Rectal/Anal Skin Tags

[Betrayed Body]

Has anybody gone through rectal/anal skin tag removal?  

I had one removed by my doctor in his office.  He used lidocaine (6 shots that were unbelievable painful) to numb the area and cut it off and cauterized the area.  

I'm having a rough time - I feel like I have the worst hemorroid flare up going on right now.  I'm taking colace and fiber supplement, drinking plenty of water and began using the Desitin a few days before they recommended I start.  I dread going to the bathroom, but I go regularily.  I can't wipe so I'm taking showers and bath several times a day.  

Does anybody have any similar experiences or suggestions to offer?  

[slang23]

I have not gone through this but have pondered.  I have 1 skin tag which I am dying to get removed but dont know how to even go about it.  My gastroenterologist said it would be too much trouble.

How long can you not wipe>?  What kind of doc did the surgery?>


Thanks

[mickan]

I just had my skin tags removed today. The proceedure was completely painfree.
There is a bit of discomfort now a few hours after but instead of using pain medication I
take epsom salt sitsbaths, it works!
Check out: center for colorectal health.

[buttherman]

I just recently had 3-skin tags removed on October 16, and I have had discomfort from them, swelling at every bowel movement, hygiene issues and they were just making my life difficult to funtion normally.  I had to shower after evey movement because it was difficult to wipe, there were in comparison to a daisy in shape at the lower end of my anus.

My gastro doctor referred me to a colon rectal doctor, who both, didn't recommend that I do anything with them, but I was very insistant becuse as I age, I don't want this to be an issue anymore.  

My family doctor would have gladly done it in his office, but I couldn't bear the lidocaine shots, so my procedure was done by my colon rectal doctor in the OR, it lasted about 15 minutes if even that.

I started on pain meds before I left the hospital, after the numbness wore off, I was in a considerable amout of pain, I do have a low pain tolerance, so I took the pain meds, but the most tedious of the procedure is the sting after a bowel movement.  I make sure I have a warm bath ready, my colon rectal doctor recommended also, no use of soaps, ointments, creams or wipes.  

After about day number 3 I began using mild baby soap, or ivory soap and took a shower afterwards too.  After the shower, I used a baby wipe rinsed it with very warm water and very carefully, while looking in the mirror, (yes is was a site for sore eyes butt :) patted the area clean.   I use a blow dryer, on lmy vaginal, and rectal area always...I also use a pad or panty liner to keep in eye on the amount of drainage from the area.

I am not in as much pain as the first few days, but the sting is still there after every bowel movement wich is a minimum of 2-3 times per day.  Now,  I have been on the Marilax since about October 13, which is really helping keep the stool easy to pass, and I don't have the discomfort like I did before the procedure, I mean the swelling and all. So, I stay with the warm bath, shower, wipe regimin.  I am glad I had the procedure done, I would rather go through a couple weeks of discomfort to rectify this problem I have had for over 3 decades.  I feel much better today than I did a week ago.

I hope this comment goes through this time, I am not very computer friendly, and I tried to comment 3 times.  Good luck...buttherman

[gingerleexx]

how do you get skin tags?

[d_on_tee364]

I'm only 26 and I had a skin tag removed yesterday. My doctor cauterized mine off and I believe she did a brilliant job. Whilst I'm in a little bit of pain I believe that it will only be for a short while. I have no regrets about getting rid of mine. Infact, I feel free, sexy and best of all HUMAN.  I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about the removal because I'd read so many horror stories about how awful the pain was for others, but I'm honestly not feeling too badly. A little uncomfortable but otherwise, really good. I haven't had to take pain meds at all, I've been drinking a whole tonne of prune juice and water and just to be on the safe side, I've decided that I'm going to eat mashed vege's for about a week to make sure BM's won't be too traumatic.
I was given a cream to prevent infection and I've been having salt water sitz baths 2-3 times a day. I really do feel wonderful.
I recommend anyone who is considering this to talk to your GP and see what they say. My Doctor cauterized it within 15mins. I had a few stitches, but feel fine. If you're really wanting to get rid of them, I say do it. No pain no gain right?

[Pam78]

I have a skin tag that is not a flap, but more of a long skin tag.  It is right on the outside of my anal opening and it isn't too big, but the fact that it is there, drives me crazy.  I would say it is the size of a piece of rice and probably a smidgen longer.  I have always had problems with anemia, therefore had to be on iron tablets.  This caused constipation, coupled with birthing three children, brings on the dreaded hemorrhoids.  I was also told many years ago that I had fissures as well.  I was told that anal skin tags come from anorectal problems such as old hems and fissures.  Does anyone know if there is truth to that?  Thanks.

[Pistol1977]

I have Two Skin tags, One at the front, the Second at the back, my First appeared at the age of Twenty Five & I was horrified...I'm Fifty now & tbh, they don't really bother me now, I mean, I hate them but have learnt to live with them...my advice is to use wet wipes when cleaning urself & not toilet paper, it's softer, less abrasive etc...a few years ago a friend had a couple removed & was in agony, she has a very high pain threshold but everything that could go wrong did...she ended up with some sort of prolapse, I don't know the details because she won't talk about it, but from what I've gathered from her, everything is a lot worse down there than it was before...leave them alone & try & forget about them.."

[Pam78]

Oh, thank you!  I appreciate your help.  

[Robin35]

I am really upset.  I have anal tags which are really swollen and drive me crazy.  I have Chrons Disease.  I have already discussed surgery. No doctor will remove them.  I don't know what to do.
Anyone know how I can make the swelling less?  Thanks.

[wilmoor]

In the middle of my first pregnancy at the age of sixteen, fifty-four years ago, this "thing' about the size of my little fingernail popped out at the front of my anus. I've just lived with it. But recently I've been thinking about having it removed. Have a small hemorrhoid pushing out at the side of it, and have also had outer veins in the anal area swelling and causing a lot of pain, itching, and misery.
My "tag" has never caused any problem, physically or otherwise. One doctor years ago would put a small nick in it during my annual exam and squeeze the blood out of it.

I've found the most relief from pain, itch and swelling of the outer veins in the anal area using pure aloe vera gel after every trip to the bathroom; washing and drying the area well before applying. I couldn't believe how quickly it worked. I get large tubes of the 100% pure gel at the local Rite Aid store, and wouldn't be without it now.    

[abitvain]

I recently found that what I thought were hemorrhoids were in fact anal tags.  I did think it odd that I never had any of the usual symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as itching, burning or any sort of discomfort at all.  I spoke to a pharmacist and explained everything, including the fact that they just seemed to be "there" with none of the typical things that go along with having them.  He thought they were indeed hemorrhoids and had me use an OTC remedy to reduce the swelling.  It didn't work at all.  

It was only after a visit to my physician that he told me they were indeed anal tags.  I suppose my question is this...if they don't bother me (other than I find them unslightly and occasionally clean up takes a bit longer) whether I should even go through any sort of removal at all?  My physician left the decision up to me, and explained what I could expect (worst and best case scenario) for removal.  I'm "on the fence" as to what to do.  

Has anyone heard of anything that can reduce the swelling without any sort of surgery?  That's really what I'd prefer, but after reading the posts above, it seems that if it did exist someone would have tried that already.  Or perhaps someone has tried some homeopathic, OTC or home remedy with limited success that I could try first.  At any rate, I thought I would ask anyway.

Thank you!

[tiffers08]

I had a big anal skin tag which I hated!

2 different doctors recommnded I leave it alone! So I took matters into my own hands (after failed attempts of using liquids that are suppose to eliminat them, as well as dietary supplements),I took a tiny rubber band (used for small braids) & grabbed the skin & put the rubber band on as close to the base as possible. It took a few attempts. Then I put on another. The first hour I was in terrible pain. I realized that I had either done something very stupid or very smart. I thought at one point I would have to do to the ER. I took some Aleive & after I made it through the hour the pain subsided. The next morning it had turned blue, & by the evening black. At this point there was a small amount of bleeding & I could no longer see the rubber bands. Within 3 days it had fallen off. The area surrounding was a bit irritated but i just applied neosporin & everything was great. I m very happy to not have to deal with rectal skin tags anymore & would recommend this to anyone!

[sufferingbythesea]

how big was it?

[susan17]

How big is big?  I have two, each the size of a pea.  My gynecologist told me extra skin is normal, but that doesn't seem like a good response since they are a bit of a pain.  Every once in a while after a BM they will get slightly swollen and hardish but return to normal fleshy nonhard lumps after a couple hours.  Anybody have recommendations?  

[tarnie23]

i had my skin tags removed 2 weeks ago there were 3 of them and they also removed a hemorrhoid too, i had mine done under general anesthetic which i found better because i didnt know what was going on, i dont have any pain now apart from when i empty my bowls, i am so glad i had it done as my main problem before was hygiene, my problem started 4 years ago after child birth and im lucky they removed them because they dont normaly let you have them removed as they are classed as a cosmetic and not a medical condition.

the main worries i had is that after surgery you are prone to infection down there so back and forth to the doctors for antibiotics but anyone considering having the op i would recommend it and keep pushing for the op.  

[Kube_8]

Ok.... I'm going to my dermatologist tomorrow.  A few days ago, I noticed 3 white bumps on my anus..... on sort of inside (right on the "cusp")  and the other 2 in the general area.  I immediately thought I had anal warts or something lie that.  Of course this was Saturday at around 3pm and none of my regular doctors were in.  I found a walk in doctors office that was open nearby and had a doctor check me out.  He said, yes they look like they could be warts, but I need to see my dermatologist to be sure.

Now..... I have had hemorroids for many years, a fissure that never really goes away and I'm often just generally irritated in this area.  In doing some research online (which can be the worst thing in the world) I came across this skin tag business and I'm HOPING that this is what I have.  

I am wondering if someone can tell me what they feel like, what they look like, how did you get it diagnosed, etc.  I'm basically scared and angry like you can imagine right now and I'm looking for answers.  

If anyone can shed some light on this for me, I'd be so appreciative!

Thank you.

[sunct]

Went to see a doctor today for what i thought was an external hemorrhoid and he told me it was a skin tag. He said genital warts can sometimes look similar but said it was not warts or hemorrhoids but a skin tag. He gave me a prescription steroid cream to use for 3 weeks. He said it was from friction from wiping too much and too hard. I noticed it originally about 2 years ago but it was very small but recently it has started bleeding and stinging after wiping and BM. It has swollen more too and is now bigger though still pretty small. It is right on the perenium. If the steroid cream doesn't shrink it then he wants to remove it but these stories have me a little freaked out. It hurts as it is, I can't imagine being stabbed with needles down there, since it is so sensitive. I wish they could put me out so I didn't have to deal with the pain or humiliation. Will let you know how it turns out.    

[rach37]

Hello !  PLEASE ALL LISTEN!

i jsut had my medium size anal skin tag removed at the Center for Colorectal Health in Chicago. It was as easy as eating cake!  No pain, no nothing!  THIS IS THE PLACE to go to....they have locations all over the country!  

I didn't even have to take the pain med!  It was simple and quick,

.Two weeks later my bum looks great and i am SO happy that i did this. I had several doctors scare me before and finally after reading about someone elses positive experience at the center for Colorectal Health ...well, i made my appt and that was that.

I am so happy that big lump is gone and it was soo sooo  easy!

Don't wait! call them today and you too will be jsut like me

Best to all

Rachael

[Beth42]

I have been considering having this procedure done as well but don't know if it it covered by insurance?  If not how much did it cost?

[Flips]

Before going for the surgery last week I stumbled upon this website and almost cancelled my appointment and left the country!  I feel horrible for everyone that had a terrible experience and I know every person's situation is unique and their bodies respond differently but I would like to try and convince a few people that the procedure isn't bad at all!!!

First of all, the skin tag I had was fairly small.  I am not sure what the "average" size might be but once mine was removed it was about the size of a pea... I called the closest Colon/ Rectal Doctor in my city that took my insurance and made an appointment.  The procedure IS covered under insurance as long as you go to a Colon/ Rectal Doctor and say that it bothers you and they will suggest it be removed.  If you don't have any insurance at all I think it cost about $600.00 for the exam and surgery!

As far as the procedure, I went early Monday morning because I had to work Tuesday night (The doctor assured me I would be fine but a little sore...) They gave me a shot of general anesthetic right on the base of the tag and after a slight ***** I felt a little burn.  After that, all I was told was they snipped it off and cauterized the wound to help it stop bleeding.  I was told to rest and take Vicodin they prescribed for any pain.

I took two Vicodin on Monday afternoon and then on Monday night after the procedure.  I felt a little discomfort but nothing that I would consider very painful.  I woke up Tuesday morning and felt pretty good.  I was a little nervous about the first BM but I took stool softeners and drank a lot of water a few days before which is always a good idea!  Everything was fine and I went to work later that night on three regular Advil because the Vicodin made my head fuzzy...  I am a bartender, so I was very active and by the end of the night I was a little sore and the wound was a little bloody but I was fine!  By the next day, I was almost 100% and I was so glad it was DONE and the ugly tag was GONE!

If anyone has any questions please let me know.  I would highly recommend the procedure to anyone who is sick of their stupid skin tags.  The worse part was the embarrassment of going to the doctor and showing him my back side but you have to remember that he/she chose to do that for a living :)  

[newbum]

I have an appointment to have my anal skin tag, about the size of a pea, (bit longer and thinner though), removed by lazer tommorow....I live in Turkey and the price for this surgery is 400 ytl....... 337 US dollars.  I will let you know the outcome,

[newbum]

I have an appointment to have my anal skin tag, about the size of a pea, (bit longer and thinner though), removed by lazer tommorow....I live in Turkey and the price for this surgery is 400 ytl....... 337 US dollars.  I will let you know the outcome,

[JJ6927]

What did it cost to have an anal skin tag removed?  

[ilovescooby]

I had a large skin tag removed, and two internal hemmorhoids banded. I am on day 6 now, and I am in terrible pain. I have been taking extra strength tylenol, stool softener, prune juice, loads of fruit, resting, lots of water, and epsom salt baths every few hours. I can't sit upright, I have a lot of bleeding, the sting after a bowel movement is horrid, too.

I have a low pain tolerance, but even so, my experience has been much worse than what others seemed to have gone through. Things are swollen a lot and now the skin in my perineum is starting to split a little bit. The surgeon says he doesn't want to see me for 5 weeks. This is just rotten....

[truthseeker207]

I had the op to remove 2 skin tags a week ago - no pain but the are doesnt exactly look smooth, in fact doesnt look that much different. Should it be smooth from day 1?

[gone77]

well, I just wrote a long entry and then it was erased when I had to login.  But I had a skintag and after reading this site decided to not see a dr.
I order some purehealing skintag remover product and began using it.  I noticed someone else had tried this and I had the same response.  A week of intense itching and I thought "no way".  Then I really wanted it gone and knew I couldn't "spread'em" for my dr.  I used the rest of this oil and decided to tough out the itching.  The skintag got swollen, dried up, drained fluid, bled.  I used up the whole oil, ( I got the little one) and emailed them re: their gaurantee.  It took them forever but they offered me more, I asked would I be starting from scratch? and they said no.  So, I decided to keep going and even got another product from www.****.com which promised the same.  2 months later and unbearable itching my skintag is almost gone!!!  I am so excited, I thought I would have to live with this forever and was so insecure with my husband.
The website is www.****.com or www.****.com  I am sorry for all of you who had awful expriences.  I am not promoting this, it was uncomfortable, but not painful, and long.  And you stink like teatree and you have to remember to get it on 3 times a day, they have no customer service skills.  I will definately try their other products.  It was better than the altervative for me.  All I can suggest is, get the bigger one and stick out the itching.  A bath at bed time will help and have some none stick cotton pad dressing to tuck in for draining.  I found I also avoided cold and flu's my family got while using this!
Best of luck to you all.