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Allen KamravaMD · MBA · FACS · FASCRS

Are skin tags on the anus dangerous?

In people with a fleshy skin growth at the anal verge (perianal skin tag), does its presence indicate or predict a serious underlying condition such as malignancy, Crohn's disease, or anal cancer, or carry risk of bleeding or infection, compared with no such growth?

How people search for this, in their own words

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Evidence review in plain language · compiled 2026-10-14 · checked 2026-10-14 · next 2026-11-14 · automated review, how it works

What the evidence says

Bottom line

A plain skin growth at the anus is usually just a harmless flap of skin, but the only direct evidence on this question is a handful of case reports, so it cannot rule out rare exceptions.

Most of what we have are single-patient reports: in a few of them, a growth that was called a 'skin tag' turned out on removal to be cancer, a rare tumour, or another condition entirely. Larger studies in people already diagnosed with Crohn's disease found skin tags occur more often with that disease and, in children with Crohn's, were linked to a higher later rate of a bowel-wall complication called a fistula — but that is about people who already have Crohn's, not about tags found in someone with no bowel symptoms. No study has followed ordinary perianal skin tags over time in a general population to see how often, if ever, they cause harm.

How well studied

Little evidence

The only direct evidence is 3 case reports or small series.

This question asks what a condition can lead to, not whether a treatment works, so there is no benefit-or-harm verdict. What can be shown is how well it has been studied.

answer it directly
3answer it directly
studies found
25studies found
randomised trials
0randomised trials
people studied
14,137people studied
review of trials
1review of trials
years covered
1996–2025years covered

What the research shows

  • Malignant transformation or association with anal cancer

    A few single-patient case reports describe a growth that looked like a skin tag which, on removal, turned out to be cancer or to contain a cancer deposit. These are isolated cases, not a measured rate, so they cannot tell you how often (if ever) this happens to a typical tag.[1,2,3,4]

    Too little evidence

  • Need for biopsy to exclude another diagnosis

    Case reports describe growths called 'skin tags' that were actually rare tumours, a sweat-gland growth, or cancer, found only after the tissue was removed and examined. This suggests a changing, bleeding, or unusual-looking lesion may need tissue testing, but there is no study estimating how often a routine-looking tag needs a biopsy.[1,2,3,4,5]

    Some evidence

  • Association with Crohn's disease or inflammatory bowel disease

    In people already diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, perianal skin tags were a fairly common finding (seen in roughly 8-15% of patients in two studies), and in children with Crohn's disease, having skin tags (grouped with ulcers and fissures) was linked to about four times the chance of a later fistula complication. This evidence is about people who already have IBD, not about whether a skin tag in someone without bowel symptoms predicts IBD.[1,2,3,4]

    Some evidence

  • Bleeding from the lesion

    One study found that larger, 'hypertrophic' skin tags were linked to a higher chance of needing surgery for hemorrhoidal disease, but this mixes tags in with hemorrhoids rather than studying tags alone. A case report of a bleeding anal mass turned out to be cancer, not a true skin tag, which is a reason to get a changing or bleeding lesion checked rather than evidence that ordinary tags bleed.[1,2]

    Too little evidence

  • Infection or ulceration

    No study in this review measured whether perianal skin tags become infected or ulcerated.

    Not studied

  • Misdiagnosis delaying treatment of another anorectal condition

    In one clinic study, over a quarter of patients referred with a 'hemorrhoids' diagnosis actually had a skin tag instead, and case reports describe tags that were really genital warts, cancer, a rare tumour, or a sign of a different skin disease. This shows misdiagnosis does happen, though these studies cannot say how often it happens to the average person with a tag.[1,2,3,4,5]

    Some evidence

  • Mechanical complications such as bowel obstruction

    One case report describes a giant, unusually large skin tag (fibroepithelial polyp) that grew big enough to block the bowel. The authors describe this as an extremely rare, giant variant, not a typical tag.[1]

    Too little evidence

What the studies found

  • Several studies that looked at the anus more broadly listed perianal skin tags as one of several common anal findings, alongside hemorrhoids and fissures; these studies did not specifically study or report on complications from the skin tags themselves.[1,2,3]
  • In children being examined for digestive complaints, skin tags were a common finding linked to straining and constipation, and were not associated with bruising, scarring, or other signs of injury.[1]

Important limitations

  • The only evidence that speaks to this question directly is three single-patient case reports — too few and too uncontrolled to say how common any serious finding is.[1,2,3]
  • Most of the larger studies did not study skin tags on their own; they lumped tags together with ulcers, fissures, or other anal conditions, so a finding linked to the group cannot be pinned on the tag itself.[1,2,3]
  • Several studies were done only in people who already had another diagnosis, such as Crohn's disease or HIV, so their findings may not apply to someone with an isolated tag and no other symptoms.[1,2,3,4,5]

What kind of studies

  • Case series13 · 52%
  • Retrospective6 · 24%
  • Prospective cohort3 · 12%
  • Narrative review2 · 8%
  • Meta-analysis1 · 4%

The key studies

  • Adler et al. 2025

    Early tumour necrosis factor antagonist treatment prevents perianal fistula development in children with Crohn's disease: post hoc analysis of the RISK study

    Higher fistula risk in Crohn's.Prospective cohortModerate qualityRelated question

    447 people2025

    Children who had non-penetrating perianal lesions, including large skin tags, ulcers or fissures, were about four times more likely to later develop a perianal fistula complication than those without such lesions.

    Who was studied
    Children with Crohn's disease who did not yet have a perianal fistula when they joined the study
    Main outcome
    Whether a perianal fistula complication developed over time
    Quality
    It's a well-matched prospective cohort with propensity-score analysis, but it lumps skin tags together with ulcers and fissures rather than looking at skin tags alone, and it only applies to children with Crohn's disease.
    Limitations
    The 'skin tag' risk is reported as part of a combined category with ulcers and fissures, not isolated on its own, and the population is limited to children newly diagnosed with Crohn's disease, not the general population with a simple perianal skin tag.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • n 447 matched patients were included (149 per treatment group)
    • population paediatric patients with Crohn's disease who were free from PFC at enrolment
    • primaryOutcome determine if early antitumour necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF⍺) therapy prevents PFC development
    • result The presence of non-penetrating perianal lesions (large skin tags, ulcers and/or fissures) was significantly associated with PFC development, with 4-fold greater odds of PFC (OR 4.08, 95% CI (95% CI) 1.70 to 9.78; p=0.0016).

    Gut · PMID 39667905 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Zaki et al. 2021

    Anal skin tag - An unusual presenting feature of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis in a neonate

    May signal missed underlying diagnosisCase seriesVery low quality

    1 people2021

    The skin tag turned out to be a presenting sign of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis, a condition confirmed only after colonoscopy; the authors warn clinicians could miss this diagnosis if they don't consider it when a skin tag is seen with bloody stools.

    Who was studied
    26-day-old newborn baby with blood in the stool and a skin tag near the anus
    Main outcome
    whether the anal skin tag pointed to an underlying serious condition
    Quality
    This is a single infant case report with no comparison group, so it cannot show how often this happens or prove cause and effect.
    Limitations
    Single case; findings may not generalize to other patients with perianal skin tags.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population A 26-day-old baby presented with history of passing intermittent blood in stools for two days
    • intervention Two anal skin tags were present but there was no evidence of anal fissures or haemorrhoids
    • primaryOutcome Through this case we wish to highlight that clinicians should consider food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis in their differential diagnosis in a neonate presenting with blood in stools and anal skin tag
    • result Colonoscopy was suggestive of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis
    • n A 26-day-old baby presented with history of passing intermittent blood in stools for two days

    J Neonatal Perinatal Med · PMID 33216045 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Idrees et al. 2019

    Evaluating the Accuracy of Hemorrhoids: Comparison Among Specialties and Symptoms

    Often mistaken for hemorrhoids, causing misdiagnosisRetrospectiveLow qualityRelated question

    476 people2019

    Among patients wrongly diagnosed with hemorrhoids, 27% actually had a perianal skin tag instead, contributing to a 35% overall misdiagnosis rate

    Who was studied
    Adults referred to a colorectal clinic with a diagnosis of hemorrhoids, including some actually found to have perianal skin tags
    Main outcome
    How often the hemorrhoid diagnosis given by referring doctors was actually correct
    Quality
    This is a single-center retrospective chart review with incomplete documentation, so misdiagnosis rates may not generalize.
    Limitations
    Retrospective design, not all charts had complete data, and the sample size may limit detection of some differences.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population The charts of patients referred to a colorectal clinic with the diagnosis of hemorrhoids from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2017, were reviewed.
    • primaryOutcome The accuracy of the referring provider's diagnosis of hemorrhoids was measured.
    • result Among patients with incorrect hemorrhoid diagnoses (35%; n = 169), actual diagnosis was anal fissure (34%), skin tag (27%), and hypertrophied papilla (6%).
    • n Review of charts identified 476 patients with the referral diagnosis of hemorrhoids.

    Dis Colon Rectum · PMID 31188188 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Liasis et al. 2016

    Colorectal cancer implant in an external hemorrhoidal skin tag

    Rare case: tag hid cancer spreadCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    1 people2016

    In this one patient, the skin tag contained a metastatic deposit from his rectal cancer, and recognizing this changed his surgery

    Who was studied
    a 61-year-old man with rectal cancer who had an external hemorrhoidal skin tag
    Quality
    This is a single case report of one patient, so it cannot show how often this happens.
    Limitations
    Single case report; cannot estimate how common this is or apply it to typical skin tags without cancer.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population We present the case of a 61-year-old man with metastasis to an external hemorrhoidal skin tag from a midrectal primary adenocarcinoma.
    • n We present the case of a 61-year-old man
    • result In our patient, this finding appropriately changed surgical management.
    • result Abnormal findings of the perianal skin suggesting an implant or metastatic disease warrant biopsy, as distal spread and seeding can occur.
    • harm Abnormal findings of the perianal skin suggesting an implant or metastatic disease warrant biopsy, as distal spread and seeding can occur.

    Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) · PMID 27034567 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Guttadauro et al. 2015

    Big anal skin tags? What is this?

    Mistaken for tag, was cancerCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    size not given2015

    the mass was not a simple skin tag but a moderately differentiated squamous cell cancer that had narrowed the anus so much a colostomy was needed

    Who was studied
    a person with a large, hard, bleeding mass at the anus and around it that looked like a big skin tag
    Main outcome
    what this growth actually was and how dangerous it turned out to be
    Quality
    this is a single case report, so it cannot show how often this happens or how risky skin tags are in general.
    Limitations
    only one patient is described, and the lesion turned out to be cancer rather than a true benign skin tag, so it mainly shows a risk of misdiagnosis rather than a property of real skin tags.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population A hard and bleeding anal and perianal mass stenotized the anus and required left-sided colostomy.
    • primaryOutcome Incisional biopsy showed a moderately differentiated spiniocellular carcinoma.
    • result Incisional biopsy showed a moderately differentiated spiniocellular carcinoma. Chemoradiotherapy treatment alone reduced significantly the mass.
    • harm A hard and bleeding anal and perianal mass stenotized the anus and required left-sided colostomy.

    Clin Case Rep · PMID 26185664 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Ananiev et al. 2012

    [HPV-associated verrucous carcinoma of the perianal region--complete remission after surgical excision and postoperative monochemotherapy with methotrexat]

    Tag misdiagnosed, hid real cancer.Case seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    1 people6 months

    Counted as a related question: This is a case report of a perianal lesion that turned out to be a rare HPV-associated verrucous carcinoma (a type of cancer), not a study of whether common perianal skin tags are dangerous in general.

    treated initially under the diagnosis of perianal skin tags, while surgical removal of the lesion was found rare form of HPV associated verrucous carcinoma

    Who was studied
    a 48 year-old female patient with a growth in the perianal area
    Main outcome
    whether a lesion first diagnosed as a perianal skin tag turned out to be a more serious disease
    Quality
    This is a single case report of one patient, so it cannot show how often this kind of misdiagnosis happens.
    Limitations
    Only one patient is described, with no data on how frequently perianal skin tags are mistaken for serious conditions like this.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population We present a case of 48 year-old female patient with verrucous carcinoma localized in the perianal area
    • n We present a case of 48 year-old female patient
    • primaryOutcome treated initially under the diagnosis of perianal skin tags, while surgical removal of the lesion was found rare form of HPV associated verrucous carcinoma
    • result treated initially under the diagnosis of perianal skin tags, while surgical removal of the lesion was found rare form of HPV associated verrucous carcinoma
    • followUp Six months later, the provided monitoring has not shown clinical or apparative data on tumor recurrence.

    Akush Ginekol (Sofiia) · PMID 22639782 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Galanis et al. 2009

    Obstructive ileus due to a giant fibroepithelial polyp of the anus

    Rare case of bowel blockageCase seriesVery low quality

    1 people2009

    A giant fibroepithelial anal polyp (skin tag) grew large enough to cause bowel obstruction (obstructive ileus), an extremely rare event

    Who was studied
    A patient with a fibroepithelial polyp (skin tag) at the anus
    Main outcome
    Whether a perianal skin tag can cause serious complications
    Quality
    This is a single case report of one unusual patient, so it cannot show how often this happens or whether it applies to typical small skin tags.
    Limitations
    Single case report; no comparison group; the polyp described is explicitly labeled an extremely rare giant variant, not a typical perianal skin tag.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Fibroepithelial polyps or hypertrophied anal papillae are essentially skin tags that project up from the dentate line and the junction between the skin and the epithelial lining of the anus
    • primaryOutcome sometimes they become enlarged, causing unexpected medical conditions
    • result An extremely rare case of a giant hypertrophied anal papilla complicated by obstructive ileus is reported.
    • n An extremely rare case of a giant hypertrophied anal papilla complicated by obstructive ileus is reported.

    World J Gastroenterol · PMID 19653351 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Obaidat et al. 2006

    Adenocarcinoma in situ arising in a tubulopapillary apocrine hidradenoma of the peri-anal region

    Rare case: tag hid cancerCase seriesVery low quality

    1 people2006

    the skin tag was actually a rare sweat-gland tumour that contained an area of early cancer (carcinoma in situ)

    Who was studied
    a 67-year-old woman with a skin growth at the anal opening
    Main outcome
    what the removed skin tag turned out to be on microscopic examination
    Quality
    this is a single patient case report, so it cannot show how often this happens or what the real risk is for people with perianal skin tags in general
    Limitations
    only one patient; no information on how common this finding is or how it compares to ordinary skin tags

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population a 67-year-old woman who presented with a peri-anal skin tag
    • primaryOutcome Histologically, the excised lesion showed features of tubulopapillary apocrine hidradenoma, with an area showing features of carcinoma in situ
    • result Histologically, the excised lesion showed features of tubulopapillary apocrine hidradenoma, with an area showing features of carcinoma in situ
    • n a 67-year-old woman

    Eur J Dermatol · PMID 17101482 · Read it on PubMed ↗

What actually helps, on this site

All 25 studiesEvery study that answered the question, with its design, size and result.
The other 17 studiesEverything else the search returned, including anything retracted.

  • Ghani et al. 2024

    INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND ASSOCIATED SKIN MANIFESTATIONS

    Skin tags common in active Crohn's/UC.RetrospectiveLow qualityRelated question

    250 people2024

    Perianal skin tags were found in 8% of IBD patients; skin manifestations overall were more common with active disease (45%) than in remission (18%)

    Who was studied
    Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (140 with Crohn's disease, 110 with ulcerative colitis)
    Main outcome
    How often skin problems, including perianal skin tags, occur in IBD patients and their link to disease activity
    Quality
    This study looks at IBD patients broadly rather than people with perianal skin tags specifically, so it gives little direct information on whether a skin tag itself is dangerous.
    Limitations
    Abstract does not describe how skin tags were diagnosed, whether other conditions were ruled out, or any complications specifically linked to the skin tags themselves.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population A total of 250 IBD patients (140 CD and 110 UC) were enrolled in the study.
    • result perianal skin tags (8%)
    • result Active disease demonstrated a significant association with skin manifestations (45% active disease vs 18% remission, p<0.001).
    • primaryOutcome We evaluated the frequency of skin manifestations, their association with disease activity, and course in response to therapy.
    • n A total of 250 IBD patients (140 CD and 110 UC) were enrolled in the study.

    J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad · PMID 39623845 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Fathallah et al. 2024

    Hemorrhoidal disease: Epidemiological study and analysis of predictive factors for surgical management

    Linked to more hemorrhoid surgeryProspective cohortLow qualityRelated question

    472 people2024

    having hypertrophic perianal skin tags was one of the factors associated with a higher likelihood of needing surgical treatment for hemorrhoidal disease

    Who was studied
    adults with hemorrhoidal disease seen at a single clinic
    Main outcome
    factors linked to needing surgery for hemorrhoids
    Quality
    this is an indirect finding from a general hemorrhoid-treatment study, not a study designed to assess whether skin tags themselves are dangerous.
    Limitations
    Single-center study of hemorrhoidal disease overall; perianal skin tags were only one of several factors analyzed for predicting surgery, and the study did not look at skin tags in isolation or at people with tags but no hemorrhoidal disease.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Prospective single-center study from July to December 2021 including 472 patients.
    • n including 472 patients
    • primaryOutcome Factors associated with likelihood of surgical treatment were: age>44years, hypertrophic perianal skin tags, high scores (Bristol>5, bleeding>5, prolapse>2), severe impact on quality of life, smoking and reading during bowel movements.
    • result Factors associated with likelihood of surgical treatment were: age>44years, hypertrophic perianal skin tags, high scores (Bristol>5, bleeding>5, prolapse>2), severe impact on quality of life, smoking and reading during bowel movements.

    J Visc Surg · PMID 38580520 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Afarideh et al. 2024

    Dermatologic manifestations in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

    May signal more severe Crohn's diseaseRetrospectiveLow qualityRelated question

    425 people2024

    Perianal skin tags were present in 14.6% of children with IBD and were part of a group of perianal skin complications (skin tags, fistula, abscess) that were significantly more common in Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis; more severe IBD was linked to higher rates of perianal fistula and abscess.

    Who was studied
    Children and teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
    Main outcome
    How often perianal skin tags and other perianal problems occurred, and whether they tracked with type or severity of IBD
    Quality
    This is a single-center retrospective chart review that can only show associations, not prove that skin tags themselves cause harm, and it has no comparison group of children without IBD.
    Limitations
    Retrospective single-center review limited to children already diagnosed with IBD, so findings may not apply to isolated perianal skin tags found in the general population; it cannot show whether the tag itself causes later problems, only that it occurs alongside more severe Crohn's disease.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Retrospective chart review of 528 children and adolescents (≤18 years old) with IBD and seen at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) between 1999 and 2017 was conducted.
    • n In total, 425 IBD patients (64.9% CD, 53% males) and ≥1 dermatologic diagnosis were included.
    • primaryOutcome perianal skin tags (14.6%)
    • result perianal skin complications (i.e., skin tags, fistula, and abscesses; all p < .001) were more frequently diagnosed among children with CD
    • result Severity of IBD correlated with higher prevalence of perianal fistula (p = .003), perianal abscess (p = .041), psoriasis (p < .001), and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG, p = .003).
    • harm Perianal disease, psoriasis, and PG are associated with more severe IBD.

    Pediatr Dermatol · PMID 38326222 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Nelson et al. 2022

    Pyostomatitis Vegetans With Orofacial and Vulvar Granulomatosis in a Pediatric Patient

    Skin tag was clue to underlying Crohn's diseaseCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    1 people4 years

    The child had anal skin tags along with mouth, cheek, and vulvar swelling and tissue changes that turned out to be granulomas; she had no gut symptoms or scope findings of bowel disease for 4 years after her skin problems started.

    Who was studied
    a 7-year-old girl with a rare skin condition linked to inflammatory bowel disease
    Main outcome
    whether an anal skin tag was part of signs pointing to underlying Crohn's-type bowel disease
    Quality
    This is a single child's case report, so it cannot show how common or dangerous anal skin tags are in general.
    Limitations
    Only one patient; the paper is about a rare skin disease, not about perianal skin tags themselves; no comparison group.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population a 7-year-old girl with PSV and extraintestinal findings suggestive of CD-chelitis granulomatosa, perianal and vulvar edema with biopsies revealing noncaseating granulomas, and anal skin tags
    • n the case of a 7-year-old girl
    • primaryOutcome extraintestinal findings suggestive of CD-chelitis granulomatosa, perianal and vulvar edema with biopsies revealing noncaseating granulomas, and anal skin tags
    • result She did not have clinical or endoscopically identified underlying gastrointestinal involvement for 4 years after symptom onset.

    Cutis · PMID 36735990 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Sayan et al. 2019

    Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma developed at an unexpected location

    Lesion may need biopsy to rule out cancerCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    1 people2019

    The growth was a rare benign muscle-tissue hamartoma, not a dangerous tumor, but it looked like other anal skin lesions and needs tissue testing to tell it apart from a cancerous look-alike (rhabdomyosarcoma) and because some cases have other birth defects

    Who was studied
    a 38-day-old girl with a skin growth near the anus present from birth
    Main outcome
    what the skin growth turned out to be after biopsy, and what conditions it could be confused with
    Quality
    This is a single case report, so it cannot show how common this risk is or apply to most skin tags.
    Limitations
    Only one patient; this is a different, rare lesion (rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma) that can look like a skin tag, not a report on ordinary perianal skin tags themselves.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population We report a 38-day-old girl with a congenital skin tag in the perianal region.
    • primaryOutcome Histopathological examination showed a hamartoma with disorganized skeletal muscle fibers.
    • result histopathological diagnosis should be made in children with perianal localization due to similar clinical manifestation of rhabdomyosarcoma
    • result a correct diagnosis is important because approximately one third of the cases are associated with congenital anomalies
    • n We report a 38-day-old girl with a congenital skin tag in the perianal region.

    Arch Argent Pediatr · PMID 31560504 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Chang et al. 2016

    Anal Health Care Basics

    No specific danger of skin tags reported.Narrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question

    size not given2016

    The abstract lists anal skin tags as one of several common anal diagnoses but does not describe any specific danger, complication, or disease association caused by a perianal skin tag itself. It only states more generally that misdiagnosing an anal problem (treating it as hemorrhoids when 'other pathology' is present) can lead to inappropriate steroid treatment that is harmful to the anal area; this general warning is not tied specifically to skin tags in the text.

    Who was studied
    adults seen for anal complaints in a general/primary care setting, including those found to have an anal skin tag
    Main outcome
    reaching the correct diagnosis for an anal complaint (such as a skin tag) and giving appropriate treatment, versus misdiagnosis leading to harmful treatment
    Quality
    This is a general expert overview/special report with no original patient data, so it cannot establish what risks a perianal skin tag itself carries.
    Limitations
    The abstract is a broad overview of anal health care, not a study focused on skin tags; it gives no data on outcomes, complications, or associated conditions specific to perianal skin tags.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Common diagnoses include pruritus ani, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, anal abscess or fistula, fecal incontinence, and anal skin tags.
    • primaryOutcome the primary goals are to first diagnose the etiology of the symptoms correctly, then to provide an effective and appropriate treatment strategy
    • result Common errors include an inaccurate diagnosis of hemorrhoids when other pathology is present and subsequent treatment with a steroid product, which is harmful to the anal area.

    Perm J · PMID 27723447 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Simillis et al. 2015

    Systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes and effectiveness of surgical treatments for haemorrhoids

    Not about skin tag dangerMeta-analysisLow qualityRelated question

    7,827 people2015

    no significant difference was found between the different surgical techniques in how often perianal skin tags occurred afterward

    Who was studied
    adults having surgery for grade III or IV haemorrhoids
    Main outcome
    postoperative complications and recurrence rates after different haemorrhoid surgeries, including rates of perianal skin tags afterward
    Quality
    this is a large meta-analysis of many trials, but it studies surgical technique comparisons for haemorrhoids, not the risks or outcomes of having a perianal skin tag as a presenting condition, so it cannot answer the question asked.
    Limitations
    The abstract reports perianal skin tags only as one minor postoperative outcome measured after haemorrhoid surgery; it does not discuss the natural history, risks, or complications of perianal skin tags as a condition in people who present with one.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Ninety-eight trials were included with 7827 participants and 11 surgical treatments for grade III and IV haemorrhoids.
    • primaryOutcome No significant difference was identified between treatments for anal stenosis, incontinence and perianal skin tags.
    • result No significant difference was identified between treatments for anal stenosis, incontinence and perianal skin tags.
    • n 7827 participants

    Br J Surg · PMID 26420725 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Rougé-Maillart et al. 2015

    Anal lesions presenting in a cohort of child gastroenterological examinations. Implications for sexual traumatic injuries

    Benign, linked to constipation, not abuse.Prospective cohortLow qualityRelated question

    100 people2015

    Counted as a related question: This study describes the prevalence and location of anal lesions including skin tags found during routine gastroenterology exams in children with digestive complaints, but does not assess whether skin tags are dangerous or what complications they may cause.

    skin tags were the second most common anal finding (15.7% of lesions), located at the midline like fissures, and were attributed to straining/constipation rather than injury; no bruises, lacerations, scars, dilatation or sphincter abnormalities were found in these children

    Who was studied
    children under 15 years old seen for digestive symptoms, mostly under age 8
    Main outcome
    types and location of anal lesions found during gastroenterology exams, including skin tags
    Quality
    it is a single descriptive study without a comparison group, so it can describe what was seen but not prove skin tags are harmless in all situations
    Limitations
    descriptive study with no control group, all children already had a digestive complaint (mostly constipation), and findings may not generalise beyond this group

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • n This prospective descriptive study included 100 children under 15 years of age over a 13-month period, consulting due to digestive symptoms.
    • population The children were under 8 years old (90%) and 25% were under 3.1 years old.
    • primaryOutcome Fifty-one anal lesions were observed, of which 58.8% were anal fissures, 15.7% were skin tags and 5.8% were venous congestions related to straining.
    • result Anal fissures and skin tags were located at the median line, according to the clock-face method in supine position.
    • result No anal dilatation, sphincter hypotonia, anal scars, anal lacerations or bruises were found.
    • result These anal lesions were mainly observed at the median line and were due to constipation.

    J Forensic Leg Med · PMID 25882145 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Kuehn et al. 2009

    Relationship between anal symptoms and anal findings

    Often found with other anal problemsRetrospectiveLow qualityRelated question

    807 people2009

    skin tags were seen more often in patients who also had other benign anal disease than in those without it

    Who was studied
    adults referred for anal or abdominal symptoms to a proctology clinic
    Main outcome
    whether perianal skin tags occur together with other benign anal diseases
    Quality
    This was a one-time clinical assessment of patients with symptoms, so it can only show that skin tags are often found alongside other anal problems, not that the tags themselves cause harm.
    Limitations
    The abstract only reports how often skin tags appeared together with other benign anal diseases in symptomatic patients; it does not report any complications, cancer risk, misdiagnosis, or danger arising from skin tags themselves.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Patients transferred from GPs, physicians or gynaecologists for anal and/or abdominal complaints/signs were enrolled and asked to complete a questionnaire about their symptoms.
    • n Eight hundred seven individuals, 539 (66.8%) with and 268 without BAD were analysed.
    • primaryOutcome Concomitant anal findings such as skin tags were more frequently seen in patients with than without BAD (<0.01).
    • result Concomitant anal findings such as skin tags were more frequently seen in patients with than without BAD (<0.01).

    Int J Med Sci · PMID 19277253 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Katz et al. 2007

    Perianal skin tags in a patient with Crohn disease and a subclinical rectal stricture

    Misdiagnosis risk, possible hidden bowel diseaseCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    1 people2007

    the skin tags were first misdiagnosed as genital warts, and the patient turned out to have a hidden rectal narrowing linked to worsening Crohn's disease; growing or enlarging skin tags may signal that Crohn's disease is getting worse higher up in the bowel

    Who was studied
    young transgender man with Crohn's disease who had perianal skin growths
    Main outcome
    what happens when perianal skin tags occur in a patient with Crohn's disease
    Quality
    this is a single patient case report, so it cannot show how often this happens or prove a general risk.
    Limitations
    only one patient described, with underlying Crohn's disease rather than a simple isolated skin tag, so it may not reflect skin tags in people without bowel disease

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population A 21-year-old female-to-male transgender individual with a history of Crohn disease presented with enlarging perianal papules
    • n A 21-year-old female-to-male transgender individual
    • primaryOutcome Increasing numbers or size of these lesions may herald worsening of more proximal Crohn disease, as in our patient.
    • result enlarging perianal papules that initially were misdiagnosed as condyloma acuminatum
    • result a subsequent evaluation revealed the presence of a rectal stricture that was then dilated
    • result Increasing numbers or size of these lesions may herald worsening of more proximal Crohn disease, as in our patient.
    • harm initially were misdiagnosed as condyloma acuminatum

    Cutis · PMID 18189031 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Fleet et al. 2005

    Infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion: report of a case and review of the literature

    Can be mistaken for abuse.Case seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    1 people2005

    Counted as a related question: This study examines diagnostic differentiation of infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion from other conditions like condyloma acuminata, rather than investigating whether perianal skin tags themselves are dangerous or what harms they cause.

    the lesion may be mistaken for genital warts or for a sign of sexual abuse, prompting unnecessary investigation

    Who was studied
    young children, especially girls, with a perianal skin tag or fold
    Main outcome
    risk of the skin lesion being misdiagnosed as something more serious
    Quality
    this is a single child's case report combined with a non-systematic literature review, so it cannot show how often misdiagnosis happens.
    Limitations
    only one case is described in detail and the literature review is not systematic, so the true frequency of misdiagnosis is unknown.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population prepubertal children, especially girls
    • intervention Previous reports refer to these lesions as skin tags or skin folds.
    • primaryOutcome Recognition of these lesions has many implications regarding proper diagnosis and management.
    • result They may easily be mistaken for condyloma accuminata or as a sign of trauma, leading to an investigation of sexual abuse.
    • n We present a classic presentation of infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion
    • harm They may easily be mistaken for condyloma accuminata or as a sign of trauma, leading to an investigation of sexual abuse.

    Pediatr Dermatol · PMID 15804306 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Mahdavy et al. 2002

    Eccrine nevus presenting as a perianal skin tag: a case report and review of the literature

    rare lookalike needing biopsy to tell apartCase seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    1 people2002

    the lesion removed for cosmetic reasons was found to be a polypoid eccrine nevus, not a typical skin tag, with mature eccrine ducts and glands in the dermis

    Who was studied
    a 9-year-old girl with a perianal skin tag
    Main outcome
    what the perianal skin growth turned out to be on removal and examination
    Quality
    this is a single case report, so it cannot show how often this happens or how dangerous perianal skin tags usually are.
    Limitations
    only one patient; no comparison group; cannot generalize to typical perianal skin tags.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population a 9-year-old girl with a perianal skin tag
    • primaryOutcome This asymptomatic lesion was removed for cosmetic reasons and demonstrated a polypoid lesion with a slightly acanthotic epidermis.
    • result We believe this to represent a polypoid eccrine nevus and that its presentation is unique.
    • n a 9-year-old girl with a perianal skin tag

    Am J Dermatopathol · PMID 12142620 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Orkin et al. 1999

    Hemorrhoids: what the dermatologist should know

    No risk data given hereNarrative reviewVery low qualityRelated question

    size not given1999

    the abstract only states that skin tags are one of several anorectal conditions (along with fissures, abscesses, fistulas, and other dermatologic conditions) that must be distinguished from hemorrhoids because treatment differs; it gives no data on risk, fistula association, biopsy rates, or missed diagnoses linked to skin tags

    Who was studied
    adults with anorectal problems seen by a dermatologist
    Main outcome
    telling apart skin tags from hemorrhoids and other anorectal conditions
    Quality
    this is a general review article that only lists skin tags as one of several conditions to distinguish from hemorrhoids, without presenting any study data or risk findings specific to skin tags
    Limitations
    abstract is a brief general review of hemorrhoids for dermatologists; it does not focus on perianal skin tags or report any specific findings about their danger, complications, or associations

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Anorectal disorders are common and more than one half of the population will experience one at some time during their lives.
    • primaryOutcome It is important for the clinician to recognize the differences between internal and external hemorrhoids and other anorectal problems such as fissures, abscesses, fistulas, skin tags, and a variety of dermatologic conditions because the treatment is often different.
    • result It is important for the clinician to recognize the differences between internal and external hemorrhoids and other anorectal problems such as fissures, abscesses, fistulas, skin tags, and a variety of dermatologic conditions because the treatment is often different.

    J Am Acad Dermatol · PMID 10459121 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Nadal et al. 1999

    Perianal diseases in HIV-positive patients compared with a seronegative population

    No specific risk reported for skin tags.RetrospectiveLow qualityRelated question

    3,210 people1999

    Skin tags were listed as one of several perianal conditions diagnosed in the HIV-negative group, alongside hemorrhoids, fistulas, and fissures; the abstract reports no specific complication, harm, or disease association tied to skin tags themselves

    Who was studied
    HIV-positive and HIV-negative outpatients being evaluated for perianal diseases
    Main outcome
    types and frequency of perianal diseases diagnosed in each group
    Quality
    This is a retrospective clinic comparison that only mentions skin tags as one item in a list of diagnoses, without any specific analysis of risks or outcomes linked to skin tags.
    Limitations
    The abstract does not report any outcome specific to perianal skin tags such as misdiagnosis, biopsy need, fistula risk, or delayed diagnosis of another condition; it only notes skin tags as one of several diagnoses in the HIV-negative group.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • n We compared 1,860 human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients to 1,350 human immunodeficiency virus-negative outpatients with perianal diseases
    • population human immunodeficiency virus-negative outpatients with perianal diseases
    • primaryOutcome Hemorrhoids, fistulas, skin tags, and fissures were diagnosed.
    • result Hemorrhoids, fistulas, skin tags, and fissures were diagnosed.

    Dis Colon Rectum · PMID 10344688 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Sailer et al. 1998

    Quality of life in patients with benign anorectal disorders

    Not studied on its own; no evidence of danger.RetrospectiveVery low qualityRelated question

    94 people1998

    the mixed group that included skin tags along with other conditions had a significantly lower quality-of-life score than healthy people, but skin tags were not studied on their own

    Who was studied
    patients seen at a proctology clinic with a 'miscellaneous' mix of conditions including skin tags, anal papillomas, mild constipation, and rectal polyps
    Main outcome
    quality of life score (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index)
    Quality
    skin tags were lumped together with several unrelated conditions (anal papillomas, mild constipation, rectal polyps) in one group, so nothing can be said specifically about skin tags from this data.
    Limitations
    skin tags are not analysed as a separate group; the 'miscellaneous' category mixes several different diagnoses, so no conclusion about skin tags alone can be drawn; this is a one-time survey, not a study of complications or danger.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population group 9, miscellaneous conditions (e.g. skin tags, anal papillomas, mild constipation, rectal polyps) (n=94).
    • n group 9, miscellaneous conditions (e.g. skin tags, anal papillomas, mild constipation, rectal polyps) (n=94).
    • primaryOutcome The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) is a useful instrument for measuring quality of life in these patients, and subsequently to establish baseline values for different anorectal disorders.
    • result However, only the subgroups of patients with miscellaneous conditions, fissures, severe constipation and faecal incontinence had a significantly poorer quality of life than age-matched healthy individuals.

    Br J Surg · PMID 9876082 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Cruces et al. 1998

    Infantile pyramidal protrusion as a manifestation of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus

    Some 'skin tags' are really lichen sclerosus, risking misdiagnosis.Case seriesVery low qualityRelated question

    4 people1998

    all four lesions, on biopsy, turned out to be a form of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus rather than a simple skin tag, and this could precede other signs of that skin disease or be mistaken for abuse

    Who was studied
    infant girls with a perianal skin growth previously called a 'skin tag' or fold
    Main outcome
    what the perianal skin growth actually was (its underlying diagnosis)
    Quality
    this is a report of just 4 selected children with no comparison group, so it cannot show how often this happens in general
    Limitations
    only 4 cases, all girls, from one group of researchers, so findings may not generalize to typical perianal skin tags

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Four girls, 2 of them sisters, with infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion were studied.
    • primaryOutcome All 4 protrusions disclosed histopathological findings diagnostic of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.
    • result Infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion is, at least in some patients, a peculiar form of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus that can precede other, more characteristic manifestations.
    • result Knowledge of this hitherto unrecognized clinical form of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus can help to explain anogenital symptoms and avoid its misinterpretation as a sign of sexual abuse.
    • n Four girls, 2 of them sisters, with infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion were studied.

    Arch Dermatol · PMID 9762025 · Read it on PubMed ↗

  • Kayashima et al. 1996

    Infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion

    Harmless, resolved on its ownCase seriesLow qualityRelated question

    15 people1996

    the protrusions were not skin tags but a distinct, self-resolving condition that went away on its own without treatment

    Who was studied
    infants with a protrusion at the front edge of the anus
    Main outcome
    whether this protrusion is the same as a perianal skin tag and what happens to it over time
    Quality
    small case series of 15 infants with no comparison group, so it only describes what was observed in these cases.
    Limitations
    Only 15 infants, all with a specific midline-anterior protrusion, which the authors say should be told apart from true skin tags (acrochordons); it does not study ordinary perianal skin tags themselves.

    Taken word for word from the abstract

    • population Fifteen infants (14 girls and 1 boy) had a pyramidal protrusion located only in the midline anterior to the anus.
    • primaryOutcome Infantile pyramidal protrusion located only in the midline anterior to the anus should be distinguished from acrochordons or skinfolds based on the characteristic clinical features.
    • result However, all protrusions showed reduction without any treatment.
    • n Fifteen infants (14 girls and 1 boy) had a pyramidal protrusion located only in the midline anterior to the anus.

    Arch Dermatol · PMID 8961878 · Read it on PubMed ↗

How we searchedThe exact query, the date it ran, and what came back — so you can run it yourself.
Searched
PubMed · ClinicalTrials.gov · Crossref on 2026-10-14
The exact search — paste this into PubMed to repeat it
("Skin Tags"[tiab] OR acrochordon*[tw] OR "skin tag"[tw] OR "Skin Tags"[tiab]) AND (anal[tw] OR anus[tw] OR perianal[tw] OR "Anus Diseases"[Mesh])
PubMed expanded that to: ("Skin Tags"[Title/Abstract] OR "acrochordon*"[Text Word] OR "skin tag"[Text Word] OR "Skin Tags"[Title/Abstract]) AND ("anal"[Text Word] OR "anus"[Text Word] OR "perianal"[Text Word] OR "Anus Diseases"[MeSH Terms])
What came back
237 records found · 198 read · 25 answered the question
Included
  • Human, animal or laboratory studies reporting an outcome relevant to the question
Excluded
  • Records about a different condition or intervention
  • Studies mainly about Anal warts (condyloma acuminata)
  • Studies mainly about Thrombosed external hemorrhoid
  • Studies mainly about Sentinel pile from anal fissure
  • Studies mainly about Rectal prolapse
  • Studies mainly about Perianal Crohn's skin lesion mistaken for a simple tag
  • Records reporting no outcome
  • Retracted publications, which are listed but excluded from every count
Limits
  • Details were read from abstracts, not full papers, so anything reported only in a paper's methods section is not captured here.
  • Fields were read from abstracts, not full text, so detail reported only in a paper's methods section is not captured.
  • Evidence strength is adapted from the GRADE framework. It is not a GRADE assessment and was not produced by a GRADE panel.

Automated evidence review — PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Crossref. Search strategy, grading rules and the checks that must pass before anything publishes were written by Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS, colon & rectal surgery, Beverly Hills. The pages themselves are compiled by software running that method and are not read one by one before publication — saying otherwise would be the one claim here that could not be checked.

How we grade evidence →

  1. 237records came back from the search
  2. 198were read
  3. 25actually answered the question
Risks and safetyReported side effects and who should be careful.
  • Case reports describe growths that were called skin tags but on removal were found to be cancer, including one case where a tag contained a spread of colorectal cancer and another where a bleeding anal mass thought to be a tag was actually squamous cell cancer.
  • A single case report describes a giant skin tag large enough to cause a bowel blockage, described by the authors as an extremely rare event.
  • Skin tags are sometimes mistaken for hemorrhoids, genital warts, or other conditions, which can lead to the wrong treatment being given before the correct diagnosis is made.
Why people askWhat brings people to this question.
  • Finding a new lump near the anus is frightening, and it's natural to worry it could be cancer or something serious.
  • People search this after noticing bleeding, itching, or a growth changing in size and want to know if it's an emergency.
  • There's confusion between 'skin tags,' hemorrhoids, and genital warts, since they can look similar but mean very different things.
  • Some people have heard that skin problems near the anus can be linked to bowel diseases like Crohn's and want to know if that applies to them.
Common questionsShort answers, drawn from the same studies.
Is an anal skin tag dangerous?
Usually not — in most studies, skin tags were described as a common, benign finding. But the only direct evidence is a few case reports where a growth that looked like a tag turned out to be something more serious, so a new, bleeding, or changing lesion is worth having a doctor look at.
Are skin tags around the anus dangerous?
In general, no large study found skin tags themselves causing harm. The concerning reports are individual cases where the lesion wasn't actually a simple skin tag once it was examined — it was a cancer or another growth that just looked like one.
Are anal tags dangerous?
Most of the time they appear to be harmless skin flaps, often linked to straining or past hemorrhoids. Serious findings are reported only in isolated case reports, not in larger studies of typical tags.
Are anal warts dangerous?
Anal warts are a different condition, caused by HPV infection, and are not the same as a perianal skin tag. This review covers evidence on skin tags only, not warts.
Should I get a perianal skin tag checked by a doctor?
If it's new, growing, bleeding, painful, or changing in appearance, yes — case reports show that occasionally what looks like a tag turns out to be something else that needs different treatment. A typical, stable, painless tag is lower concern, but a clinician can tell the difference on examination.
What has changedEvery re-check, and whether it changed the answer.

  1. 2026-10-14

    Re-reviewed under a revised method: question type, study relevance and the harm rule. 19 new studies · 16 no longer retrieved · conclusion unclear → not applicable.

    The conclusion changed.

This is information, not advice

This page summarises published research. It cannot tell you what is happening in your own body, and evidence changes. If something is bleeding, painful, or new, it is worth being looked at — that is a different question from the one on this page, and a better one to bring to a consultation.

Contact the office

Automated evidence review — PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Crossref. Search strategy, grading rules and the checks that must pass before anything publishes were written by Allen Kamrava, MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS, colon & rectal surgery, Beverly Hills. The pages themselves are compiled by software running that method and are not read one by one before publication — saying otherwise would be the one claim here that could not be checked.

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