If you detect a lump in your anal area, it is essential to get it checked by a physician. Doing so could indicate an underlying problem such as hemorrhoids or an inflammatory bowel disease.
Hemorrhoids in particular can cause an accumulation of skin around the anal area, leading to anal skin tags. Therefore, it is essential that a qualified proctologist makes the appropriate diagnosis.
How to Identify an Anal Skin Tag?
Causes
Anal skin tags can develop due to any irritation of the anus, such as prolonged sitting, tight clothing, or chronic diarrhea.
These irritations can cause straining and inflammation, creating bulging blood vessels – leading to skin tags, especially in individuals with hemorrhoids.
Skin tags may develop as a result of anal fissures or thrombosed external hemorrhoids (clots). If these conditions exist, the swelling in veins near the anus may lead to the development of a skin tag.
Other causes include pregnancy, heavy lifting and constipation or diarrhea. These factors can lead to the enlargement of veins in the rectum and anal area – which is the primary reason for skin tag formation.
Symptoms
Anal skin tags can cause discomfort, itching, and a rash on the affected area. Furthermore, they may impede personal hygiene practices.
Doctors can diagnose anal skin tags by performing a physical exam and magnifying the tag with a magnifying device. If necessary, doctors may take tissue samples (biopsies) to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Anal skin tags are commonly caused by swollen hemorrhoids. They can develop after pregnancy, external hemorrhoid thrombosis, straining from constipation or diarrhea, or surgical procedures like hemorrhoidectomy.
Skin tags may also be caused by other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and contact dermatitis. If an underlying health issue exists, your doctor will first treat that to help keep the tags at bay.
Diagnosis
An anal skin tag is a small growth of excess skin around the anus or rectum area. While they usually don’t cause any issues, it is wise to get checked out by a doctor just in case to make sure there aren’t any more serious issues present.
Anal skin tags can be caused by several things, including hemorrhoids and chronic anal fissures. They may also develop as a side effect of certain hemorrhoid treatments.
Diagnosing anal skin tags requires a physical exam and rectal exam from your doctor. They’ll check the area for signs of irritation, contact dermatitis, or hemorrhoids.
Treatment
Skin tags can be treated in several ways. Popular treatments include sitz baths and Proctozone 2.5%, a prescription topical ointment.
Anal skin tags are common, but they may indicate more serious conditions, so it is essential to get them diagnosed by a medical professional in order to avoid unnecessary discomfort and surgery.
A physical exam and rectal examination can help the doctor make a diagnosis. Sometimes they’ll insert a plastic tube into the bottom called a proctoscope to see inside and feel for any masses or bulges.
Some people may develop anal skin tags due to hemorrhoids or other bowel issues, such as Crohn’s disease. Treating these conditions can also alleviate the symptoms of skin tags.
Aftercare
Anal skin tags are common skin issues that develop around the anus. They typically present as raised areas or small bumps and don’t indicate anything serious, but they can be uncomfortable and itchy for some.
However, they are dangerous and should be treated promptly as they can lead to bleeding and infection if left unattended. Our surgeons can help identify the growth and determine if removal is necessary.
The procedure to remove anal skin tags is fast and can be completed as an outpatient surgery. You should be able to return to work the next day, with normal activities being resumed within a week.
How Can I Remove a Skin Tag on My Bum?
Most skin tags begin as small, flesh-colored bumps that usually go undetected or remain painless. Occasionally, they may become irritated due to friction or pressure and begin to grow larger in size.
These benign growths are composed of collagen, a type of protein found in the body, and blood vessels that wrap around an organ called a peduncle or stalk. Sizes for these growths can range from several millimeters up to several centimeters in diameter.
They tend to appear in areas of skin friction, such as the neck, underarms, under the breasts and on folds in the skin. Diabetes or obesity may also contribute to their presence.
Anal skin tags, located in either the anus or rectum, are commonly known as anal skin tags. Although harmless and usually without cause for concern, these can be indicative of more serious medical conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures which should be addressed accordingly.
Is it a Hemorrhoid Or Skin Tag?
When a doctor detects a lump or growth on your anus, they will want to know whether it is an hemorrhoid or skin tag.
A hemorrhoid is a painful, swollen blood vessel in your anus or rectum that often bleeds. This common condition affects approximately 1 out of 20 Americans and can develop rapidly from strain or wearing tight underwear.
It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of a hemorrhoid, so your doctor may order tests to help pinpoint the issue. For instance, they could perform an imaging test called a sigmoidoscopy on both your anus and groin area.
If a doctor suspects you have an underlying condition causing your anal skin tag, they may order a rectal exam. This simple test involves inserting a tube into your anus, moving it up into your rectum, and viewing inside with a camera and light.
They might then take a biopsy, which is a small sample of tissue from the skin tag, to detect any abnormalities that could indicate cancer.
Skin tags are generally harmless, though they may cause itching or discomfort if they arise after a scar. You have the right to ask your doctor to remove them if you feel they’re causing problems or just want them gone for cosmetic reasons.
If there’s an underlying health condition such as Crohn’s disease causing them, a gastroenterologist might be recommended instead.
What Are the Differences Between Skin Tags and Other Growths on the Body?
Skin tags, also referred to as acrochordons, are benign (noncancerous) growths that contain fat, collagen fibers and nerve cells. They usually look similar to surrounding skin color and measure less than 1 cm across.
While they can sometimes be mistaken for moles or warts, these benign growths do not bleed during defecation although they may become irritated by friction from nearby tissues.
