Shopping's sign of superlative quality. These swollen veins of the anus and lower rectum are an external manifestation of variscose veins and often accompany the appearance of varicose veins on legs and arms. Hemorrhoids stretch under pressure, sometimes causing pain, itching, and the appearance of bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper. Often, this blood is mistaken as a symptom of colon polyps or even colon cancers.
Hemorrhoids are common, especially during pregnancy, because of pressure from the fetus.
Other potential causes include chronic diarrhea or constipation and straining to have a bowel movement. About half of women and men get hemorrhoids by age 50. For some, the condition is hereditary. Traditional treatments include warm baths, ice packs, hemorrhoidal creams or suppositories, and regular consumption of dietary fiber and nonalcoholic beverages. Horse chestnut has been used for relief of hemorroids since ancient times.