Anal skin tags are usually small, a few millimeters in size or less.\u00a0They can be the same color as the skin, or slightly darker.\u00a0They often go unnoticed or cause no problems and can be left alone.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, some people may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons because they get in the way, sensitize or itch.\u00a0But anal skin tags should only be removed by a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.
\nIn this article, we will explore why skin tags develop around the anus and how a doctor can diagnose and remove them.\u00a0We also describe steps a person can take to prevent them from forming.<\/p>\n
Trying to remove anal body tags at home can cause pain and other complications, and home removal methods are not safe for skin tags in this sensitive area.<\/p>\n
Also, not all anal skin tags need to be removed even by a professional.\u00a0Sometimes there is a risk of injury or infection due to proximity to bacteria in the stool.<\/p>\n
Before someone undergoes removal, they should discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor. Some more dangerous tumors, such as skin cancer, may look like anal skin tags, so any unusual growths must be checked by a doctor.<\/p>\n
Tags can appear almost anywhere on the skin.\u00a0The cause is often unclear, but some people may be genetically prone to them.<\/p>\n
When skin tags form around the anus, one or more of the following factors are usually involved:<\/p>\n
Tags When the tag is easily visible, the doctor can diagnose it with a physical exam and discuss removal options if needed. The doctor may need to do a digital rectal exam to determine if there is growth in less visible areas.<\/p>\n
The doctor inserts a lubricated glove finger into the rectum.<\/p>\n
You may need to visually inspect the inside of your rectum for growth.<\/p>\n
This is done in a procedure called anoscopy, where the doctor places a small area just inside the anus and uses a lighted tube to see inside the rectum.\u00a0Most people feel little or no discomfort.<\/p>\n
When the doctor needs to see further into the lower digestive tract, they can perform a sigmoidoscopy. This involves using a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera to view the inside of the rectum and lower colon.<\/p>\n
Sigmoidoscopy is not always required after a skin tag has been diagnosed.\u00a0The doctor will only perform this when they suspect the person has a growth or polyps in their intestines.<\/p>\n
It may be unsafe or need to remove the anal skin tag.\u00a0The doctor will describe the risks and determine the best course of action.<\/p>\n
Some small skin tags can be removed without incision.<\/p>\n
The doctor may freeze the skin tags by applying liquid nitrogen.\u00a0Most of the tags are dropped within a few days.\u00a0This procedure is known as cryotherapy.<\/p>\n
Or, a doctor may use a laser to kill tissue, causing the skin tag to slowly peel off. Some skin tags can be carefully trimmed with surgical scissors, but larger tags may require more difficult removal and suture. However, doctors do not recommend this because bacteria from the stool can easily infect a healing incision.<\/p>\n
If the anal skin tag is removed with liquid nitrogen, laser, or scissors, most people can return home the same day and resume light activity the next day.\u00a0The doctor may advise against strenuous exercise for several days.<\/p>\n
As the skin heals, a thorough cleansing of the anal area may be required after each bowel movement.\u00a0A doctor may recommend the use of medical wipes or detergents, and creams that help heal and prevent infection.<\/p>\n
A person is often advised to take stool softeners and drink plenty of fluids so those bowel movements will pass easily. Sitz baths can also soothe and help the skin to heal.<\/p>\n
People should not try to remove the anal skin tag at home.\u00a0This can lead to bleeding, pain, and infection.<\/p>\n
If a person suspects they have an anal skin tag, they should see a doctor, who can rule out the presence of cancer or other condition.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Anal skin tags are usually small, a few millimeters in size or less.\u00a0They can be the same color as the skin, or slightly darker.\u00a0They often go unnoticed or cause no problems and can be left alone. On the other hand, some people may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons because they get in the …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[88],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"yoast_head":"\n