Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid or Pimple: Telling the Difference Between These Two Common Problems

Time for a quick post! Check the charts below to determine if you have a hemorrhoid or a pimple.

Understanding the Differences Between These Common Problems

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins caused by pressure or straining on your rectum. They become inflamed internally and push out through your anus in small lumps or by swelling along the anal lining. Pimples can form in this area as well, developing painful bumps when a pore becomes clogged from trapped bacteria. Correctly identifying a pimple or hemorrhoid is possible by learning hemorrhoid symptoms vs. pimple symptoms and understanding the typical appearance and sensitivities of each. Proper identification is necessary for successful medical treatment and healing.

Key Characteristics and Appearance

Are hemorrhoids like pimples? The two share enough physical characteristics that it can be hard to determine one from the other. Learn what to look for when identifying a hemorrhoid vs pimple below.

Hemorrhoids vs. Pimples
Hemorrhoids Characteristic Similarities Pimples
  • Swollen veins around or inside the anus
  • Can be skin-colored, bluish, or purplish
  • A thrombosed hemorrhoid (filled with a blood clot) may turn dark purple or black
  • Can get to the size of a small grape
  • May be covered in mucus or cause bleeding
  • Often caused by straining, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting
  • Small, raised lumps
  • Can appear alone or in clusters
  • Usually pink, red, or skin-colored
  • May be tender or irritated
  • Caused by clogged pores, bacteria, or ingrown hairs
  • Can form on the buttocks, groin, and other areas
  • Often has a whitehead, blackhead, or pus-filled tip
  • May be painful or itchy but does not cause rectal bleeding
  • Can be triggered by sweat, friction, or hormones

Associated Symptoms and Sensations

A hemorrhoid or pimple on anus can cause a multitude of symptoms. Distinguishing hemorrhoid pain from pimple pain can help you correctly identify the bumps you’re seeing and alleviate the discomfort accordingly.

Hemorrhoids vs. Pimples – Symptoms
Hemorrhoids Symptom Similarities Pimples
  • Bleeds when wiping (on toilet paper, in toilet, or in stool)
  • Surrounding skin may become red, swollen, or irritated
  • Aching, throbbing, or sharp pain—especially during or after bowel movements
  • Can feel like a lump inside or outside the anus
  • Itchy, especially if irritated by wiping or friction
  • Painful if inflamed or swollen
  • Can worsen over time if not treated
  • Not typically painful unless irritated by friction or popping
  • May have a whitehead, blackhead, or pus-filled tip
  • Rarely bleeds unless squeezed or ruptured

Can you pop a hemorrhoid? While it may be tempting to try and pop what you think is a pimple, it is not recommended to use this approach for either hemorrhoids or a pimple near anus. Popping will break the skin and cause pimple or hemorrhoid bleeding, putting you at greater risk of infection or scarring and more significant long-term damage to the surrounding area.

Who are we? We’re Doctor Butler’s, experts in down-there care of hemorrhoids and related conditions. We make proctologist-developed hemorrhoid ointments and complementary products to help you quickly leave the pain behind. Dr. Robert Cutler medically reviews all of the information here.

About Robert Cutler, D.O.

Dr. Robert Cutler has performed duties as a specialist in the field of Proctology over 30 years as a practicing physician. Over this time, he has had great success integrating patient care from both an efficiency standpoint and as a practical approach to holistic and preventative medicine.

Dr. Cutler also performs FDA approved Clinical Trials and has had formal research training in Human Subject Assurance Training, OHRP/NIH and Good Clinical Practice for Investigators, Quintiles. Dr. Cutler continues to work on creating more affordable solutions to help people who are affected by ano-rectal problems as well as various chronic or acute skin issues.

Before you go!
Sign up to receive a 15% discount code by email.
We respect your privacy. Discount email can take up to 30 minutes to receive.
Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping