Proctology
Anal skin tags – common, harmless and treatable
Anal skin tags are soft folds of skin at the anal opening. They are usually harmless, but can affect hygiene, comfort and confidence.
Short answer
A skin tag does not need treatment unless it causes symptoms. Recurrent irritation, hygiene difficulty or uncertainty about the diagnosis are good reasons to see a surgeon. Removal can often be performed under local anaesthesia.
What is an anal skin tag?
It is excess skin around the anus, sometimes left after an external haemorrhoid, inflammation, pregnancy, childbirth or a healed fissure. Skin tags and haemorrhoids are different conditions and should be distinguished before treatment.
When does it become a problem?
The most common issue is difficulty cleaning the area. Moisture, friction and repeated wiping can then cause itching and irritation.
- Hygiene difficulty
- Itching or moisture
- Chafing during exercise
- Uncertain diagnosis
Assessment and removal
The surgeon examines the area gently. Proctoscopy or rectoscopy is used when symptoms indicate a need to examine the anal canal or rectum. Symptomatic tags can often be removed under local anaesthesia, followed by individual wound-care and bowel-management advice.
Next step
Have your symptoms assessed by a specialist surgeon
No referral needed. Short lead times to assessment and treatment in Karlstad, Sweden.
Frequently asked questions
Will an anal skin tag disappear?
Established skin tags rarely disappear completely, but they need no treatment if they cause no symptoms.
Is it the same as a haemorrhoid?
No. A skin tag consists of skin; a haemorrhoid is enlarged vascular tissue.
Is proctoscopy always needed?
No, but it is used when symptoms or findings require examination inside the anal canal.