The skin around the anus is relatively loose to allow opening for the passage of stool. It is prone to be stretched by enlargement of the underlying hemorrhoid blood vessels. The stretched skin may persist leading to a bump or skin tag. Anal skin tags are usually due to previous swollen hemorrhoids. This may occur after flare ups of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, external hemorrhoid thrombosis , straining from constipation or diarrhea, heavy lifting, or strenuous exercise.

Skin tags are extra-folds of anal tissue. They are also commonly referred to in the medical community as sentinel, rectal, and perianal skin tags. They may develop from the stretched overlying skin of a thrombosed external hemorrhoid or the way in which the tissue in an anal fissure fails to heal properly. But the main impetus lies with some type of localized injury. Skin, and its healing capacity, has limitations, specifically as it relates to the anal region. Defecation and intercourse are high pressure actions that continuously irritate a wound, especially as it is attempting to close.

What Are Anal Skin Tags? Anal skin tags are excess skin folds that emerge around the anal opening. What Causes Anal Skin Tags? Anal skin tags can occur in anyone and are almost always benign.

A skin tag is a noncancerous growth of excess skin. Skin tags that form around the anus or rectum are called anal skin tags. Anal skin tags are typically small, measuring a few millimeters or less. They may be the same color as the skin or slightly darker.