Anal Skin Tags, Lumps
and Prolapse
An anal skin tag is a flap of loose skin around the anus. It may be left after a swollen pile, fissure or childbirth. Most are harmless, but a new or changing lump should be checked before it is removed.
Why Skin Tags Can Be A Problem
A tag can make cleaning difficult and may lead to soreness or itching. Some people dislike how it looks. It is important to treat active piles, fissure or skin irritation first if that is the real cause.
Other Kinds of Lump
A lump can also be a thrombosed external pile, prolapsing internal pile, abscess, wart, cyst or another skin condition. Examination matters.
Removal Under Local Anaesthetic
A suitable skin tag can be removed after the area is numbed. The wound may be closed or left to heal, depending on its position and size. The area is sensitive, so soreness and wound care should not be understated.
Prolapse
Tissue coming out may be a pile or rectal prolapse. The treatment is different. Mr Cundall has a specialist interest in pelvic floor surgery and will explain whether clinic care, physiotherapy, testing or hospital surgery is the right route.
Unsure What Treatment You Require
Get in touch with our team today and we can advise.
Questions People Ask
A photo may help with triage, but an examination is often needed before treatment, especially if there is pain, bleeding or swelling.
Sometimes. A tag may also cause cleaning problems, itching or soreness. The reason for treatment should be recorded clearly.
The removed tag does not grow back, but another tag can form if piles, fissure or irritation continues.
The local anaesthetic helps during removal. The wound can be sore afterwards, especially during bowel movements. You will receive pain and stool-softening advice.
Some prolapsing piles can. Full rectal prolapse usually needs more tests and hospital-based pelvic floor care.