Understanding Skin Tags in the Anus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Understanding Skin Tags in the Anus

Skin tags in the anus area can cause discomfort, irritation, and embarrassment. However, they are relatively common and generally harmless growths. This article explores the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and various treatment options for anal skin tags to help you determine if removal is necessary.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, also referred to by medical professionals as acrochordons, are small, soft, skin-colored flaps of tissue that protrude outward from the surface of the skin. They typically occur on areas where skin rubs together, like the armpits, neck, eyelids, and groin. However, skin tags can develop anywhere on the body.

Appearance of Anal Skin Tags

When skin tags occur in the anal area, they have the same basic appearance as tags in other places. Features include:

• Size - usually between 2-5 mm
• Color - range from flesh colored to darker brown/black
• Shape - can be round, oval, or pedunculated (stalk-like)
• Texture - soft, smooth, possibly wrinkled surface

They are attached to the skin by a narrow stalk or base. Sometimes larger skin tags may develop capillaries causing them to look red or purple.

Symptoms of Anal Skin Tags

For the most part, skin tags don't cause any pain or discomfort. But when they develop in sensitive areas like around the anus, you may experience:

• Anal itching
• Feeling of wetness/moisture
• Hygiene problems
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Bleeding if damaged
• Irritation when wiping

In addition to physical discomfort, the appearance and location of skin tags in the anal region can cause some people distress. The anus is considered a private body area. Growths may make you feel embarrassed, self-conscious, or anxious about romantic intimacy.

Causes of Anal Skin Tags

Doctors aren't exactly sure why skin tags grow but have identified possible contributing factors and conditions. There seem to be some genetic and hormonal components as they frequently occur during pregnancy or in people who are overweight or have diabetes. Specific causes linked to anal skin tags include:

Friction

The folds around the anus experience rubbing during bowel movements and from underwear pressing into the crease. Researchers believe friction makes some skin cells rapidly multiply, leading to excess tissue forming a tag.

Obesity

Skin tags are more common in overweight and obese individuals. The leading theory is that increased body fat leads to folds developing in the skin around the anus, thighs, underarms, etc. These areas then rub, setting the stage for tags.

Pregnancy

Hormone changes and increased blood flow during pregnancy often cause skin changes and growths like skin tags and hemorrhoids. Most resolve after giving birth but some women find they remain long term.

Diabetes

Uncontrolled blood sugar damages skin cells and small blood vessels leading to faster aging and issues with cell turnover like tags. Keeping diabetes under control reduces complications.

Treatment Options

Not all skin tags need treatment. Small, painless anal tags can just be left alone and monitored during routine exams. But if your anal skin tags hurt, bleed, get irritated by clothing or bowel movements, or cause emotional distress there are effective treatment options.

At-Home Treatments

Several natural tag removal methods can be tried at home first before considering medical procedures:

• Tea tree oil - Helps dry out skin tags so they shrink and fall off.
• Apple cider vinegar - The acid gently burns the stalk causing the tag to detach.
• Dental floss/thread - Tightly tying floss or thread around the base cuts circulation so the tag drops off.
• Garlic - Contains compounds that burn skin. Can help remove small tags.
• Cold therapy - Using ice cubes or cold packs can make some tags go away.

Medical Procedures

While convenient, at-home skin tag remedies have variable effectiveness and risk damaging healthy skin. Medical procedures from your doctor or dermatologist are more precise, have quicker results, can remove tags from hard-to-reach areas, and reduce chances of infection.

Cryotherapy

Freezing skin tags with liquid nitrogen is a fast, common method with little recovery. Can temporarily numb surrounding tissue but damage is rare when performed by an experienced practitioner.

Excision

Surgically cutting out skin tags leaves less scarring than aggressive burning treatments. Requires local anesthesia injections to numb the area first. Electrocautery may be used to stop minor bleeding.

Ligation

Tying off skin tags cuts circulation so they die and detach. A specially designed device slips a small band around the stalk for precise ligation. The tag drops off within a few days.

Radiofrequency Ablation

A handheld device uses radiofrequency waves to generate heat that vaporizes skin tags for fast removal. Energy gets transmitted through the top layers leaving most of the surrounding tissue intact.

Prevention of Anal Skin Tags

It's impossible to guarantee anal skin tags won't occur but practicing good hygiene and skin care may lower risks by minimizing moisture, friction, and irritation in the area. Helpful prevention tips include:

• Gently clean after bowel movements
• Use soft toilet paper & baby wipes
• Wear loose, breathable underwear
• Apply Vaseline or barrier cream
• Treat hemorrhoids if present
• Maintain a healthy body weight

Check periodically for any new growths or changes to existing skin tags. See your doctor if you have concerns about discomfort, pain, appearance, or changes that could indicate infection or another condition is present.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.