What Are Anal Skin Tags?
Anal skin tags, also known as perianal skin tags, are noncancerous growths of excess skin that pile up to form a fleshy mass around the anus or rectum. This condition is common and usually harmless, but it can cause embarrassment in many patients.
While anal skin tags aren’t contagious, painful, or a sign of disease or uncleanliness, many patients choose to get them removed for cosmetic reasons or discomfort. While any condition in this region can be awkward to discuss and seek treatment, this is what we are trained for as proctologists.
What Do Anal Skin Tags Look Like?
Anal or perianal skin tags are small, finger-like projections on a stalk and measure from a few millimeters to 2 centimeters. Like other skin tags, they can be made up of a core of fibers and ducts, nerve cells, or fat cells. Anal skin tags are usually skin-colored or slightly darker.
Symptoms of Anal Skin Tags
Anal skin tags themselves don’t cause any major symptoms, although they can be uncomfortable and irritating due to their location and friction with clothing, hygiene, or bowel movements.
Symptoms associated with anal skin tags include:
- Itching – This happens when anal skin tags rub against clothing or become irritated by sweat and moisture.
- Discomfort – Pulling during wiping can pull on anal skin tags causing them to become tender or sore.
- Bleeding – Although rare, skin tags may bleed if stretched or injured.
Anal Skin Tags vs External Hemorrhoid Tags
External hemorrhoid skin tags and anal skin tags sometimes get confused. While they both affect the anal area, the similarities generally stop there.
External Hemorrhoids and External Hemorrhoid Tags
Hemorrhoids are venous cushions within the anal canal (internal) and around the anus (external). External hemorrhoids can cause a range of symptoms, including itching, swelling discomfort, and a painful anal lump, known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid.
External hemorrhoids can be caused by straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation or diarrhea, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged sitting. Luckily, there are several at-home ways to treat hemorrhoids, including over-the-counter ointment, lifestyle changes, Sitz baths, and adding raw psyllium fiber like PERFECT P.O.O.P psyllium to your diet.
When external hemorrhoids swell, they stretch the skin around the anus. That swelling eventually resolves but leaves behind stretched skin that can be treatment-resistant. This is what forms a hemorrhoid tag. These tags can be skin-colored, but if a blood clot forms, it can change to deep red, purple, or brown. When the waiting game or ointments don’t do the trick, people usually decide to see a proctologist.
Anal Skin Tags
Anal skin tags differ from hemorrhoids in appearance and symptoms. Unlike external hemorrhoids, they typically aren’t painful and are flesh-colored. They can develop for various reasons, like undergarment friction or from wiping too hard. Due to their location and lumpiness, many people mistake anal skin tags for hemorrhoids.
Anyone can develop skin tags, but there are certain factors can increase your chances:
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Frequent Anal Irritation
- Genetic Predisposition
- Crohn’s Disease
- Poor Hygiene
How are Anal Skin Tags Diagnosed?
Anal skin tags are not dangerous and often do not need treatment. However, if you suspect that you have an anal skin tag, you should talk to a proctologist, like Dr. Rosenfeld, who will be able to examine the site and diagnose the condition.
A proctologist might suggest the excision of the anal skin tag, which is a surgical removal procedure performed under local anesthesia. As anal tags are attached via a thin stalk, there is little post-procedure pain and minimal recovery.
Proctologists can also remove external hemorrhoid tags. However, since the base of the skin is wider and the external hemorrhoid vein also needs to be excised, the recovery is longer, around 3-7 days. While you may be tempted to try at-home treatments, such as over-the-counter creams or ligation procedures, speaking with a professional is better.
Anal Skin Tag Removal FAQs
When dealing with an anal skin tag, you might have a lot of questions about whether they’ll resolve on their own and how much treatment costs.
Do anal skin tags go away on their own? No, anal skin tags don’t go away on their own, although they usually stay the same size. Sometimes they become more noticeable over time. The same goes for external hemorrhoids — if you’ve had one removed, the stretched skin doesn’t heal itself completely without treatment.
Can you remove an anal skin tag at home? DIY anal skin tag removal is not recommended, as some at-home treatments cause more harm than good. Always seek advice from your doctor, who may refer you to a specialist for an accurate diagnosis, treatment plan, and peace of mind.
What kind of doctor removes anal skin tags? Proctologists or colorectal surgeons are experts in anal and perianal skin tag removal.
What is the process like for removing an anal skin tag? While any procedure can be scary, anal skin tag removal is a quick in-office procedure. The removal process is fast and straightforward. Your doctor will first apply a topical anesthetic followed by an injection of local anesthesia for a painless excision. From start to finish the procedure generally takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
How much does removal typically cost? The cost of anal skin tag removal can vary. Patients may pay anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per session. The price depends on factors like the number of skin tags, the surgeon’s expertise, and the procedure’s complexity. Contact Thousand Oaks Protology today for a personalized quote.
How to Prevent Anal Skin Tags?
While there’s no definitive way to avoid anal or perianal tags altogether, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of them forming. Some of these strategies include:
- Practice good hygiene – Keep the anal area clean and dry by using a mild, fragrance-free soap and gently patting the area dry. This can help prevent irritation and friction that might contribute to anal skin tag formation.
- Avoid excessive straining – Avoid straining during bowel movements and sitting on the toilet for too long. Taking PERFECT P.O.O.P. raw psyllium fiber supplement will ease constipation and encourage healthy bowel movements.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – Being overweight means additional pressure rests on the anal area. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help circulate the area.
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods – If you sit a lot, try to stand and move around every 30-40 minutes for at least 3-5 minutes during the day. Sitting for long periods puts additional pressure on your anal region and can contribute to the formation of anal skin tags.
- Talk to your doctor – If you notice any skin changes or growths in the anal area, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.
It’s important to note that even with preventive measures, some people may still develop anal skin tags, perianal skin tags, and external hemorrhoid skin tags due to factors beyond their control. If you have concerns about anal skin tags or any other conditions, seeking medical advice from a healthcare provider is recommended.
At Thousand Oaks Proctology, we are committed to providing a warm, caring, and compassionate environment for every patient. If you’re dealing with anal skin tags or another condition, contact us today to see how we can help.