What are piles (haemorrhoids)?

Piles (haemorrhoids) are enlarged blood vessels that you can get inside and around your bottom (anus). They are usually small, round, discoloured lumps, which you can feel around the anus.
Piles may be internal or external. Internal piles start inside your anal canal, but may hang down and come out of your anus. External piles are found closer to your anus opening.
Piles may often get better on their own after a few days, however sometimes treatment may be required. There are various things you can do to treat and prevent piles.

Although all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it should not be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, please speak to your doctor.

Authored Nov 04, 2020 by Joseph Issac, MPharm

Reviewed Jun 15, 2021 by Prabjeet Saundh, MPharm

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