What Causes Anal Skin Tags in Men and Should They Be Removed?

Many things can cause itchiness or discomfort in the anal area, one of which is anal skin tags. If anal skin tags continue to bother you, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for treatment. Although many men are embarrassed to pursue treatment, our intimate health providers take every step to ensure you feel comfortable and informed. Here’s what to know about anal skin tags in men and how our team can treat them.

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are small protrusions from the skin made of soft tissue that appear similar in color to your natural skin. They’re commonly seen around the neck and armpits because they often occur in areas where the skin rubs against itself or areas where clothing might cause significant friction. Anal skin tags are similar but can have different underlying causes – they typically show as small bumps or lumps around the anus. While they don’t normally cause any harm by themselves, they can cause irritation and pain when cleaning or passing bowel movements. They can also make it difficult to maintain good hygiene. They should be checked by an intimate health provider to ensure they’re not something more serious.

What Causes Anal Skin Tags?

Anal skin tags can have a variety of causes, including:

• Constipation: Large and hard stools are a primary cause of hemorrhoids, which occur when a blood vessel bulges outward from the skin due to strain. The stretched skin can remain, causing a skin tag.
• Scarring: Anal fissures are small cuts in the skin that occur when passing large or hard stools. When these cuts heal, they can form a scar that takes the shape of a skin tag.
• Irritation: Skin tags can form due to friction and irritation. Diarrhea can cause significant irritation, as can too much wiping. Tight clothing, exercise, and prolonged sitting can also cause irritation.
• Genetics: Some men are simply genetically predisposed to anal skin tags and hemorrhoids.
• Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause recurring diarrhea and constipation. This can make you more likely to develop anal skin tags.

How are Anal Skin Tags Treated?

Anal skin tags don’t need to be treated if they don’t cause you any symptoms. However, if they do, they’re best treated by addressing the underlying cause. For example, if you have recurring anal fissures or hemorrhoids, work with an intimate health provider to manage them. If this doesn’t provide adequate treatment, anal skin tags can be removed in our office.

Anal skin tag removal is straightforward. A local anesthetic will be administered so you’re comfortable. An intimate health provider can then simply remove the excess tissue using laser energy, radiofrequency energy, or cautery. Afterward, you can return home to recover.

Anal Skin Tag Treatment at Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics

To learn more about anal skin tag treatment and how our team can help, contact our office and schedule an appointment. We conveniently serve the greater Queens, NY and Long Island areas.