Anal skin tags are common, benign growths of skin around the anus, often resembling tiny flaps. They are essentially excess skin. While generally harmless, understanding them can clarify when medical attention might be beneficial.
Understanding Anal Skin Tags
Anal skin tags are non-cancerous growths of excess skin that form on the outer edge of the anus. They typically appear as flesh-colored or slightly darker, soft protrusions, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. While some individuals have a single tag, it is common to have multiple.
These skin tags are usually painless and do not cause bleeding. However, their presence can sometimes lead to mild discomfort, itching, or irritation, particularly if they rub against clothing or interfere with hygiene. It is important to distinguish anal skin tags from hemorrhoids; while both occur in the anal area, hemorrhoids are swollen veins that often cause pain and bleeding, whereas skin tags are simply extra tissue.
Common Causes of Anal Skin Tags
Anal skin tags frequently develop when the skin around the anus stretches and does not fully retract. This stretching often results from underlying conditions that cause swelling or irritation in the area. One common cause is the resolution of hemorrhoids, particularly thrombosed external hemorrhoids, where a blood clot forms within the vein. After the swelling subsides and the clot is reabsorbed, the stretched skin may remain as a tag.
Another factor contributing to their formation is chronic anal fissures. These small tears in the anal lining can lead to inflammation and swelling, sometimes resulting in a “sentinel tag” at the end of the fissure as the tissue attempts to heal. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, can also cause anal skin tags due to persistent inflammation in the anal region.
Chronic irritation or trauma to the anal area can also play a role. This includes persistent friction from tight clothing or prolonged sitting, as well as aggressive wiping or straining during bowel movements due to constipation or diarrhea. Additionally, the significant pressure and stretching experienced during childbirth can sometimes contribute to the development of perianal skin tags in women.
When to Consult a Doctor
While anal skin tags are typically benign, certain symptoms warrant a medical evaluation. If a skin tag begins to cause pain, bleeding, or persistent itching, consult a healthcare provider. These symptoms could indicate that the tag has become irritated, or they might signal an underlying condition that requires attention.
Changes in the appearance of an anal skin tag, such as an increase in size, a change in color, or a new firmness, should also prompt a medical visit. Although rare for skin tags, such alterations could suggest other perianal conditions that need accurate diagnosis. If the size or location of the skin tag makes proper anal hygiene difficult, leading to trapped moisture or stool particles, a consultation can address potential irritation or infection. Professional medical advice can also help rule out other possibilities like warts or polyps.
Managing Anal Skin Tags
For anal skin tags that are asymptomatic and do not cause bother, no specific treatment is necessary. However, for those experiencing discomfort or hygiene issues, managing these growths often begins with simple self-care practices. Maintaining good perianal hygiene is important; this involves gently cleaning the area with mild soap and water after bowel movements and patting it dry. Avoiding harsh soaps or vigorous wiping can prevent irritation.
Dietary adjustments can also support anal health and potentially reduce factors that contribute to skin tag formation. Consuming a high-fiber diet and ensuring adequate hydration can help prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements, which can exacerbate or cause tags. If a skin tag becomes problematic due to irritation, interference with hygiene, or cosmetic concerns, medical removal options are available.
Medical procedures for removing anal skin tags are typically performed by a doctor in an office setting. Common methods include surgical excision, where the tag is precisely cut away, often under local anesthesia. Other techniques include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen to make it fall off, and electrocautery, which uses heat from an electrical current to remove the tag. These removal procedures must only be performed by a healthcare professional, as attempting to remove them at home can lead to complications.