Skin Tags

A swelling or tag of skin is found around the anal margin. They are often confused by patients and doctors alike with haemorrhoids but happily their surgical treatment is usually less complicated.

Patients usually complain of difficulty keeping the peri-anal area clean, this may lead to itching (pruritus ani) and dampness of the skin. Occasional soreness and swelling may also occur. They are usually the result of problems from haemorrhoids in the past where the cushions within the anal canal have enlarged and stretched the skin just outside.

Very often the enlarged haemorrhoids have settled back to normal (often after a pregnancy) and themselves are no longer giving rise to any symptoms. The skin tags will however not shrink and remain in the long term. Treatment is by simple surgical excision either under local or general anaesthetic.