Anal Skin Tags

What it is

Anal skin tags are folds or excess skin that form at the edge of the anus, usually as a result of external hemorrhoids that clotted and regressed, chronic fissures, or pregnancy and childbirth. They are benign and do not turn into cancer, but they can make cleaning difficult, trap moisture, cause itching and irritation, and lead to cosmetic and intimate discomfort. Many women live with them in silence, not knowing that simple treatment exists. At Femi Saúde, the coloproctology team evaluates the area with anoscopy to confirm that it is only skin tags, treats the underlying cause, and, when they cause discomfort, offers in-office laser removal with local anesthesia and a fast recovery.

Most common symptoms

• Extra skin at the edge of the anus
• Difficulty cleaning after a bowel movement
• Frequent itching and irritation
• Moisture and chafing in the area
• Cosmetic or intimate discomfort

Causes and risk factors

• A thrombosed external hemorrhoid that regressed
• Chronic anal fissure (sentinel skin tag)
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Constipation and straining during bowel movements
• Perianal Crohn's disease

How it is diagnosed

The diagnosis is made by examining the anal area, where the coloproctologist identifies the skin fold, assesses its consistency and looks for associated signs of fissure, hemorrhoids or inflammation. Anoscopy complements the evaluation of the anal canal. It is important to distinguish skin tags from external hemorrhoids, condylomas, Crohn's lesions and, rarely, tumors, so hardened, ulcerated or fast-growing lesions may be biopsied. The exam is quick and conducted with privacy.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Small, symptom-free skin tags don't need to be removed; it's enough to keep up hygiene, use water instead of paper, and treat any associated constipation or fissure. When they cause irritation, make cleaning difficult or are a cosmetic concern, the coloproctology team at Femi Saúde performs in-office laser removal, under local anesthesia, in about twenty to thirty minutes. Healing takes a few weeks, with simple dressings and sitz baths, and a return to activities usually happens within a few days. Skin tags linked to a chronic fissure are treated along with it.

What we offer