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What Causes Sore Lumps On Anal Opening?
I noticed a week ago there was a sore lump on my anus opening after wiping. It did not hurt during the bowel movement. This happened to me earlier in the year, but the bump eventually went away. This time though, the pain subsided nearly completely, but the lump remains. It's mostly skin colored with a dark blue tint (I'm assuming that's blood). What concerns me is that when I look at it with a mirror, it appears the area around it is also swollen. Now, the area around it does not FEEL swollen, but it looks raised a bit. I'm not sure if these are multiple lumps or just the surrounding area appearing raised due to the actual lump raising the surrounding skin. It is pretty hard to the touch, absolutely no pain although occasionally itchy. I did recently go through a period of some constipation. I am a male, early 30s, and I do not partake in anal sex of any kind. Is there anything to be worried about, or should I give it a couple more weeks to subside before I see someone about it? Thank you.
Wed, 30 Sep 2015
Hi and thank you for sharing your question with HCM.
You seem to have described a hemorrhoid (painless, occasionally itchy. skin colored with a dark blue tint, preceded by a period of constipation).
Anyone can develop piles or hemorrhoids. It is a fairly common problem and can be familial. It is often associated with constipation or prolonged straining while on the potty. Piles develop when the fleshy pads that line the anus prolapse. Constipation, prolonged straining, lifting heavy weights and pregnancy can result in piles.These pads are filled with veins, so piles can actually bleed. Symptoms include bleeding (often seen on toilet paper after wiping), aching pain or discomfort, itching, the presence of a lump as well as skid marks (soiling due to mucus or feces) on the undies.
Piles are divided into 4 grades:
Grade 1: remain inside the anus but can cause bleeding
Grade 2: prolapse as feces is passed but spontaneously go back in
Grade 3: prolapse when feces is passed and even at other times but can be pushed in
Grade 4: remain prolapsed and cannot be pushed in
The presence of a lump on any part of the body is always reason enough to visit your regular doctor. Let them examine you and confirm the diagnosis. You will be examined so that a more sinister cause is ruled out.
You can help yourself with the following steps:
1. Perform a Sitz bath twice a day - fill your bathtub with warm salty water and soak yourself to soothe the itching.
2. Do not scratch the area. There are OTC preparations from the pharmacy that can help relieve the itching and discomfort.
3. Drink enough water and eat enough fruits and veges so that you keep constipation at bay. Your feces needs to be soft so that the pile does not get scratched or aggravated.
4. Do not strain once you are done passing motion.
Piles may spontaneously regress. However it is important to confirm the diagnosis with your regular doctor.
I hope this answers your question satisfactorily. Take care.
Dr Shabnam
You seem to have described a hemorrhoid (painless, occasionally itchy. skin colored with a dark blue tint, preceded by a period of constipation).
Anyone can develop piles or hemorrhoids. It is a fairly common problem and can be familial. It is often associated with constipation or prolonged straining while on the potty. Piles develop when the fleshy pads that line the anus prolapse. Constipation, prolonged straining, lifting heavy weights and pregnancy can result in piles.These pads are filled with veins, so piles can actually bleed. Symptoms include bleeding (often seen on toilet paper after wiping), aching pain or discomfort, itching, the presence of a lump as well as skid marks (soiling due to mucus or feces) on the undies.
Piles are divided into 4 grades:
Grade 1: remain inside the anus but can cause bleeding
Grade 2: prolapse as feces is passed but spontaneously go back in
Grade 3: prolapse when feces is passed and even at other times but can be pushed in
Grade 4: remain prolapsed and cannot be pushed in
The presence of a lump on any part of the body is always reason enough to visit your regular doctor. Let them examine you and confirm the diagnosis. You will be examined so that a more sinister cause is ruled out.
You can help yourself with the following steps:
1. Perform a Sitz bath twice a day - fill your bathtub with warm salty water and soak yourself to soothe the itching.
2. Do not scratch the area. There are OTC preparations from the pharmacy that can help relieve the itching and discomfort.
3. Drink enough water and eat enough fruits and veges so that you keep constipation at bay. Your feces needs to be soft so that the pile does not get scratched or aggravated.
4. Do not strain once you are done passing motion.
Piles may spontaneously regress. However it is important to confirm the diagnosis with your regular doctor.
I hope this answers your question satisfactorily. Take care.
Dr Shabnam
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