A hemorrhoid can appear differently depending on whether it is internal or external:

• External hemorrhoids are visible lumps around the anus. They often look skin-colored or reddish and can feel like hard, tender bumps. They may itch or be covered in mucus. Their size can vary from small lumps about the size of a pea to larger, swollen bumps. Sometimes, they appear bluish, purplish, or darker if a blood clot forms inside, known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which can be very painful and look dark blue, purple, black, or brownish

• Internal hemorrhoids form inside the anus on the mucous membrane and are usually not visible unless they become enlarged and prolapse outside the anus during a bowel movement. When prolapsed, they appear as moist, pinkish or reddish tissue protruding from the anus and are typically smoother and softer than external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids may also bleed but usually do not cause pain unless prolapsed or thrombosed

• Thrombosed hemorrhoids (blood clot inside) are characterized by a hard lump that is dark in color (blue, purple, black) and cause significant pain and swelling

In summary, hemorrhoids look like swollen veins around or inside the anus, appearing as lumps that vary in color from skin tone to red or dark purple/blue if clotted, and can be tender or painful depending on their type and severity.