External hemorrhoids are swollen veins under the skin around the anus. Because they sit where nerves are plentiful, they announce themselves with pain and a lump you can feel. Pain is the headline. It feels like a deep, steady throb that spikes during bowel movements and can linger for hours. Lump shows up fast. A firm, bluish or skin-colored bump appears near the opening and is tender to touch. Swelling and redness follow. The skin around the anus looks puffy and feels hot. Itching and wetness occur when the area leaks fluid or mucus, making you want to scratch. Bleeding... Learn more