Anal skin tags are common, benign growths that appear as small, soft flaps of skin around the anus. They are typically skin-colored or slightly darker and can vary in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. These growths are essentially excess tissue in an area where the skin naturally has more laxity to accommodate bowel movements. While generally harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or interfere with hygiene.
The Nature of Anal Skin Tags
Anal skin tags typically do not disappear on their own once they have formed. They are composed of stretched-out skin tissue that remains after swelling or irritation.
The formation of anal skin tags is often linked to various conditions that cause stretching or irritation of the perianal skin. A common cause is the healing of external hemorrhoids, where the stretched skin from the swollen vein remains even after the hemorrhoid itself has resolved. Anal fissures, which are small tears in the anal canal, can also lead to skin tag development as part of the healing or inflammatory process. Other contributing factors include chronic constipation due to straining, recurrent diarrhea causing irritation, or conditions like Crohn’s disease, which involves inflammation of the intestines.
When Professional Consultation is Recommended
While anal skin tags are usually harmless, seeking medical advice is advisable if you experience certain symptoms or have concerns about their appearance. Symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit include pain, itching, bleeding, or any noticeable changes in the size or color of the tag. Difficulty with maintaining proper hygiene due to the presence of skin tags is also a common reason for consultation.
A medical professional can accurately diagnose the growth and differentiate it from other conditions that might appear similar, such as anal warts or hemorrhoids, or more serious but rare conditions like cancer. This diagnostic step is important to ensure that the underlying cause is identified and addressed, particularly if the tags are a symptom of a broader issue like an anal fissure or ongoing hemorrhoids.
Understanding Treatment Options
If anal skin tags cause persistent discomfort, hygiene issues, or cosmetic concerns, various professional removal options are available. These procedures are typically performed by a healthcare professional in an office setting. One common method is surgical excision, where the excess skin is carefully cut away using a scalpel or surgical scissors.
Other techniques include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen until it falls off, and electrocautery, which uses heat to burn off the tag. These procedures are generally minor and are considered safe and effective for removing anal skin tags.