Anal skin tags are small, non-cancerous folds of excess skin that form around the anus, typically consisting of harmless connective tissue. These growths, also known as perianal skin tags, are usually skin-colored or slightly darker and are generally painless. While benign, they can sometimes cause hygiene issues or cosmetic concerns, leading people to seek removal. Any attempt to remove these growths at home is extremely unsafe and strongly advised against by medical professionals.
Why Home Removal is Dangerous
Attempting to remove anal skin tags using do-it-yourself methods carries a significant risk of severe complications. The perianal area is highly vascularized, meaning it has a rich supply of blood vessels. Methods like cutting with a razor or scissors are highly dangerous and can cause uncontrolled, severe bleeding, potentially requiring emergency medical intervention.
The proximity of the tags to the anus introduces a high risk of serious bacterial infection. Using non-sterile tools or applying methods like tying off the tag creates an open wound exposed to fecal matter. This elevates the chance of developing a localized abscess or a systemic infection like sepsis.
Over-the-counter freezing kits or chemical wart removers are not formulated for use on the sensitive, delicate skin of the anal region. Applying these harsh chemicals or extreme cold can cause severe chemical burns, tissue damage, permanent scarring, and intense pain. Furthermore, incomplete removal can lead to regrowth of the tag or damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Identifying Anal Skin Tags
Before any discussion of treatment or removal, a professional diagnosis is necessary to ensure the lump is, in fact, a benign skin tag. What appears to be a simple excess fold of skin can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition requiring specialized medical treatment. Only a qualified healthcare provider, such as a proctologist, dermatologist, or primary care physician, can confirm the diagnosis.
Anal skin tags are often confused with an external thrombosed hemorrhoid, which is a blood clot inside a vein near the anus. Unlike typically painless skin tags, thrombosed hemorrhoids cause sudden, severe pain and appear dark blue or purple. Anal warts (condyloma acuminata), caused by HPV, can also mimic a skin tag. These viral lesions may be soft, flesh-colored, and appear in clusters, requiring specific anti-viral treatment.
A medical professional can also rule out more serious diagnoses, such as anal polyps or a cancerous lesion. Applying a home remedy or attempting removal on a malignant growth or active infection would delay necessary treatment. The doctor’s initial examination focuses on differential diagnosis to ensure patient safety and the correct treatment plan.
Clinical Removal Procedures
When removal is desired due to hygiene issues, irritation, or cosmetic preference, several safe and effective procedures are available in a clinical setting. These methods are performed under sterile conditions by a trained medical professional, minimizing the risks associated with the procedure. The choice of method often depends on the size and number of the skin tags.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is the most common method, involving the use of surgical scissors or a scalpel to carefully cut the skin tag away from the body. This procedure is typically performed in an office setting under a local anesthetic to numb the area completely. Larger tags may require a few dissolvable sutures, and the tissue can be sent for biopsy to confirm its benign nature.
Electrodesiccation
Electrodesiccation uses a high-frequency electrical current to generate heat that burns the skin tag off. The heat simultaneously cauterizes blood vessels, which minimizes bleeding during the procedure. The tag may fall off immediately or within one to two weeks. This method is performed under local anesthesia without the need for stitches.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves applying extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the tissue. This method is often preferred for smaller tags and may not require local anesthesia. It may take a few days for the tag to shrivel and fall off. Recovery from these professional procedures is generally swift, with most patients resuming normal activity within a week. Post-procedure soreness is common and managed with pain relief.
Management and Causes
Anal skin tags develop when the perianal skin stretches and fails to fully retract, leaving behind excess tissue. The most frequent cause is the resolution of a previous external hemorrhoid, where stretched skin remains after the swollen blood vessel shrinks. Chronic irritation from conditions like persistent diarrhea, constipation, or inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease) can also lead to their formation.
If removal is not necessary or desired, the condition can be managed effectively through conservative, non-invasive measures. Maintaining meticulous anal hygiene is important, which includes gentle cleaning with soft, moistened toilet paper or unscented wipes after bowel movements. Avoiding harsh soaps and aggressive wiping helps prevent irritation and inflammation of the tags.
Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing can reduce friction and irritation. For individuals experiencing discomfort or itchiness, a warm sitz bath can provide temporary relief by soothing the irritated skin. Barrier creams can also be used to protect the skin tags from friction and moisture, preventing them from becoming symptomatic.