Anal skin tag: Causes, Removal, Recovery

An anal skin tag is a benign growth on the skin near the anus. This can be caused by a variety of factors including anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Most of the time, they do not cause any problems. However, sometimes they can affect one’s quality of hygiene. 

What causes anal skin tags?

The skin near the anus is looser in comparison to the skin in the other areas of our body.  It’s because during our bowel movements, the skin expands, allowing the anus to pass down the bowel.

If a blood vessel around your anal area enlarges or swells, it can result in hemorrhoids. The extra loose skin near the hemorrhoids turns into a skin tag. 

Swollen or bulging blood vessels can happen due to the following reasons.

• Lifting heavy weights
• Diarrhea
• Straining from constipation
• Formation of blood clots near the anus
• Pregnancy
• Hard exercises

Ways to remove an anal skin tag

Anal skin tag removal is a surgical procedure that can be done in the following ways for effective treatment.

1. Surgery

In this anal skin tag treatment, the doctor removes the skin tag with some scissors. The location of the skin tag will enable the doctor to tell you if you need any stitches and bandages in the surgical site.

2.Electrocautery

With the help of an electric current, your doctor can burn your skin tag in order to get rid of it.

3. Cauterization

By using heat, the doctor might perform cauterization to eliminate the skin tag around your anus.

4. Litigation

Doctors can also do litigation surgery in which they cut the blood flow with a thread, thereby allowing the removal of the skin tag.

5. Cryosurgery

In this procedure, the doctor will spray some liquid nitrogen on your anal skin tag to prevent its growth.

Home remedies for anal skin tag removal

1. Cream for anal skin tag removal

Creams with a composition of salicylic acid and tea tree oil can help you to treat your skin tag at home. But, they can cause some irritation on your skin. Anal skin tag creams can result in a skin inflammation, known as contact dermatitis. In such cases, your dermatologist might suggest some other home remedies.

2. Use apple cider vinegar

After pilonidal surgery, you can use apple cider vinegar for an effective recovery. For instance, you can take a cotton ball and put some apple cider vinegar on it. Follow it up by applying the cotton ball on your skin and then putting on a bandage.

It can take up to two weeks for this method to completely work if you use it as a standalone treatment without surgery.

3. Tea tree oil

Like the apple cider vinegar treatment, you can also apply tea tree oil in a cotton ball. After that, you can keep the cotton ball pressed on your anal skin tag for effective results. However, some people might be allergic to tea tree oil and this method may be counterproductive in their treatment.

4. Patches for skin tags

Skin tag patches are a good way to get rid of an anal skin tag. To use the skin tag, gently lay down the tag on the affected area, then press the tag down firmly so it sticks to its place. Then pull it back to remove the skin tag. Clean the affected area with antiseptic solution. 

5. Iodine 

Iodine is a chemical that has been in use for centuries for its antibacterial properties. Although there is not much research on applying Iodine for an anal skin tag treatment, it can be used for the purpose. Before applying Iodine to remove skin tags, first you have to rub coconut oil or petroleum jelly on the affected area. Once the area has been moisturized, use a q-tip to soak some liquid Iodine in it and gently apply the solution on the skin tag. After that, cover the area with a bandage until the solution has dried off. You can apply this method twice a day till the skin tag softens and falls off. 

6. Cutting or clipping

Cutting an anal skin tag or clipping should be a last resort. Before getting into the procedure,  one has to disinfect the affected area and the tools thoroughly. If the patient is on blood thinners or has a bleeding disorder, this method is not suitable for them. With that, medium or large sized skin tags are not recommended to clip, as it may cause bleeding. 

When not to apply home remedies? 

There can be multiple instances where the anal skin tag treatment cannot be performed at home.

If the anal skin tag is of large size and is bleeding and causing a lot of discomfort, it is best to see a specialist and go for a pilonidal surgery. 

It generally depends on the nature of the anal skin tag which method would apply. If it is smaller and doesn’t occur around the aforementioned regions, it is generally safe to apply home remedies to treat it. Or, it might be best to consult a medical professional to safely remove it.