#Anal tag skin

If your doctor is not satisfied with a DRE, he might decide to perform anoscopy, which involves inserting a small scope inside your anal canal to check for growths visually. However, in this case, your doctor will perform a DRE to check for any tags in areas that are less visible. One major use of a DRE is to check for abnormalities of the prostate gland in males, which is found just in front of the rectum and can be felt through its wall. Digital Rectal ExamĪ digital rectal exam (DRE) involves the doctor inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into your anal canal. The examination can consist of three things - a digital rectal exam, anoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy.

#Anal tag skin

While taking your history, your doctor will ask you questions to rule out any underlying disease that could be contributing to your condition - for example, people with Crohn’s disease (which is a risk factor for anal skin tags) might also complain of chronic, bloody diarrhea and pain in the belly. When you visit a doctor with the complaint of an anal skin tag, your appointment will usually begin with a thorough history and a physical exam. Anal tags are usually diagnosed by history and examination. All of these lead to the engorgement of blood vessels around the anus, increasing the risk for skin tag development. Some more causes of anal skin tags include heavy lifting, pregnancy, and hemorrhoids. You should note that other conditions that lead to chronic inflammation of the bowel or perianal skin can also lead to the development of skin tags. Crohn’s is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and leads to chronic diarrhea or constipation, both of which are independent risk factors for anal skin tags.

This is why people with Crohn’s disease are particularly prone to anal skin tag development. If the skin over these blood vessels fails to return to its normal size, an anal skin tag can develop. This is another potential cause of skin tag development.Ĭonstipation has also been shown to lead to anal skin tag development because hard stools and straining stretch the skin around the anus, causing blood vessels to become engorged and bulge out. Similarly, chronic diarrhea can irritate the skin around the anus due to its chronic liquid nature.

For example, tight clothes, exercise, and extended periods of sitting can all irritate the anal skin and cause skin tags. However, generally, anything that irritates the anal skin can lead to skin tag development. Many cases of anal tags are idiopathic, which means the cause is unclear. There are many reasons why anal skin tags develop. You can think of them as “overstretched” skin.Īnal skin tags are benign, which means they don’t have the potential to become cancerous, something many people worry about regarding the condition. An anal skin tag is excessive skin growth in the peri-anal area.