measures. Anal fissures develop in the skin lining your back passage, just inside your anus your anal canal. They usually develop towards the back of your anus, but you can sometimes get one at the front or even both together. Anal fissures are common. This is called a primary anal fissure. This can cause the muscles around your anus the internal sphincter muscles to spasm and tense up, making you more likely to tear.
A perianal hematoma is a collection of blood that has leaked from a burst blood vessel in the area around the anus. As well as being uncomfortable, the appearance of a painful, bruised-looking bump near the anus can cause alarm. People may confuse these swellings with external hemorrhoids because both conditions cause sore lumps around the rectum. However, even though hemorrhoids are the most common cause of anal problems, they do not cause a perianal hematoma, and there are important differences between the two conditions. This blood pools up outside the blood vessel below the surface of the skin, although it is possible to see the characteristic dark-blue discoloration with the naked eye.