Anal Skin tags
Anal skin tags are small, soft flaps of skin around the anus, like skin tags anywhere else. They rarely hurt but can itch, and most people find them when wiping. They are easy to mistake for hemorrhoids or warts.
You may notice
- Soft bumps at the anal opening
- Occasional itching
- Harder to keep clean
What Dr. Cranford does
A tag usually means an earlier condition was not treated properly. Removing them helps hygiene, but it is not always recommended; it depends on size and consistency, which Dr. Cranford checks at your exam.
Common questions
Are anal skin tags dangerous?
They are usually painless, though they can itch. A tag often means an earlier condition was not treated properly.
Should skin tags be removed?
Removal helps hygiene, but it is not always recommended; it depends on their size and consistency, which Dr. Cranford checks at your exam.
How do I know it is a skin tag and not a hemorrhoid?
Skin tags are easy to mistake for hemorrhoids or warts, which is why an exam matters.
Anal skin tags: the full entryDr. Cranford’s complete clinical notes, in his own words. 153 words, about 1 min.Read the notes
Anal skin tags (also known as rectal tags or perianal tags) are no different from those found around other parts of the body. They may grow right on or around the outer part of rectum or just in the folds of buttocks. They may even grow over the buttocks because they easily fold and form creases. Individuals who have anal skin tags may not even know it because they are normally not painful although they can cause itching. Most will notice these bumps when they wipe themselves after using the bathroom. It is not uncommon to mistake skin tags for hemorrhoids or warts since they both present as bumps around the anal opening. The presence of the tag usually indicates an earlier anorectal condition that wasn’t treated properly and caused the tag to form. It is important for their removal to maintain proper hygiene, but not always recommended, depending on size and consistencey.
