An anal skin tag is a common and generally harmless excess growth of skin that is around the anus. Usually, anal skin tags are benign and do not cause any pain. However, anal skin tags can sometimes feel itchy or uncomfortable. Generally, it is characterized as a small growth of skin that is the same shade as your skin or can be slightly darker in color. While some patients can live with anal skin tags, others may prefer to have them removed due to cosmetic reasons or because it bothers them.
What Causes Anal Skin Tags?
There are many causes that can lead to anal skin tags, including:
- Family history
- Irritation or friction from exercising, sitting for a long duration, and tight fitting clothing
- Diarrhea that causes the skin around the anus to become irritated from excessive wiping
- Constipation or passing large stools that cause the skin around the anus to over-stretch
- Crohn’s disease
- Hemorrhoids
- Swollen blood vessels surrounding the anus
How is an Anal Skin Tag Diagnosed?
Generally, the diagnosis of an anal skin tag is a straightforward process, especially in the case where the skin tag is clearly visible. However, if the skin tag is not easily visible, Dr. Kamrava may utilize a narrow instrument known as an anoscope that will allow him to examine the anal opening and view any skin tags that may be present. When an anoscope is used, patients may experience minimal discomfort or no discomfort during the exam.
During your exam, your doctor may ask you questions regarding the skin tags, such as:
- The number of bowel movements you have daily
- Whether you experience other symptoms, such as bleeding or pain passing stools
- The appearance and consistency of your stools
- What you use to clean your anus and how you wipe
- If you are using any fiber supplements
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Allen Kamrava for an exam, feel free to contact our office. Our team can provide you with excellent diagnosis and treatment.
Anal Skin Tag Treatment
Generally speaking, anal skin tags are removed with surgery. However, for many of his patients, Dr. Kamrava has been able to perform these procedures in his office with no need for the costs and burden of going to a surgical center or hospital.
But before your doctor performs a surgery, the goal is to understand the underlying problem that is causing the skin tags in the first place. This is important simply because certain behaviors may be causing them and it is important that after surgery, you avoid those same behaviors to prevent the skin tags from reappearing. Certain conditions, such as hemorrhoids, swollen blood vessels, and other factors may be the cause of the anal skin tag so our team will do everything possible to understand the cause of the problem, which will allow us to determine the next steps.
The surgery itself is generally painless, as a local anesthetic is applied before the surgery. As for recovery, it is usually quick. Most patients, with exception, report discomfort for a few days. Patients are able to return to normal activities fairly quickly.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kamrava, feel free to contact our office and our team will be happy to help with diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, our team will be able to provide helpful advice in regards to reducing the chances of skin tags developing again after surgery.
How to Prevent Anal Skin Tags?
It is important to know that prevention of anal skin tags is not always possible, especially when the main cause of it is genetics. However, you can practice these following tips to help minimize their appearance:
- Maintain regular bowel movements by consuming fiber-rich foods and drinking an adequate amount of fluids
- Wear breathable underwear and avoid tight fitting clothing
- Refrain from excessive wiping after using the bathroom
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
Another important factor to know is that individuals who are overweight are more prone to developing skin tags, which is why maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly is critical.
It is best to schedule an appointment with an experienced doctor, such as Dr. Kamrava so he can provide you with a proper diagnosis and examination to understand the cause of your skin tags. With years of experience providing patients with the best care, Dr. Kamrava is confident in providing patients with the helpful advice and treatment that you need and deserve.
Do Not Try to Remove Anal Skin Tags On Your Own
Sometimes patients ask us if it is ok if they try to remove anal skin tags on their own and we strongly discourage this. Removing anal skin tags or any skin tags for that matter on your own can be very dangerous and can potentially lead to further complications. Therefore, never try to do it on your own. Instead, contact our team so we can determine the underlying cause of your skin tags and provide you with the right treatment that you need by a knowledgeable and highly experienced doctor who specializes in this condition.
Schedule an Appointment With Us
Although anal skin tags are generally not harmful, sometimes they can be a nuisance for patients. Our team is here to provide you with the care that you need and deserve. If you have any questions regarding anal skin tags or would like to schedule an appointment with our experienced and helpful team, feel free to contact us. Dr. Kamrava is a highly skilled doctor with extensive experience in providing patients with the help and treatment that they need to continue living life comfortably.
