“Not sure what that bump near your anus is? Here’s how to tell an anal skin tag from a hemorrhoid, what causes each, and the signs that mean you should see a doctor.”
If you notice a little lump around the anus, you will be thrown off guard. Perhaps you experience it when you clean or while sitting in a particular position, and suddenly your mind goes to the worst. Take a breath. Doctors hear about this constantly, and most of the time it’s nothing dangerous. Usually it comes down to one of two things: a hemorrhoid or a skin tag. People mix them up all the time because they can feel almost identical. Knowing which is which makes it a lot easier to decide what to do.
What Is a Hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoid is an enlarged blood vessel in the lower portion of the rectum or anus. They are very prevalent and most people will have to experience one at some point. These are in two shapes. In the case of internal hemorrhoids, they are located within the rectum and may not cause any pain, and may only be recognized by the presence of bright red blood at the end of a bowel movement. The external ones develop under the skin around the anus these ones you usually notice, as they can be painful, itchy and swollen. Sometimes a clot forms within an external hemorrhoid which is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid and it can be quite painful.
What brings them on? Pressure, mostly. Straining on the toilet, long bouts of constipation or diarrhea, sitting for hours, pregnancy and simple aging all play a part.
What Is an Anal Skin Tag?
A skin tag is a small, soft flap of leftover skin near the anus. It’s harmless, not cancerous, and rarely causes pain. Plenty of people only discover one by touch and never give it a second thought.
Here’s the part that surprises people: anus skin tag or hemorrhoid. When an external hemorrhoid swells up and later goes down, the stretched skin doesn’t always shrink back, and what’s left behind is a tag. Friction, past swelling or a healed fissure can cause them too. They do not do any harm on their own, though a tag can make wiping a bit awkward or leave the area feeling irritated.
How Are They Diagnosed?
A good doctor will be able to tell most of the time by looking and doing a swift physical check. Your GP or colorectal specialist might also conduct a digital rectal examination to check for anything inside. When they have questions in mind, such as about internal hemorrhoids or other questions, they may recommend anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. These are primarily helpful in establishing the diagnosis and excluding serious disease.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Even while most cases are symptomless and innocuous, a few should not be overlooked. If the bleeding is heavy or continues, or the pain is severe or getting worse, or there is a lump which is changing in colour, shape or size, see the doctor. After one or two weeks of home treatment, symptoms fail to improve, bleeding with changes in bowel motions or stool color and infection (fever, pus or spreading edema).
Be warned however – don’t assume that bleeding from the rectum is “just a hemorrhoid. Usually caused by hemorrhoids, but can also indicate colorectal cancer. Seeing blood for the first time or for no cause is a sign that you should be checked up.
Treatment Options
Most hemorrhoids are self treatable. Fiber, water, warm sitz baths and over the counter creams work. If persistent or dangerous, a doctor can use rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy or surgery.
However, if it continues to irritate or cause other problems with keeping clean, it can be removed by a simple surgical procedure like surgical excision or cryotherapy. Newer methods have made the process quicker and more comfortable, and if you are weighing your options, it is worth reading up on the benefits of laser anal skin tag removal. Whatever you do, do not try to cut or tie off a tag yourself. That is a fast track to bleeding and infection.
Prevention Tips
A few small habits cut your odds with both. Eat more fiber, drink enough water, and stop straining on the toilet. Don’t linger there scrolling your phone, keep moving during the day, and clean gently without scrubbing or harsh products.
The Bottom Line
It is easy to mistake a skin tag for an hemorrhoid, but there are some major differences between the two in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatment. These are typically benign and do not pose any threat. The “rule of thumb” is: If you don’t know, or if there’s any warning sign, check with a doctor. You will have a genuine answer and you will not have any regrets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
