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4 Reasons You Might Have Anal Tags

4 Reasons You Might Have Anal Tags

Although they’re usually benign and rarely cause pain, anal skin tags can sometimes be itchy and uncomfortable. They might simply annoy you or feel like a cosmetic nuisance. It’s not always clear why these tags form in the first place, and it’s OK to want them gone. Removing anal skin tags is a simple and routine office procedure. 

Dr. Lisa Perryman and her team at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado, are specialists in anal skin tag removal and any other proctology-related concerns you may have. 

What are anal skin tags? 

Fleshy growths that appear around the anus, anal skin tags sometimes resemble other conditions like warts or hemorrhoids. True skin tags are benign growths. Anal tags can increase in size over time, and there’s no limit to the number that might develop. 

4 reasons you might have anal tags

It’s not fully understood why any skin tags form, and it’s no different for the perianal variety. However, a number of risk factors and associations may predict or explain your vulnerability to anal tags. In some cases, it’s simply a matter of genetics. Anal skin tags sometimes run in the family. 

At Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists, we often see cases of anal tags that likely stem from four common conditions. These include: 

Constipation

Straining to pass the hard, dry stools associated with constipation can contribute to the formation of anal skin tags. Because of this stool consistency, the passage of these stools might create friction that leads to anal tags. 

Diarrhea

Frequent diarrhea may lead to skin tags through frequent cleaning and wiping of the anus. 

It also causes irritation and inflammation of the anal region. 

Friction

Thought to be a contributor to any form of skin tag, friction results in the anal area from tight-fitting clothing or underwear such as thongs. If you have a job or a hobby that requires long hours sitting, you might be at risk of anal skin tags. 

Hemorrhoids

As an active hemorrhoid shrinks, stretched skin left in its wake may develop into an anal skin tag. This is the most common reason. 

Visit us at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists with your anal tag concerns. You can make an appointment by calling our office or through our online booking link. Schedule your visit today.

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