Anal Skin Tags and Anal Itching

In general itching, redness and skin tags or warts might develop due to:

• Residual external hemorrhoidal skin tags
• Chronic anal fissure
• Viral infection [e.g.: Herpes simplex virus, HPV Human Papilloma Virus, molluscum contagiosum, HIV...]
• Condyloma acuminatum
• Molluscum contagiousum
• Bacterial infection
• Fungal infection, Candida
• Sexually transmitted disease
• Skin allergy due to irritants or chemicals
• Dermatological diseases, like psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, Bowen’s disease, Paget’s disease...
• Chronic steroid usage
• Immunosuppressed individuals
• Neoplasms
• Anal contact or foreign body

Expert opinion is needed to achieve differential diagnosis!

Anal skin tags are common and may occur after inflammation, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, or minor trauma to the skin.

Common Symptoms of Anal Skin Tags

Anal skin tags usually don’t cause pain, but they can lead to:

• Itching or irritation after wiping or cleaning
• A small, soft lump near the anal area
• Hygiene difficulties due to folds of skin
• Embarrassment or self-consciousness

If the tag becomes inflamed, changes color, or causes persistent discomfort, medical evaluation is advised.

What Causes Anal Skin Tags?

Anal skin tags often develop after:

• Swollen hemorrhoids that shrink, leaving behind loose skin (=residual hemorrhoidal skin tags)
• Chronic constipation or straining
• Anal fissures that stretch the surrounding skin (=hypertrophic papilla)
• Pregnancy or obesity, due to increased pressure
• Friction or irritation from tight clothing, tanga underwear or hygiene habits

Diagnosis: Visual inspection during examination. Biopsy to exclude condyloma or other diseases. Dermatology opinion. Gynecology opinion if needed.

Treatment for Anal Skin Tags

While skin tags are benign, they can be safely removed for comfort or cosmetic reasons.

Treatment options include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Cauterization (removal by using heat)
• Biopsy
• Surgical excision
• Extensive cases might need examination under anesthesia with excision or biopsy

At Mubadala Health Dubai, our specialists ensure safe, removal using precise, minimally invasive techniques.

When to See a doctor

Consult a proctologist if:

• You notice changes in color, size, or pain in a skin tag
• It becomes inflamed or bleeds
• You are unsure whether it’s a tag, wart, or hemorrhoid