How can anal skin tags be removed?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, anal skin tags may be caused by long-term constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, swelling of external hemorrhoids, prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, or other related factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, surgery, or other appropriate methods. Daily care should include maintaining anal hygiene and using soft toilet paper for wiping.

Generally, anal skin tags may be caused by long-term constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, external hemorrhoid swelling, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, surgical interventions, and other methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Long-term constipation: Excessive straining during bowel movements increases abdominal pressure, causing the perianal venous plexus to dilate and form skin tags, often accompanied by difficult bowel movements. Adjust your diet by consuming more fiber-rich foods such as spinach and kiwifruit. Drink more than 1500 ml of water daily, develop regular bowel habits, and avoid excessive straining during defecation.

2. Prolonged sitting or standing: Remaining in the same posture for extended periods can obstruct perianal venous return and cause blood stasis, leading to skin tags, which are often not significantly painful. Take a 5–10 minute break to move around every hour of sitting or standing. Choose a breathable cushion and perform a 10-minute sitz bath daily with water around 40°C to promote perianal blood circulation.

3. External hemorrhoid swelling: Consumption of spicy foods or alcohol can cause congestion and swelling of the external hemorrhoidal venous plexus, forming skin tags accompanied by pain. Follow your doctor's instructions to apply topical medications such as Compound Fucoidan Cream, Yunnan Baiyao Hemorrhoid Ointment, or Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Cream. Avoid consuming spicy foods to reduce irritation to the perianal area.

4. Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids: When internal hemorrhoids progress to stages II–III, they prolapse out of the anus during bowel movements, forming skin tags. In early stages, they may retract spontaneously. Follow your doctor's instructions to use medications such as AnTai suppositories, Compound Fucoidan suppositories, or Puji Hemorrhoid suppositories. After defecation, clean the anal area and insert the suppository into the rectum. Gently push the prolapsed tissue back in and avoid prolonged squatting.

5. Rectal prolapse: The rectal mucosa or full rectal wall may prolapse from the anus, forming skin tags, often accompanied by a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Mild cases can improve with anal sphincter exercises, performed three times daily for 15 minutes each session. Severe cases require a circumferential mucosectomy performed by a physician, which involves removing excess mucosa and fixing the rectum to promote resolution of the skin tags.

In daily life, maintain perianal hygiene and use soft toilet paper for wiping. Avoid wearing tight pants to reduce perianal friction. Maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle and avoid staying up late. Comprehensive nursing care can help improve perianal health and promote resolution of skin tags.

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How to eliminate external hemorrhoids and anal skin tags

External hemorrhoidal skin tags may be caused by factors such as prolonged sitting or standing, poor dietary habits, varicose veins, perianal inflammation, and increased intra-abdominal pressure. To prevent the occurrence of this condition, it is recommended to engage in appropriate physical exercise in daily life and avoid prolonged sitting or standing. At the same time, adjust your diet by consuming more foods rich in dietary fiber and avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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There is a small flesh-colored bump around the anus, causing no pain or itching.

In general, the main causes of small anal skin tags (painless and non-itchy) include prolonged sitting or standing, constipation, external hemorrhoids, rectal polyps, and rectal prolapse. If this symptom occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a reputable hospital to determine the specific cause. In daily life, it is important to maintain anal hygiene and keep the area clean and dry, wear loose and breathable underwear, establish regular bowel habits, and avoid excessive straining during bowel movements.

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Will a anal skin tag disappear on its own?

In general, whether a perianal skin tag will disappear on its own depends on the specific circumstances. Mild skin tags caused by temporary factors such as constipation or diarrhea may resolve spontaneously once the underlying cause is eliminated. However, skin tags resulting from conditions like hemorrhoids typically do not disappear without treatment and require targeted management. To promote perianal health, alleviate mild discomfort, or prevent worsening of skin tags, appropriate measures are recommended.

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Can anal skin tags heal on their own?

In general, whether anal skin tags can heal on their own depends on the specific circumstances. Mild skin tags caused by temporary factors such as short-term bowel dysfunction or prolonged sitting may resolve spontaneously once the underlying cause is eliminated. However, skin tags resulting from conditions like hemorrhoids typically do not heal on their own and require targeted treatment. It is important to maintain anal hygiene by washing the area with warm water after each bowel movement.