How to Shrink Hemorrhoid Skin Tags: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you noticed small, soft, skin-colored growths around your anus? These may be hemorrhoid skin tags, a common and usually harmless condition that can develop after hemorrhoids heal. While generally painless, skin tags can cause itching, irritation, and hygiene challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what hemorrhoid skin tags are, what causes them, and most importantly – how to safely shrink or remove them for good.

What are Hemorrhoid Skin Tags?

Definition of Hemorrhoid Skin Tags

Hemorrhoid skin tags are defined as excess, stretched out skin that remains after an external hemorrhoid has healed.^[1] They appear as small, soft, hanging bumps around the anus. While they may look similar to warts or hemorrhoids, skin tags are considered benign (non-cancerous) growths.^[2]

Symptoms of Hemorrhoid Skin Tags

The most common symptoms of anal skin tags include:

• Soft, painless bumps or flaps of excess skin around the anus
• Itching or irritation, especially after bowel movements
• Challenges with hygiene and keeping the area clean
• Occasional swelling or mild discomfort^[3]

It’s important to note that unlike hemorrhoids, skin tags do not typically cause pain or bleeding. If you experience significant discomfort or notice blood, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out a more serious condition.

Causes of Hemorrhoid Skin Tags

So what exactly causes these excess flaps of skin to form around the anus? The most common causes include:

Previous swollen external hemorrhoids that have healed

When hemorrhoids become enlarged, they stretch out the surrounding skin. Even after the hemorrhoid shrinks and heals, the stretched skin may fail to retract back to its original shape, leaving behind a skin tag.^[1]

Straining during bowel movements

Chronic constipation or diarrhea can cause a person to strain excessively during bowel movements. This straining puts pressure on the veins and skin around the anus, potentially leading to hemorrhoids and subsequent skin tags.^[4]

Pregnancy

Many women develop hemorrhoids and anal skin tags during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the pelvic area, hormonal changes, and constipation. The skin stretches significantly to accommodate the growing fetus and may not fully retract after childbirth.^[5]

Chronic anal fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus that can cause pain and bleeding. When a fissure heals, it may leave behind a skin tag, sometimes called a sentinel pile.^[6]

Inflammatory bowel conditions

People with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease are prone to developing both hemorrhoids and anal skin tags. Chronic inflammation, diarrhea, and straining can all contribute to the formation of excess skin around the anus.^[7]

While some people may be more prone to developing skin tags due to genetics or underlying health conditions, in many cases they result from the normal wear and tear of bowel movements over time. The good news is, there are several effective ways to safely remove or shrink hemorrhoid skin tags – which we’ll cover next.

How to Treat Hemorrhoid Skin Tags

If you’ve identified bothersome skin tags around your anus, you may be wondering what treatment options are available. The two main approaches are:

1. In-office medical procedures
2. At-home remedies and lifestyle changes

Let’s explore each of these in more detail.

Medical Procedures to Remove Skin Tags

For the quickest and most effective treatment, many people opt to have their anal skin tags removed by a doctor. Common in-office procedures include:

Surgical Excision

During a surgical excision, a doctor numbs the area with a local anesthetic and carefully cuts off the skin tag at its base using surgical scissors or a scalpel. The wound is then cauterized or stitched closed to prevent bleeding. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes and can be performed right in the doctor’s office.^[8]

Risks of surgical excision are minimal but may include:

• Pain and soreness for a few days after the procedure
• Light bleeding
• Infection at the excision site

Proper aftercare, including keeping the area clean and dry, can help minimize complications and promote faster healing.

Infrared Coagulation (IRC)

For skin tags that are attached to an internal hemorrhoid, your doctor may recommend infrared coagulation. During IRC, a small probe is inserted into the anus and a beam of infrared light is applied to the hemorrhoid. The heat causes the hemorrhoid to harden and shrink, which may also help shrink the attached skin tag over time.^[9]

IRC is generally considered less painful than surgical excision, but it may require multiple treatment sessions for optimal results. Side effects can include temporary bleeding, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness in the rectum.

Your doctor can help determine which procedure is best for your specific case, taking into account the size and location of your skin tags as well as your overall health and treatment preferences.

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoid Skin Tags

For those looking to treat anal skin tags without a medical procedure, there are several at-home remedies that may help provide relief and potentially shrink the tags over time. However, it’s important to note that at-home treatments are much slower-acting and less predictable than in-office procedures.

Keep the area clean and dry

One of the simplest ways to prevent irritation and promote healing is to gently clean the anal area after every bowel movement. Use unscented, hypoallergenic soap or an anal cleanser and pat the area completely dry. Avoid excessive wiping, which can further irritate the skin.

Apply witch hazel

Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help soothe inflammation, reduce itching, and promote healing. Apply witch hazel to the anal skin tags using a clean cotton ball or pad. Repeat several times per day, especially after bowel movements.^[10]

Avoid scratching or picking at the skin tags

While it may be tempting to pick at or attempt to remove the tags yourself, this greatly increases the risk of bleeding, scarring, and infection. If the skin tags are extremely bothersome, it’s always best to see a doctor for professional removal.

Treat underlying conditions

In many cases, hemorrhoid skin tags develop as a result of chronic constipation or diarrhea. Treating these underlying issues can help prevent new skin tags from forming and may allow existing ones to gradually shrink over time.

Strategies include:

• Staying well-hydrated
• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Taking over-the-counter stool softeners or fiber supplements
• Not straining or spending excessive time on the toilet

If you have an inflammatory bowel condition like Crohn’s disease, work closely with your doctor to keep inflammation under control, which may help prevent anal skin tags and other complications.

While at-home remedies can provide symptom relief, they are unlikely to completely resolve moderate to large skin tags. If your tags persist or become increasingly bothersome over time, it’s best to consult a doctor about professional removal options.

Preventing Hemorrhoid Skin Tags

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While you can’t always prevent anal skin tags from developing, there are several ways to reduce your risk:

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Skin Tags

Stay hydrated and eat enough fiber

Preventing constipation is key to avoiding the straining that can cause hemorrhoids and skin tags. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and eat a diet rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you struggle to get enough fiber from food alone, consider a daily supplement like psyllium husk or methylcellulose.^[11]

Don’t strain or sit on the toilet too long

Spending excessive time on the toilet puts pressure on the veins and skin around your anus. Try to limit bathroom visits to no more than a few minutes. If you don’t have a bowel movement right away, don’t strain or force it. Instead, try again later.

Treat hemorrhoids promptly

If you do develop hemorrhoids, it’s important to treat them right away to prevent the formation of skin tags. Over-the-counter creams and suppositories can help reduce swelling and discomfort. For more severe cases, your doctor may recommend minimally-invasive procedures like rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy to shrink the hemorrhoids.^[12]

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing hemorrhoids and subsequent skin tags. Excess abdominal fat puts pressure on the veins around the anus, which can cause them to swell and stretch out the overlying skin. If you’re overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce pressure and prevent anal skin tags.^[13]

Hygiene Tips to Avoid Skin Tags

Proper hygiene is also essential for preventing anal skin tags and keeping the area comfortable. Some tips include:

Gently clean the anal area

After every bowel movement, use a clean, damp cloth or unscented flushable wipe to gently clean the anus and surrounding skin. Avoid harsh rubbing or scrubbing, which can irritate the delicate tissue.

Wear breathable, non-irritating underwear

Choose soft, breathable cotton underwear that doesn’t fit too tightly. Avoid thongs or synthetic materials that can trap moisture and cause chafing. If you’re prone to sweating, consider using a powder like cornstarch to keep the area dry.

Pat the area dry after bathing

After showering or bathing, use a clean, soft towel to gently pat the anal area completely dry. Avoid rubbing or harsh scrubbing motions. If you have skin tags, be extra careful when drying off to avoid snagging the tags on the towel.

By making these simple lifestyle and hygiene changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing new hemorrhoid skin tags and promote the healing of any existing ones. However, it’s important to remember that some people are simply more prone to developing skin tags due to genetics or underlying health conditions. If you find that you’re getting anal skin tags frequently despite your best prevention efforts, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

When to See a Doctor

While hemorrhoid skin tags are usually harmless, there are some cases where it’s important to seek medical attention. See your doctor if:

You have skin tags that are painful, bleeding, or interfering with bowel movements

While skin tags themselves are painless, they can sometimes become irritated, inflamed, or thrombosed (filled with a blood clot). If you notice any pain, bleeding, or discomfort associated with your anal skin tags, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor. They can determine if the tags need to be removed or if there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Your skin tags keep recurring

If you find that you’re developing new anal skin tags frequently, even after having them removed, it could be a sign of an underlying condition like Crohn’s disease or chronic constipation. Your doctor can help identify any potential triggers and develop a plan to prevent recurring skin tags.

You have other concerning symptoms

Anal skin tags can sometimes resemble other growths like warts, polyps, or even tumors. If you notice any unusual changes in the appearance of your skin tags, or if you have other symptoms like changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

Importance of Proper Diagnosis

Even if you’re fairly certain you have hemorrhoid skin tags, it’s always a good idea to get an official diagnosis from a doctor. They can perform a physical exam and rule out other potential conditions like:

• Anal warts caused by HPV
• Anal polyps or skin cancer
• Rectal prolapse (when the rectum protrudes from the anus)

In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional tests like a colonoscopy or biopsy to get a closer look at the anal tissue and check for any abnormalities.

Getting a proper diagnosis is especially important if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as:

• Being over age 50
• Having a family history of colon cancer or polyps
• Having inflammatory bowel disease
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use

If your doctor does diagnose you with hemorrhoid skin tags, they can recommend the best course of treatment based on the size, location, and severity of your tags. They can also provide guidance on preventing future skin tags and managing any related health conditions.

In most cases, anal skin tags are a benign and treatable condition that don’t pose a serious threat to your health. However, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a professional if you notice anything unusual or concerning. With proper care and treatment, you can find relief from bothersome skin tags and prevent them from coming back in the future.

FAQs

Can hemorrhoid skin tags go away on their own?

In some cases, very small hemorrhoid skin tags may resolve on their own over time. However, most tags will remain indefinitely without treatment. While they aren’t harmful, they can cause itching, hygiene challenges, and cosmetic concerns for some people. If your skin tags are bothersome or not going away, it’s best to see a doctor to discuss treatment options.^[14]

How do you shrink hemorrhoid skin tags naturally?

There’s no proven way to completely shrink or eliminate hemorrhoid skin tags naturally. However, you may be able to reduce irritation and promote some healing with remedies like witch hazel, aloe vera, or apple cider vinegar applied topically. Keeping the area clean and dry, wearing loose cotton underwear, and avoiding excessive wiping or straining during bowel movements can also help. If at-home remedies aren’t effective, see your doctor to discuss professional removal options.

What is a sentinel skin tag?

A sentinel skin tag, also called a sentinel pile, is a type of anal skin tag that develops at the site of a chronic anal fissure. The tag forms as a result of repeated inflammation and scarring as the fissure heals. Sentinel tags tend to be firmer and less mobile than typical hemorrhoid skin tags. In many cases, they will remain even after the fissure itself has resolved.

What is the difference between a hemorrhoid and a hemorrhoid skin tag?

Hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid skin tags are related but distinct conditions. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. They can be either internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).

Hemorrhoid skin tags, on the other hand, are not swollen veins but rather stretched out flaps of skin that remain after an external hemorrhoid has healed. They typically don’t cause pain or bleeding like hemorrhoids can. However, they can still lead to itching, hygiene issues, and cosmetic concerns for some people.^[15]

In some cases, a skin tag may be mistaken for a small external hemorrhoid because they can look similar. A doctor can help determine whether a growth is a hemorrhoid, skin tag, or something else that may require further evaluation.

What is the fastest way to shrink a hemorrhoid skin tag?

The fastest and most effective way to remove a hemorrhoid skin tag is through a simple in-office procedure like surgical excision. During excision, a doctor numbs the area and snips off the tag at its base. The wound is then sealed to prevent bleeding. The entire process takes just a few minutes and recovery is typically quick, with most people able to return to normal activities within a day or two.^[8]

Other fast treatment options include cryotherapy (freezing the tag off) and electrocautery (burning it off with an electric current). However, these methods are less commonly used than surgical excision.

At-home remedies and lifestyle changes are much slower-acting and may not shrink skin tags completely. However, they can help with symptom relief and may be a good option for people who want to avoid a procedure or who have very small tags that aren’t overly bothersome.

Should I push my external hemorrhoid back in?

No, you should never attempt to push an external hemorrhoid back inside the anus. External hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus and are not meant to be pushed back in. Trying to do so can cause pain, bleeding, and potentially worsen the hemorrhoid.

If you have an internal hemorrhoid that has prolapsed (slipped down and protruded from the anus), you may be able to gently push it back inside. However, if the hemorrhoid is large, very painful, or can’t be pushed back in, it’s best to see a doctor right away. They can evaluate the hemorrhoid and recommend appropriate treatment options.

In general, it’s always best to be gentle with the delicate skin and tissue around the anus. Avoid harsh wiping, straining, or attempting to manipulate any lumps or bumps in the area. If you’re experiencing pain or other concerning symptoms related to hemorrhoids or skin tags, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Key Takeaways

• Hemorrhoid skin tags are excess flaps of skin that can remain after an external hemorrhoid has healed. They are generally painless but can cause itching, hygiene challenges, and cosmetic concerns.
• Common causes of anal skin tags include straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, chronic anal fissures, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Treatment options range from at-home remedies like keeping the area clean and dry and applying witch hazel, to in-office procedures like surgical excision and infrared coagulation.
• Preventing skin tags often involves lifestyle changes like staying hydrated, eating enough fiber, avoiding straining on the toilet, and maintaining a healthy weight. Good hygiene practices are also important.
• See a doctor if you have skin tags that are painful, bleeding, or interfering with bowel movements, if they keep recurring, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms. A proper diagnosis is key to ruling out other conditions and getting the right treatment.

While hemorrhoid skin tags can be bothersome, the good news is that they are treatable and not a serious threat to your health. If you’re dealing with this common condition, know that you’re not alone and that there are safe, effective solutions available. With a little care and attention, you can find relief from anal skin tags and get back to living your life comfortably.

References

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2. Sanchez, C., & Chinn, B. T. (2011). Hemorrhoids. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 24(1), 5–13. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1272818
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