Skin flap on the anus: causes and therapy of skin tags

Skin tags are skin flaps on the anus. Approximately 60 percent of the German population has or had skin tags. The skin flaps themselves are harmless. But the causes of this should be examined by a doctor. Read about reasons and therapies of skin tags here.

Skin flap on the anus: symptoms

Skin flaps on the anus lie around the outer area of ​​the anal ring. They are of different sizes, appear ring-shaped or individually and can even form knots.

• The skin flaps themselves are harmless and often without symptoms. However, they make proper hygiene of the anal region more difficult and thus cause other complaints such as anal eczema.
• Because with additional tissue infections by bacteria or fungi are easier.
• In contrast to hemorrhoids, skin tags are not vascular cushions, but rather flaccid, outwardly exposed parts of the anal canal skin.
• These then quickly cause itching and burning after bowel movements.

Skin flap on the anus: causes

Why the flaps of the skin form on the anus is still unknown. However, there are some connections to other diseases.

• The skin flaps are often a side effect of anal fistulas, anal hairstyles, anal vein thrombosis or Crohn's disease.
• The flaps of the skin swell or become uncomfortably knotted if there is a chronic inflammation of the skin or if pressure is frequently applied to the anus, especially as a result of hard pressing during hard bowel movements.
• Hemorrhoids, which are enlarged arteries in the anal area, can also cause the additional tissue.
• Pregnant women or women who have just given birth often suffer from skin tags. Due to hormonal changes, the sensitive skin on the anus softens.
• There is then a high pressure on the pelvic floor during childbirth and the tissue often turns inside out and skin flaps develop.

Skin flap on the anus: therapy

Since skin tags can indicate other diseases, your doctor will monitor the outer anal region and the rectum area well.

• If skin tags are a side effect of other diseases, you will be treated accordingly.
• The skin tags themselves do not have to be removed by external intervention. Instead, gentle hygiene of the anal area helps to remedy the skin flaps.
• For this it helps to clean the anus after the bowel movement. Use lukewarm water and soft toilet paper or disposable washcloths. Do not use soaps or disinfectants as this will damage the skin.
• Acquired moist toilet paper contains preservatives and fragrances that irritate the skin. Keep your distance from this too. Then dry your anal region gently, ideally by dabbing.
• A zinc ointment helps against itching and burning. If anal eczema has developed, ointments or oak bark or chamomile baths will help you.
• Skin tags are only surgically removed if normal bowel movements are no longer possible due to secretion or advanced skin problems in the anal area.
• The surgical procedure is carried out by an electric knife under local anesthesia.

In the next article, you will read about possible causes of itching all over the body.

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