: Have you been using too much toilet paper because of pesky anal tags? Rest assured that these anal tags are harmless and very common. They are very similar to skin tags found in your armpit, neck, eyelids and sometimes groin. Anal tags are not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
Anal skin tags are flaps of skin or flesh found around the anus. The tags are usually flesh colored and hang in the opening of the anus by a stalk or stem that supplies the blood to the tag.
Anal skin tags are not caused by anal intercourse or sexually transmitted diseases. However, you need to be aware that anal skin tags are usually associated with other anorectal problems and may come about as a result of an injury, a hemorrhoid or an anal fissure.
Causes of anal tags include:
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures. An anal fissure is a small tear in the anus usually as a result of a hard stool. Or extreme stretching of the anus.
Previous rectal surgery If you have previously had rectal surgery, those swollen skin edges may also develop into anal skin tags.
Anal infection or injury
Blocked anal gland
Tight fitting clothing
Anal tags can easily be removed in our office using local anesthetic and a radiofrequency device. The procedure only takes less than 10 minutes and you are able to drive yourself home afterwards.
