What should I do if there's a fleshy lump in the anal area?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Jingxiang

Introduction

In general, a lump in the anal area may be caused by prolonged sitting, constipation, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, edematous external hemorrhoids, prolapsed rectal polyps, or other similar reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, surgical intervention, or other appropriate methods. In daily life, it is important to maintain anal hygiene and avoid using rough toilet paper for wiping.

Generally, a fleshy lump appearing around the anus may be caused by prolonged sitting, constipation, prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, edematous external hemorrhoids, rectal polyps prolapse, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, or surgical interventions. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Prolonged Sitting: Long periods of sitting can obstruct venous blood return around the anus, causing blood stasis and forming a soft fleshy lump, usually without significant pain. It is recommended to get up and move for 5 minutes every 30 minutes of sitting, use breathable cushions, and perform warm sitz baths daily for 10 minutes to promote local blood circulation and reduce blood stasis.

2. Constipation: Excessive straining during bowel movements increases abdominal pressure, leading to venous dilation and protrusion around the anus, forming a lump, which may be accompanied by mild discomfort or pressure. Adjust your diet by consuming more fiber-rich foods such as celery and dragon fruit, drink 1500-2000 ml of water daily, maintain smooth bowel movements, and avoid excessive straining during defecation.

3. Prolapsed Internal Hemorrhoids: As internal hemorrhoids progress, they may prolapse outside the anus during bowel movements, forming a fleshy lump, which may retract on its own in the early stages. Follow medical advice to use medications such as compound alginic acid ester suppositories, Gangtai suppositories, or Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Suppositories. After defecation, clean the anus with warm water and gently push the prolapsed lump back in; avoid prolonged squatting.

4. Edematous External Hemorrhoids: Spicy foods or alcohol consumption may cause congestion and swelling of the external hemorrhoidal venous plexus, forming a lump, often accompanied by pain. Follow medical advice to use potassium permanganate solution for sitz baths and apply medications such as Yunnan Baiyao Hemorrhoid Ointment, Jiuhua Ointment, or Compound Pien Tze Huang Hemorrhoid Ointment. Avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods to reduce irritation.

5. Prolapsed Rectal Polyps: Rectal polyps may prolapse outside the anus during defecation, forming a smooth-surfaced fleshy lump, usually painless but possibly accompanied by bleeding. Diagnosis can be confirmed via colonoscopy, and polypectomy under endoscopic guidance can be performed by a physician to remove the polyp tissue, preventing further development or bleeding.

In daily life, maintain anal hygiene and avoid using rough toilet paper for wiping. Engage appropriately in activities such as brisk walking or jogging to enhance overall blood circulation and prevent recurrence of the lump.

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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.