Anal Skin tags are an excess growth of skin on the anus. The actual cause is unknown. However, we do know that it is generally due to excessive tension caused by clothes or rubbing against skin.
Anal skin tags are a select type of skin tag that appears on or around the anus or rectum. An anal skin tag compared to other skin tags is usually tiny, measuring a few millimeters in diameter.
What Causes Anal Skin Tags?
Anal Skin tags are caused by the friction of clothing or skin rubbing together. The friction could be due to sitting for too long or having loose-fitting clothes.
Anal skin tags may also be caused by regular diarrhea, as acidity can irritate the skin. Skin tags are NOT caused by cancer and are NOT an indication of any other disease.
Anal Skin Tags are often caused by rubbing clothes against the skin.
Do Anal Skin Tags Bleed?
All skin tags may bleed if they are cut or rubbed too much. Since they are in or on the anus, they will probably be more likely to rub against other skin than if they were in another place on the body. You should avoid them bleeding as this may lead to infection, which can also cause other complications.
If there is bleeding, then it is more likely that the bleeding is from Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are different from skin tags and should be treated very differently.
There is unlikely to be much blood or any at all from anal tags
How To Remove Anal Skin Tags
There are several ways to remove anal skin tags. The hardest thing about them is that they are in a very sensitive area, so the usual solutions may not be suggested. If you have a skin tag, then you should seek medical help so that you don’t harm that sensitive area. You are advised not to try removing them yourself.
The removal process is straightforward and will take a qualified doctor or dermatologist only a few minutes to do. The whole appointment need only be around 30 minutes.
Skin tags can be removed by visiting a doctor or a dermatologist.
Are Anal Skin Tags Cancerous?
Anal Skin tags are not cancerous. Skin tags can be confused with moles, which may be cancerous. There is no need to see a doctor if you have skin tags unless they bother you, and you want medical advice on how to remove them from your anus.
Skin tags are benign growths of connective tissue rather than being malignant like a cancerous tumor.
While skin tags themselves are not cancerous, you should keep an eye on the area in case some other marks or moles appear that may be more sinister.
We don’t advise that you use the Spot Blaster Pro to remove anal skin tags in such a sensitive area. However, the Spot Blaster Pro is excellent to remove skin tags anywhere else in the body.
Skin tags are more of a mild irritation than a medical problem. Those tiny little pockets of skin that seem to grow out of nowhere are in fact harmless and in most cases don’t cause much discomfort although they may be a little weird and ugly.
What causes skin tags and how to get rid of them?
Although scientists don’t really understand exactly what causes skin tags, several factors are associated with the growth of these little skin pockets:
1. Genetics
There does seem to be a genetic connection to the growth of skin tags. Some people are more genetically predisposed to skin tags than others. This basically means that some people are more likely to get skin tags than others. So if your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts or other family members have skin tags, it is more likely that you will get them too.
2. Age
Skin tags are not present at birth and rarely occur on young children. However, they are far more common in adults and the elderly. This means that skin tags are age-related and that the growths are far more likely to appear as you age. Skin tags mainly consist of collagen fibers and blood vessels.
Collagen is a protein that is found everywhere in the skin and is responsible for young, plump, beautiful skin. Collagen production decreases as we get older. It is thought that this may result in fibrous collagen presenting in skin tags as we age.
3. Type II Diabetes
Diabetics are more prone to getting skin tags. Increased sugar in the body also affects collagen production once again lowering the amount of the protein that is produced by the human body. There may be a link between increased sugar levels in the blood and the appearance of skin tags on the body. Poor blood circulation which is common in diabetics may also be responsible for causing skin tags
4. Friction
There is a large amount of scientific evidence that points to friction being the main cause of skin tags. Friction – or rubbing – explains why skin tags are most likely to occur in folds of skin where skin, clothing or other materials rub against the skin.
Skin tags are most likely to occur under the arms (armpits) or between the legs (groin area). They are also common under the breasts, on the neck and eyelids. Anywhere that constant friction occurs on the body may result in skin tags.
5. Weight
People who are overweight or obese are more likely to get skin tags. However, this is not so much attributed to their weight but rather to the fact that there are more skin folds and friction is a greater problem for individuals who are overweight. Increased sugar may be another contributing factor.
Obesity can result in the appearance of these tiny flaps of skin in less common areas than those described above. The tags are also more likely to become problematic in people who are overweight as the increased friction can cause them to get longer (elongated), break off or become irritated and uncomfortable.
6. Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with weight gain which results in friction and therefore there is a greater prevalence or occurrence of skin tags in pregnant women. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy may also be a cause of skin tags as hormones promote collagen production which is affected by pregnancy.
7. Dry Skin
People with dry skin are more likely to develop skin tags. Dry skin aggravates friction resulting in skin tags. It also leads to a buildup of dead skin cells that could contribute to the formation of a skin tag trying to break through the dead layer. While there is no scientific evidence to prove that dry skin causes tags, the fact that people with dry skin are more likely to have skin tags suggests that there is a link.
8. No Apparent Reason
Sometimes skin tags seem to appear from nowhere for no reason whatsoever. These are the types that the medical and scientific community have so much difficulty explaining. However, even then, it could be due to friction that is not noticeable such as sleeping in the same position every night and the pillow rubbing against your neck.
Collagen Due To Wounds
Collagen aids in healing and boosts the growth of tissue. The smallest injury could result in overstimulation of tissue growth resulting in skin tags. Even an imagined wound can send the body into healing mode sending collagen and all sorts of other cells to the rescue.
No Cause For Concern
If you have skin tags, there is no need for concern unless:
The skin tags become elongated or hang loosely and are at risk of being torn off or damaged.
The tags are causing discomfort or irritation.
They are located in an area where they are catching on clothing.
They are red and inflamed or swollen.
They become infected.
If any of the above are affecting you, it is recommended to make an appointment with your doctor. Should the doctor consider the skin tags to be problematic, they will be removed. Removal is a quick and mostly painless procedure.
If the skin tags are simply an irritation or you want to get rid of them because they are plain ugly, then you can request that your doctor perform an elective procedure for you. An elective procedure is where you choose to have the skin tags removed but there is no actual medical reason for doing so.
What can you do to prevent skin tags from forming in the future?
Since scientists don’t understand the cause, there is no medical treatment to prevent or treat skin tags. This is also because they are generally considered to be harmless. There are however some steps that you can take to reduce the risk of developing tags in the future.
1. Diet And Exercise
A healthy diet and exercise help your body maintain an ideal weight and provides it with all the nutrition that it needs to develop healthy skin cells. Reducing your weight and providing your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs will help reduce the likelihood of skin tags developing. Remember that increased weight equals increased friction which is the primary cause of skin tags. A vitamin and mineral supplement designed specifically for the skin can also help promote healthy skin cell production.
2. Moisturize Your Skin
Moisturizing your skin provides a layer of protection and lubricates the skin to prevent the rubbing or friction that causes skin tags in the first place. Moisturize after a warm shower or bath to seal in the skin’s natural moisture. Pay careful attention to the folds of the skin and areas on the body where skin tags are most likely to develop. Moisturize as often as needed. In extreme cases, petroleum jelly or tea tree oil can protect the skin from skin tags causing friction.
3. Exfoliate Your Whole Body
Most people only think about the face when it comes to exfoliating or scrubbing the skin. The whole body can, however, do with a good exfoliation now and again. Use a loofah or a rough sponge with a small amount of soap or shower gel to scrub your entire body. You should pay special attention to the spots where skin tags are most likely to sprout. This should be done about once a week. Don’t forget to moisturize well after scrubbing your skin.
Diagnosing A Skin Tag
It is important to be sure that what you have is a skin tag and not some other formation on the skin like a mole or a wart – especially if you are about to take measures to remove a tag yourself. It is best to visit a medical practitioner to get an accurate diagnosis. Skin tags can often look very similar to warts or moles. It can be dangerous to try to remove these yourself as they have a different structure to a skin tag and may not be as harmless.
If you are certain that it is a harmless skin tag, there are safe ways to remove them whether for medical or personal reasons. Be aware that extreme bleeding can occur so make sure you will be able to control the bleeding when removing skin tags at home. Also, be very sure to sterilize the area where the skin tag is located as well as any instruments or materials that will be used in the removal procedure. This will help prevent infection from occurring.
Skin tags are common and are not dangerous, but most people still don’t like having them for cosmetic reasons. They can suddenly show up almost anywhere on the body, but the most common places they are found are on parts of the skin that rub against clothing. To call them tumors might incite fear, but they are entirely benign. Here we’ll take a look at some natural remedies to remove skin tags at home.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are a benign and non-cancerous type of tumor that grows from the skin. They are capable of showing up almost anywhere, but some common places include the armpits, the upper chest area, the eyelids, around the genitals, and the neck. Some of these can go unnoticed for a long time, but those that are in very noticeable places are often considered a nuisance.
There are times where the skin tags can suddenly fall off naturally and completely painlessly. If a skin tag is substantial, it might burst if it comes under a lot of pressure. The appearance of these tags can be irregular or smooth. Their color is typically that of skin, but some are a slightly darker brownish color.
What Causes Skin Tags?
It isn’t yet known the exact causes of skin tags. What is known is that there are certain types of people that are more likely to develop them than others. If someone has diabetes, they are more likely to get skin tags. As people become more and more overweight or obese, then they also increase their chances.
If someone in your family has skin tags, then genetics will make you more likely to get them. Also, some doctors suggest that undernourishment increases the chances. That is likely the reason that people who are overweight and obese get them. It may also be why those with diabetes get them. It is more likely that someone who is overweight consumes foods that increase levels of insulin and that have fewer nutritional components.
Skin Tags are also found in those who have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If someone is insulin resistant, then they are more likely to develop. All of these factors demonstrate that proper nutrition and eating habits are essential if someone is trying to prevent the growth of skin tags.
Some medical professionals have concluded that when skin tags appear, the person is at a higher risk of having or developing insulin resistance. They may also be at risk for cardiovascular disease. Others are at risk of having metabolic syndrome.
Are Skin Tags A Problem?
Skin tags are not in themself a problem. Although they are a type of tumor, they are completely benign. The one thing to be careful about is not to just cut them off with a knife or scissors because this could cause bleeding, and it may leave a scar. There are far better ways of removing skin tags, whether naturally or by a doctor or at home.
Natural Remedies For Removing Skin Tags At Home
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar removes skin tags. This is a natural remedy that takes time. The way it works is by applying some apple cider vinegar to a cotton swab and then placing it firmly on the skin tag. You might need to use something to pinch it to hold it there, or you may even find that a rubber band or something similar can work to hold the swab on and then keep it there for 20 to 30 minutes. This will need to be repeated each day over a 10 to a 14-day timeframe. Overtime the acidity from the vinegar will cause the skin tag to break down and allow it to fall off.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antiviral. It’s entirely safe for use on the skin. To get the benefits of this remedy, you clean around the skin tag and then dip a Q-tip into the tea tree oil and apply the oil all over the skin tag. You will then take a band-aid and put it over the area and leave it overnight while you sleep. This process should be repeated every 4 to 7 days, and often the tag will completely dry out and fall off on its own.
3. Raw Garlic
Garlic is well known for helping skin and for its anti-aging qualities. This remedy requires that you crush some garlic and tape it with a bandage over the skin tag. You’ll then let it remain there during the night while sleeping. In the morning, remove the dressing and the garlic and wash the area. You’ll need to repeat this several times, and you’ll begin to notice that the skin tag starts to shrink, and it will ultimately disappear.
Other Products For Removing Skin Tags
1. Skin Tag Removal Cream
At many drugstores, there are kits that have a cream along with an applicator that can be used to remove the skin tags. Very often, it is only necessary to use the cream once to remove the tag successfully. The kit will come with instructions, and they will usually recommend that you clean the area with some alcohol before you use the cream. It is generally vital that the area can absorb the cream fully. It often causes a slight stinging feeling, and although you use the cream only once, it will take a couple of weeks before the tag falls off.
2. Dental Floss
This very often will require a device or the help of another person. It’s challenging and almost impossible to do by one’s self. The area should be cleaned well before applying the dental floss. Using the dental floss, you wrap it around the skin tag in a way that cuts off the blood flow. Once the skin tag has no blood flow to it, it will die and fall off. It is often necessary to retighten the dental floss once each day.
3. Over-The-Counter Freezing Kit
Liquid nitrogen is becoming very common, and it can be found in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of a freezing kit. A reasonably small amount can be used to remove a skin tag successfully. It is important that you carefully read the instructions and follow them to ensure success and to prevent any potential hazards. You may have to use it several times before you successfully remove the skin tag.
It’s essential to keep the spray from touching other parts of the skin. You might consider applying some petroleum jelly around the skin that does not have the skin tag but is close enough that you might get some of the nitrogen on it when spraying. It can protect that part of the skin from the nitrogen.
When Not To Use Natural And Home Remedies
Skin tags can show up in very sensitive areas of the body. When this is the case, then it may not be a good choice to use any of the home remedies or over the countermeasures mentioned above. Such situations include when the skin tags are very close to the eyes, in the area of a person’s genitals, or when they are extremely large or long.
If you find that you have some skin tags in these areas and you’re unsure whether or not you should use any home methods for removing them, then you should consult with a healthcare professional. They have a few straightforward ways that they can remove the skin tags. When you go to the doctor, they can typically remove the skin tags in mere moments, and you won’t have to repeat the visit.
The procedures can be done in the doctor’s office, and they are typically painless. The doctor may choose to cut it off or freeze it off, but they will do it in a way that’s completely safe and with little or no pain. It also means that the doctor is there so that if there are any concerns, then those can be addressed while at the visit.
One common procedure used by the doctor is cauterization. This is when heat is used to remove the tag from the body. A process called cryosurgery is another choice that utilizes liquid nitrogen. Similar to the home kits that can be purchased at drug stores, this will use nitrogen to freeze off the skin tag. The difference is that the doctor will usually be able to perform this procedure and completely remove the skin tag in one go.
It’s also possible that they can perform in-office surgery by sniping the tag off with surgical scissors. If the skin tag is big enough, this could end up resulting in the need for stitches. The other methods mentioned are the ones most commonly used by a doctor.
