![]() Skin tags can also develop in association with a chronic anal fissure (see our section describing Anal Fissures). As the underlying hemorrhoid blood vessel decreases in size the overlying stretched skin may persist, leaving an anal or hemorrhoidal skin tag. Hemorrhoid skin tags commonly occur after an underlying external hemorrhoid blood vessel swells. Anal skin tags are often “innocent bystanders” to a more primary underlying problem or condition. In general, the wounds are left open and heal within three weeks.Anal skin tags can occur in anyone and are almost always benign. The procedure rarely lasts longer than fifteen minutes. Local surgery consists of infiltrating the skin with a local anesthetic (Xylocaine) and excising the lesions. Surgery is, however, facilitated by the reduction in size and the presence of scar tissue following cryotherapy. If the reduction is not sufficient, surgery is then performed. Following the treatment, the reduction in size is often only partial and a fibrous transformation (like a scar) can be seen. After this treatment, it is important to ensure good local hygiene and apply an antibiotic ointment (Polysporin).įor larger lesions, cryotherapy is less effective. A clear discharge follows and persists for two to three weeks while the lesion gradually shrinks. Following treatment, the skin tag swells with plasma (like frostbite). However, if this does occur, an anti-inflammatory will be prescribed (Naproxen).Ĭryotherapy is effective for smaller lesions. It is rare for the pain to last several hours or days. Once the anesthesia wears off, the pain usually lasts about 30 minutes (which is why patients are advised to take an analgesic one hour before treatment). In general, only one lesion is treated at a time. The average duration of treatment is 60 seconds for each lesion. Prolonged cryotherapy using nitrous oxide and a specially designed instrument (a cryoprobe) is the preferred method in this case. ![]() Jet cryotherapy (using liquid nitrogen) is not effective in this case since it does not allow for deep penetration into the skin tissue. When skin tags are bulky and get in the way, there are two treatment options for reducing or eliminating them: cryotherapy and local surgery. It is also important to treat skin infections (bacterial infections or mushrooms) when they occur as well as genital warts. Proper treatment of skin tags rests mainly upon good local hygiene: washing with warm water (no soap) after a bowel movement (compressed towels can be very handy) and applying protective cream to dry skin as needed. In this case, it is important to check for the presence of an underlying lesion-generally an anal fissure or internal hemorrhoids. Skin tags can also be uncomfortable or painful. People often report that it affects their sex life. More often than not, they result in hygiene-related issues that can cause skin problems: itching, dermatitis with infection, lesions caused by scratching.įor many, they are a source of embarrassment due to the unaesthetic appearance of lesions. However, the larger or more numerous they are, the more they can become problematic. ![]() Small skin tags generally do not produce any symptoms. of the rectum to eliminate other conditions (internal hemorrhoids, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn’s disease or rectal cancer).of the anal canal to check for the presence of a fissure (with hypertonia of the sphincters), an anal ulcer (which may indicate Crohn’s disease) or even anal cancer.of the anal region to check for the presence of genital warts (condylomas).of the perineal region to check for the presence of skin issues (dermatitis, eczema and lesions due to scratching).In the presence of skin tags, it is important to have the patient complete a thorough questionnaire and clinical exam: Anal fissure (in this case, the skin tag stems from a tear in the epithelium of the anal canal).An external hemorrhoid (e.g.: following pregnancy) that has only partially diminished.
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