Anal Skin Tags: Causes, Symptoms & Removal in Phoenix, AZ

Anal skin tags are small, soft folds of skin that develop around the anus. Many patients describe them as a skin tag on the anus, skin tags around the anus, or a skin tag on the butt hole.

They are common and benign, but they may cause hygiene difficulty, irritation, or cosmetic concerns.

Dr. Aisha Akhtar provides expert evaluation and anal skin tag removal in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale, AZ.

What Are Anal Skin Tags?

An anal skin tag (also called an anal tag) is excess skin that forms near the anal opening.

Unlike hemorrhoids, anal skin tags:

• Do not bleed easily
• Are usually painless
• Do not swell like hemorrhoids
• Are made of stretched skin rather than enlarged veins

They often remain after a prior external hemorrhoid heals.

Anal Skin Tag Causes

Common causes of anal skin tags include:

• Previous external hemorrhoids
• Thrombosed hemorrhoids
• Chronic constipation
• Pregnancy
• Repeated straining
• Anal fissures
• Inflammation or irritation

When a hemorrhoid stretches the overlying skin, the skin may not retract completely after healing, leaving a permanent skin tag around the anus.

Sometimes anal tags develop without a clear triggering event.

Is an Anal Skin Tag the Same as a Hemorrhoid?

No.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels.
Anal skin tags are loose skin left behind after inflammation resolves.

They occur in the same area but are different conditions.

Symptoms of Anal Skin Tags

Most anal skin tags are painless. However, some patients experience:

• Difficulty cleaning after bowel movements
• Irritation
• Itching
• Mild discomfort
• Cosmetic concerns
• Occasional anal skin tag pain if inflamed

Large skin tags around the anus may trap moisture and stool, leading to hygiene issues.

If pain is significant, evaluation is necessary to rule out hemorrhoids, fissures, or infection.

How Are Anal Skin Tags Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made during a physical exam.

Your colorectal surgeon may perform:

• Visual inspection
• Digital rectal exam
• Anoscopy (a small lighted scope inserted briefly into the anus)

Colonoscopy is only recommended if there are concerning symptoms such as bleeding or change in bowel habits.

Anal Skin Tag Treatment Options

Do Anal Skin Tags Need Treatment?

If asymptomatic, anal skin tags do not require removal.

Treatment may be considered if:

• Hygiene is difficult
• There is recurrent irritation
• There are cosmetic concerns
• Persistent anal skin tag pain occurs

Anal Skin Tag Removal (Anal Skin Tag Surgery)

Removal techniques include:

• Scissor excision
• Electrocautery
• Cryotherapy
• Surgical excision

Surgical excision is often preferred because it has the lowest recurrence rate and allows tissue to be sent for pathology evaluation.

Office-Based Removal

Small anal skin tags can usually be removed in-office under local anesthesia.

Outpatient Surgical Removal

Large or multiple skin tags may require removal in an outpatient surgery center.

Recovery typically involves mild discomfort, temporary swelling, and sitz baths for comfort.

When to See a Colorectal Surgeon

Schedule evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent anal skin tag pain
• Bleeding
• Rapid growth
• A new anal mass
• Changes in bowel habits

Not every growth near the anus is a simple skin tag, so professional evaluation is important.

Anal Skin Tag Removal in Phoenix, Scottsdale & Glendale

Dr. Aisha Akhtar is a board-certified colorectal surgeon providing expert anal skin tag evaluation and removal in:

• Phoenix, AZ
• Scottsdale, AZ
• Glendale, AZ

If you are concerned about anal tags or skin tags around the anus, professional consultation can provide reassurance and safe treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are anal skin tags dangerous?

No. They are benign and not cancerous.

Can anal skin tags go away on their own?

No. Once formed, they usually remain unless removed.

Is anal skin tag removal painful?

Most in-office removals are performed under local anesthesia and are well tolerated.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.