External hemorrhoids may also bleed after bowel movements. Because they’re exposed, they often become irritated and may itch or become painful. Another common complication of external hemorrhoids is the formation of blood clots inside the vessel, or a thrombosed hemorrhoid. While these clots are not usually life-threatening, they can cause sharp, severe pain. Proper treatment for such thrombosed hemorrhoids consists of an “incision and drainage” procedure. A surgeon or a doctor in the emergency room can perform this procedure.