Anodermal folds, also called anal skin tags, perianal skin folds or excess skin near the anus, are soft, stretched folds of skin around the anal opening. They most often remain after previous proctological problems, such as perianal thrombosis, haemorrhoids, chronic anal fissure, inflammation, childbirth or long-term skin irritation.
They are usually not dangerous in themselves, but they may interfere with hygiene, cause a feeling of moisture, itching, irritation, discomfort when sitting or aesthetic concerns. This article explains when anodermal folds can be observed, when they require consultation and in which situations procedural treatment may be considered. If you notice a fold, lump, excess skin, itching, burning or hygiene difficulties around the anus, it is worth starting with a proctology consultation in Gdańsk.
Author: Justyna Szul, MD, proctologist | Medical review: Dr Kamil Smok, surgeon and proctologist | Publication date: 29.06.2026 | Last updated: 29.06.2026
What are anodermal folds?
Anodermal folds are excess fragments of skin and anoderm around the anal margin. They may look like soft folds, a “piece of skin”, a small growth or a loose fragment of skin near the anus. Patients often describe them as “something left after haemorrhoids”, “a fold after a clot” or “excess skin around the anus”.
It is important to note that an anodermal fold is not the same as a haemorrhoid. Haemorrhoids are enlarged haemorrhoidal cushions, while an anodermal fold is usually loose, stretched skin. This does not mean, however, that every lesion near the anus can be called a skin fold without examination. External haemorrhoids, perianal thrombosis, a sentinel tag associated with an anal fissure, condylomas, warts, inflammatory lesions, dermatological lesions or, less commonly, lesions requiring broader diagnostics may look similar.
Patients most often search for:
- “anodermal folds”,
- “anal skin tags”,
- “excess skin near the anus”,
- “skin folds near the anus”,
- “what is left after haemorrhoids”,
- “piece of skin near the anus”,
- “skin tag after perianal thrombosis”,
- “are anodermal folds haemorrhoids?”.
“Patients often say: after haemorrhoids, a piece of skin remained near the anus. Sometimes it really is an anodermal fold, but before deciding on treatment, we need to check whether there is an active fissure, thrombosis, inflammation or another lesion.”
— Justyna Szul, MD, proctologist
Anodermal folds and anal skin tags — are they the same?
In practice, patients and some educational materials use these terms interchangeably. The term “anodermal folds” emphasises the relationship with the skin and anoderm of the anal area, while “anal skin tags” or “perianal skin folds” describe their appearance and location.
For the patient, terminology is less important than answering three questions:
- is it definitely a benign skin fold and not another lesion,
- is the fold only a remnant of a previous problem, or is there an active disease,
- does it cause symptoms significant enough to consider treatment?
Anodermal fold or haemorrhoid — what is the difference?
Anodermal folds and haemorrhoids can be confused because both may be felt near the anus. However, they differ in structure, symptoms and treatment.
| Feature | Anodermal fold | Haemorrhoid |
|---|---|---|
| Type of lesion | excess skin near the anus | enlarged haemorrhoidal cushion |
| Pain | usually painless unless irritated | pain is more common with thrombosis, swelling or inflammation |
| Bleeding | usually does not bleed | bleeding is a common symptom of haemorrhoids |
| Most common problem | hygiene, moisture, itching, aesthetics, irritation | bleeding, prolapse, itching, discomfort |
| Management | observation or removal if it causes problems | treatment depends on the stage of haemorrhoidal disease |
If the main issue is bleeding, prolapsing lumps, chronic itching or suspected haemorrhoidal disease, more information is available here: haemorrhoid treatment in Gdańsk. This article focuses on anodermal folds as excess skin near the anus.
Where do anodermal folds come from?
Anodermal folds most often form after previous stretching of the skin around the anus. This happens when the skin has been tense for some time due to swelling, thrombosis, inflammation or chronic irritation, and after the acute problem resolves, it does not return to its previous shape.
The most common causes include:
- perianal thrombosis, a painful clot in an external haemorrhoidal cushion,
- previous or chronic haemorrhoids,
- chronic anal fissure, especially when a sentinel tag develops,
- swelling and inflammation around the anus,
- childbirth and pregnancy,
- chronic constipation and strong straining,
- diarrhoea and frequent skin irritation,
- inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease, especially with perianal lesions,
- long-term moisture, itching, intense wiping or chronic skin irritation.
It is not always possible to identify one specific cause. That is why, during consultation, the doctor assesses not only the fold itself, but also whether there is an active disease around the anus that requires separate treatment.
A fold near the anus — what can it mean?
| Symptom | Possible cause | What should you do? |
|---|---|---|
| soft excess skin, no pain | anodermal fold or anal skin tag | consultation if it interferes with hygiene or causes concern |
| fold after a previous painful lump | residual fold after perianal thrombosis | assessment whether there is no recurrent thrombosis or haemorrhoids |
| fold and severe pain during bowel movements | possible anal fissure with a sentinel tag | diagnostics and fissure treatment |
| itching, moisture, irritation | fold interfering with hygiene, skin inflammation | skin assessment and possible topical or procedural treatment |
| lesion grows, bleeds, ulcerates or does not heal | lesion requiring broader diagnostics | do not delay medical consultation |
Symptoms — when do anodermal folds become a problem?
Anodermal folds are often painless. Some patients notice them accidentally during hygiene, and the lesion itself causes no symptoms. In such a situation, procedural treatment is usually not needed.
In some people, however, folds may cause:
- difficulty cleaning properly after bowel movements,
- a feeling of moisture or staining of underwear,
- recurrent skin irritation,
- itching and burning,
- redness or local inflammation,
- discomfort when sitting, moving or exercising,
- a feeling of a “lump” near the anus,
- aesthetic or psychological discomfort.
Important: an anodermal fold itself usually should not cause sudden, very severe pain. If pain appears suddenly and the lesion is hard, bluish or very tender, other causes should be considered, such as perianal thrombosis, perianal abscess, inflammation or anal fissure.
Are anodermal folds dangerous?
Anodermal folds are usually not dangerous and are not cancerous lesions. They are most often a hygiene-related, mechanical or aesthetic problem. This does not mean, however, that every lesion near the anus can be considered an anodermal fold without examination.
Consultation is especially important if:
- the lesion is growing quickly,
- it is hard, uneven or ulcerated,
- it bleeds without a clear cause,
- it has suddenly become painful,
- there is discharge, pus or an unpleasant smell,
- fever or increasing swelling occurs,
- there is chronic bleeding, anaemia, unintentional weight loss or a change in bowel habits,
- you are not sure whether it is a skin fold, haemorrhoid, clot, condyloma, wart or another lesion.
Without examination, it is not possible to responsibly assess every lesion based only on description or a photo.
Do anodermal folds need to be removed?
Not always. If the fold is small, painless, does not interfere with hygiene and does not cause irritation, it can simply be observed. The presence of an anodermal fold itself is not an automatic indication for a procedure.
Removal may be considered when there are:
- recurrent hygiene problems,
- itching, burning and irritation,
- a feeling of moisture or staining,
- skin inflammation around the anus,
- discomfort when sitting, walking, exercising or during intercourse,
- a clear aesthetic concern,
- recurrent anxiety despite confirmation that the lesion is benign.
Before deciding on a procedure, however, it is necessary to determine whether the fold is only a symptom of another problem. If the cause is an active anal fissure, chronic inflammation, recurrent haemorrhoids or thrombosis, removing the fold alone may not solve the whole problem.
“An anodermal fold does not always need to be removed. We consider a procedure when the fold genuinely causes problems: it interferes with hygiene, causes irritation or discomfort. First, however, we need to rule out the active disease that may have caused it.”
— Dr Kamil Smok, surgeon and proctologist
What does a proctology consultation for anodermal folds look like?
A proctology consultation begins with a conversation. The doctor asks when the fold appeared, whether there was previously a painful lump, thrombosis, haemorrhoids, fissure, childbirth, chronic constipation, diarrhoea, itching, bleeding, discharge or hygiene difficulties.
The examination may include:
- inspection of the anal area,
- assessment of the skin and the nature of the fold,
- palpation, if needed,
- digital rectal examination, if indicated,
- anoscopy, if the doctor wants to assess the anal canal, internal haemorrhoids or another source of symptoms,
- discussion whether observation, conservative treatment, treatment of the underlying disease or a procedure is sufficient.
The examination is performed with respect for the patient’s intimacy. If the lesion is painful or the patient feels stressed, the doctor adjusts the scope of examination to the situation.
What does removal of anodermal folds involve?
Removal of anodermal folds involves excision of excess skin. The scope of the procedure depends on the size of the folds, their number, location, symptoms, skin quality and whether other proctological problems are present.
It is most often an outpatient procedure, usually performed under local anaesthesia. Before the procedure, the doctor discusses the aim of treatment, possible benefits, limitations, risk of recurrence, healing process and post-procedure recommendations with the patient.
This should not be treated as a simple “cosmetic skin trimming”. The anal area is exposed to moisture, friction, bowel movements and bacteria, so qualification, procedural technique and later hygiene are very important.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may propose classical surgical excision or another procedural technique. Not every method is appropriate for every patient, so the choice of technique should result from examination and qualification.
Recovery after removal of anodermal folds
Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure, individual healing, the size of the fold and adherence to recommendations. Discomfort, tenderness, minor bleeding or a pulling sensation may occur for several days. Complete healing may take longer than the period of greatest symptoms.
Post-procedure recommendations may include:
- gentle hygiene of the anal area,
- avoiding intense wiping and skin irritation,
- keeping stools soft,
- avoiding constipation and strong straining,
- adequate hydration, if there are no contraindications,
- a diet supporting regular bowel movements,
- using medications or preparations recommended by the doctor,
- follow-up if increasing pain, fever, purulent discharge or heavy bleeding occurs.
Return to work depends on the type of work and the extent of the procedure. A person with sedentary work may need different recommendations than someone performing physical work.
Can anodermal folds come back?
Yes, anodermal folds may appear again, especially if the cause that led to skin stretching returns. Removing the fold itself does not protect against recurrence of perianal thrombosis, haemorrhoids, chronic constipation, inflammation or anal fissure.
The risk of recurrence may increase with:
- chronic constipation and strong straining,
- prolonged sitting on the toilet,
- recurrent perianal thrombosis,
- untreated haemorrhoidal disease,
- chronic anal fissure,
- diarrhoea and frequent skin irritation,
- inflammatory bowel disease,
- irregular bowel movements.
That is why not only removing the bothersome fold matters, but also treating the causes and preventing recurrence.
How can the risk of folds be reduced?
It is not always possible to prevent anodermal folds, especially if they developed after childbirth, thrombosis or inflammation. However, the risk of further skin irritation and recurrence of proctological problems can be reduced.
Helpful measures include:
- regular bowel movements without strong straining,
- avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet,
- treating constipation and diarrhoea,
- adequate fluid intake, if there are no contraindications,
- fibre in the diet or supplementation after consultation,
- gentle hygiene without excessive rubbing,
- treating chronic itching, moisture and skin irritation,
- proctology follow-up in case of recurrent haemorrhoids, thrombosis or anal fissure.
When should you see a proctologist?
It is worth seeing a proctologist if you notice a fold, piece of skin, lump or excess skin near the anus and are not sure what the lesion is. Consultation is especially recommended when the fold causes symptoms or changes appearance.
Book a visit if:
- the lesion makes hygiene difficult,
- itching, burning, moisture or irritation occurs,
- the fold hurts or has suddenly become painful,
- bleeding, discharge or inflammation appears,
- the lesion grows or changes appearance,
- you are not sure whether it is a skin fold, haemorrhoid, clot, condyloma or another lesion,
- you want to discuss the possibility of removing the fold.
In case of severe pain, fever, increasing swelling, purulent discharge, heavy bleeding, black stools or deterioration of general condition, urgent medical help may be needed.
Who can you see at Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej?
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk, proctology consultations are provided by doctors dealing with diagnosis and treatment of anal and rectal diseases. A patient with an anodermal fold, excess skin, lump, itching, irritation or hygiene problems can book an appointment with:
- Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist,
- Justyna Szul, MD, proctologist,
- Dr Kamil Smok, surgeon and proctologist.
The visit takes place in calm conditions, with respect for intimacy and without judgement. The goal is to determine what the lesion is, whether it requires treatment and which method will be safest.
Frequently asked questions
Are anodermal folds haemorrhoids?
No. Anodermal folds are excess skin near the anus, while haemorrhoids are enlarged haemorrhoidal cushions. However, folds may develop after previous haemorrhoids or perianal thrombosis.
Are anodermal folds dangerous?
They are usually not dangerous and are not cancerous lesions. However, any new, growing, painful, bleeding or unusual lesion near the anus should be assessed by a doctor.
Do anodermal folds need to be removed?
Not always. If they do not cause symptoms, they can be observed. Removal is considered when they interfere with hygiene, cause itching, irritation, inflammation, discomfort or a clear aesthetic concern.
Can anodermal folds be removed without a procedure?
If it is persistent excess skin, it usually does not disappear after ointments or tablets. Conservative treatment may reduce irritation, but permanent removal of the fold requires a procedure.
Can anodermal folds disappear on their own?
Usually not. If the skin has been stretched and excess skin remains, the fold usually persists. It may become less bothersome, but it usually does not disappear completely.
Is removal of anodermal folds painful?
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which aims to reduce pain during the procedure. Tenderness and discomfort may occur during healing after the procedure.
Can an anodermal fold be caused by an anal fissure?
Yes. In chronic anal fissure, a so-called sentinel tag may develop. In that case, it is important to treat the cause — the fissure — and not only the fold itself.
Which proctologist should I see in Gdańsk?
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, consultations are provided by Sara Godyńska, MD, Justyna Szul, MD and Dr Kamil Smok. You can start with a proctology consultation in Gdańsk.
Do you have a fold, piece of skin or excess skin near the anus?
Do not assume it is definitely haemorrhoids. A proctologist will assess the lesion, rule out active disease and discuss whether treatment is needed.
Book a proctology consultation →Summary
Anal anodermal folds are excess skin near the anus, often remaining after perianal thrombosis, haemorrhoids, chronic fissure, inflammation, childbirth or long-term skin irritation. They are usually not dangerous, but they may interfere with hygiene, cause itching, moisture, irritation and aesthetic discomfort.
Not every fold needs to be removed. If it does not cause symptoms, it can be observed. However, if it interferes with daily functioning, becomes repeatedly irritated or causes concern, it is worth consulting a proctologist. Before deciding on a procedure, it is necessary to make sure there is no active fissure, thrombosis, haemorrhoids, inflammation or another lesion requiring treatment.
If you notice a fold, excess skin, lump, itching, burning, moisture or hygiene problems around the anus, book a proctology consultation in Gdańsk.
Read also
Sources and medical context:
- What every gastroenterologist needs to know about common anorectal disorders
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons — Anal Fissure Expanded Information
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons — Management of Hemorrhoids, 2024
- NICE NG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral
- Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej — proctology consultation in Gdańsk
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical consultation. Excess skin, a lump, pain, bleeding, increasing swelling, fever, ulceration, discharge, change in bowel habits or deterioration of general condition require individual medical assessment.