Anal skin tags, also called anodermal skin folds or excess skin near the anus, are soft folds of skin around the anal opening. They often remain after previous perianal thrombosis, haemorrhoids, inflammation, childbirth or chronic irritation of the skin. They are usually not dangerous, but they may interfere with hygiene, cause itching, irritation, a feeling of moisture or aesthetic discomfort.
This article explains what anal skin tags are, how to tell them apart from haemorrhoids, when they require consultation and when removal may be considered. If you notice excess skin, a lump, itching, irritation or difficulty with hygiene around the anus, it is worth starting with a proctology consultation in Gdańsk.
Author: Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist | Medical review: Justyna Szul, MD, proctologist | Publication date: 29.06.2026 | Last updated: 29.06.2026
What are anal skin tags?
Anal skin tags are excess, stretched skin at the edge of the anus. They may look like soft projections, small folds, a “piece of skin”, a “growth” or a small lump near the anus. Patients often describe them as “something left after haemorrhoids” or “excess skin after a clot”.
The most important point is that an anal skin tag itself is usually not an active inflammatory condition and is not the same as a haemorrhoid. It is also not a cancerous lesion. However, it may cause mechanical and hygiene-related symptoms, especially when it is larger, repeatedly irritated or accompanied by other proctological problems.
Patients most often search online for:
- “skin tags near the anus”,
- “excess skin near the anus”,
- “what is left after haemorrhoids”,
- “piece of skin near the anus”,
- “skin tag after perianal thrombosis”,
- “are anal skin tags haemorrhoids?”.
Such symptoms are worth consulting, because other conditions may look similar: external haemorrhoids, perianal thrombosis, a sentinel tag associated with an anal fissure, warts, condylomas, inflammatory or dermatological lesions.
“Patients often say that after haemorrhoids or a clot, a piece of skin remained near the anus. Sometimes it really is an anal skin tag, but first we need to assess whether there is no active inflammation, fissure, thrombosis or another lesion.”
— Sara Godyńska, MD, proctologist
Anal skin tag and haemorrhoid — what is the difference?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask. An anal skin tag and a haemorrhoid can be confused because both may be felt near the anus. However, they are different in nature.
| Feature | Anal skin tag | Haemorrhoid |
|---|---|---|
| Type of lesion | excess skin | enlarged haemorrhoidal cushion |
| Pain | usually painless unless irritated | discomfort possible; pain is more common with thrombosis or inflammation |
| Bleeding | usually does not bleed | bleeding is a common symptom of haemorrhoids |
| Typical problem | hygiene, moisture, itching, irritation, aesthetics | 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, prolapse, chronic itching or suspected haemorrhoidal disease, the appropriate page to explore this topic further is: haemorrhoid treatment in Gdańsk. This blog, however, focuses on anal skin tags as excess skin and a hygiene-functional problem.
Where do anal skin tags come from?
Anal skin tags usually form when the skin around the anus has previously been stretched by swelling, inflammation, thrombosis or chronic irritation, and after the acute problem resolves, the skin 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,
- swelling and inflammation around the anus,
- chronic constipation and strong straining,
- diarrhoea and frequent skin irritation,
- pregnancy and childbirth,
- chronic anal fissure, where a sentinel tag may appear,
- inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease, especially when perianal lesions occur,
- long-term skin irritation, moisture, itching and intense wiping.
It is not always possible to identify one single cause. That is why, during consultation, the doctor assesses not only the tag itself, but also whether there is any active disease around the anus that requires treatment.
Skin fold near the anus — what can it mean?
| Symptom | Possible cause | What should you do? |
|---|---|---|
| soft excess skin, no pain | anal skin tag | consultation if it interferes with hygiene or causes concern |
| skin tag after a previous painful lump | residual skin tag after perianal thrombosis | assessment whether there is no recurrent thrombosis or haemorrhoids |
| skin tag with pain during bowel movements | possible anal fissure with a sentinel tag | diagnostics and fissure treatment |
| itching, moisture, irritation | skin tag 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 anal skin tags cause problems?
Anal skin tags are often painless and are noticed accidentally during hygiene. In some people, they do not cause any problems. In such cases, treatment is usually not needed.
In other patients, however, they may cause:
- difficulty cleaning properly after bowel movements,
- a feeling of moisture or staining of underwear,
- recurrent skin irritation,
- itching and burning,
- redness or inflammation of the skin,
- discomfort when sitting, exercising or during intercourse,
- a feeling of a “lump” near the anus,
- aesthetic or psychological discomfort.
It is important to emphasise that an anal skin tag itself usually should not cause sudden, very severe pain. If pain appears suddenly, the lesion is hard, bluish or very tender, perianal thrombosis, abscess, inflammation or another cause should be considered instead.
Are anal skin tags dangerous?
Anal skin tags are usually not dangerous and are not cancerous lesions. They are most often a mechanical, hygiene-related or aesthetic problem. This does not mean, however, that every lesion near the anus can automatically be considered a skin tag.
It is worth seeing a doctor especially if:
- the lesion is growing quickly,
- it is hard, uneven or ulcerated,
- it bleeds without a clear cause,
- it hurts or has suddenly started to hurt,
- there is discharge, pus or an unpleasant smell,
- fever or increasing swelling occurs,
- there are changes in bowel habits, weight loss, anaemia or chronic bleeding,
- you are not sure whether it is a skin tag, haemorrhoid, clot, wart or another lesion.
Without examination, not every lesion can be responsibly diagnosed based only on appearance or description.
Do anal skin tags need to be removed?
Not always. If an anal skin tag is small, painless, does not interfere with hygiene and does not cause inflammation, it can simply be observed. The mere presence of a skin tag is not an automatic indication for a procedure.
Removal may be considered when skin tags cause:
- recurrent hygiene problems,
- frequent irritation and itching,
- a feeling of moisture, staining or discomfort,
- skin inflammation around the anus,
- discomfort when sitting or during activity,
- a clear aesthetic concern,
- recurrent anxiety that the lesion may be something serious — after prior medical assessment.
However, the cause should be assessed first. If the skin tag is caused by an active anal fissure, chronic inflammation or recurrent haemorrhoids, removing the skin tag alone without treating the underlying cause may not solve the problem.
“An anal skin tag does not always need to be removed. We consider removal when it interferes with hygiene, causes irritation or genuinely bothers the patient. It is also important to rule out the active condition that caused the tag.”
— Justyna Szul, MD, proctologist
What does a proctology consultation for anal skin tags look like?
A proctology consultation begins with a conversation. The doctor asks when the skin tag appeared, whether there was previously a painful lump, thrombosis, haemorrhoids, fissure, childbirth, chronic constipation, diarrhoea, itching, bleeding or hygiene difficulties.
The examination may include:
- inspection of the anal area,
- assessment of the skin and the nature of the tag,
- 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 condition 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 very stressed, the doctor adjusts the scope of examination to the situation.
What does removal of anal skin tags involve?
Removal of an anal skin tag involves excision of excess skin. The scope of the procedure depends on the size and number of tags, their location, symptoms, skin quality and whether other proctological conditions are present.
It is most often an outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Before the procedure, the doctor discusses the goal of treatment, possible benefits, limitations, risk of recurrence, healing process and post-procedure recommendations.
This should not be treated as a simple “cosmetic trimming of skin without medical significance”. The anal area heals differently than skin in many other locations; it is exposed to moisture, friction, bowel movements and bacteria. Therefore, qualification and technique matter.
Recovery after anal skin tag removal
Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure, individual healing, size of the skin tag 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 discomfort.
Recommendations after the procedure may include:
- gentle hygiene of the anal area,
- avoiding irritation and intense wiping,
- 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 doing physical work.
Can anal skin tags come back?
Yes, anal skin tags may appear again, especially if the cause that led to skin stretching returns. Removing the skin tag itself does not protect against recurrence of thrombosis, haemorrhoids, 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,
- irregular bowel movements,
- inflammatory bowel disease.
That is why the decision to remove the skin tag is not the only important step — assessment of causes and recurrence prevention are also important.
How can the risk of skin tags be reduced?
It is not always possible to prevent anal skin tags, especially if they appeared after childbirth, thrombosis or inflammation. However, the risk of recurrence and further irritation of the anal area can be reduced.
Helpful measures include:
- regular bowel movements without strong straining,
- avoiding prolonged sitting on the toilet,
- treating constipation,
- adequate fluid intake, if there are no contraindications,
- fibre in the diet or supplementation after consultation,
- gentle hygiene without excessive rubbing,
- treating diarrhoea and chronic skin irritation,
- proctology follow-up in case of recurrent thrombosis, haemorrhoids or fissure.
When should you see a proctologist?
It is worth seeing a proctologist if you notice a skin fold, piece of skin, lump or excess skin near the anus and do not know what the lesion is. Consultation is especially recommended if the skin tag interferes with daily functioning or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Book a visit if:
- the lesion makes hygiene difficult,
- itching, burning, moisture or irritation occurs,
- the skin tag 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 tag, haemorrhoid, clot, condyloma or another lesion,
- you want to discuss the possibility of removing the skin tag.
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 anal skin tag, 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 and whether it requires treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Are anal skin tags haemorrhoids?
No. Anal skin tags are excess skin near the anus, while haemorrhoids are enlarged haemorrhoidal cushions. Skin tags may, however, appear after previous haemorrhoids or perianal thrombosis.
Are anal skin tags 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 anal skin tags 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 irritation, itching, discomfort or clearly bother the patient.
Can anal skin tags disappear on their own?
Usually not. If the skin has been stretched and excess skin remains, the tag usually persists. It may become less bothersome, but it usually does not disappear completely.
Is anal skin tag removal painful?
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, so the aim is to reduce pain during the procedure. Tenderness and discomfort may occur during healing after the procedure.
Can an anal skin tag 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 skin tag 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 excess skin, a skin tag or a lump 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 skin tags are excess skin near the anus, often remaining after perianal thrombosis, haemorrhoids, inflammation, childbirth or chronic skin irritation. They are usually not dangerous, but they may interfere with hygiene, cause itching, moisture, irritation and aesthetic discomfort.
Not every skin tag 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 skin tag, 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.