Thrombosed hemorrhoid: Acute pain and a blue lump in the rectal area? How to get rid of the pain

Have you suddenly developed a hard, tender lump near the anal opening? Are you experiencing intense pain that makes it difficult to sit or walk? You may have a thrombosed hemorrhoid. Here, our gastrointestinal surgeon explains what it is, whether it is dangerous, and how we can relieve the pain immediately.

What is a thrombosed hemorrhoid?

A hemorrhoid consists of dilated blood vessels in the rectum. Sometimes, the blood in an external hemorrhoid can clot and form a thrombus (blood clot). This is called a thrombosed hemorrhoid.

When this happens, the hemorrhoid swells significantly. Imagine a balloon filling to the bursting point; the pressure inside the "balloon" increases, the skin stretches, and this creates intense pain.

Typical symptoms

• Acute, severe pain: The pain often comes on suddenly and is constant, not just during bowel movements.
• Visible lump: A hard lump at the anal opening.
• Color: The lump is often dark purple or bluish in color (due to the blood inside).
• Tenderness: The area is extremely painful to touch.

Is it dangerous?

Although it can feel dramatic due to the level of pain, a thrombosed hemorrhoid is not dangerous. It is a benign condition. However, the pain can be debilitating and severely affect your quality of life.

Treatment: Does it require surgery or will it go away?

There are two main ways to handle a thrombosed hemorrhoid. What you choose depends on how much pain you are in.

1. "Wait and see" (Conservative treatment)

The body will eventually dissolve the blood clot on its own over time. The swelling will go down, and the pain will subside.

• Disadvantage: This can take time (often 2–3 weeks), and you have to live with the pain in the meantime.
• Self-care: To relieve discomfort while waiting, we recommend good hygiene (shower the area rather than wiping hard), using a local anesthetic gel (e.g., Xylocaine gel), and keeping stools soft with fiber products (e.g., Vi-Siblin). Avoid standard hemorrhoid creams, as they often have little effect on acute thrombosis.

2. Drainage of the hemorrhoid (Minor procedure)

If the pain is severe, we often recommend draining the hemorrhoid. This is a minor procedure performed by a specialist.

• How is it done? The doctor applies a local anesthetic and makes a small incision in the thrombosed hemorrhoid to remove the blood clot.
• Effect: This relieves the pressure immediately. Many patients experience instant relief—a "balm effect"—and go from intense pain to being almost pain-free as soon as the procedure is done.

When should you see a doctor?

If you are in significant pain, we recommend seeing a doctor quickly. A procedure (drainage) is most effective if done within the first few days after the lump appears.

At Dr.Dropin Gastrokirurgi, we specialize in helping patients with acute anal conditions.

• You do not need a referral and can get an appointment the same week.
• We examine you and perform the procedure in the same consultation if needed.
• You will meet experienced gastrointestinal surgeons who know exactly how to relieve the pain.

Can a thrombosed hemorrhoid burst?

Yes, sometimes the skin over the lump can burst on its own due to the pressure. Dark blood (clotted blood) will then come out, and the pain will often subside because the pressure is released. This is nature's way of "operating" on itself, and it is not dangerous. Keep the area clean by showering daily until the wound has healed.

Don't live with unnecessary pain. Are you unsure if you have a thrombosed hemorrhoid, or do you want rapid pain relief?

👉 Read more about the offer at Dr.Dropin Gastrokirurgi here

Important: This blog post is intended as general information only and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you have any questions or concerns about yout health, you should contact your doctor.