Skin tag just inside anus

[advice_please44]

I just discovered a small growth just inside my anus that is sensitive to the touch.  It's not visible from the outside easily but is just inside the opening.  Upon inspection I saw a small blood clot just beside it-- at first I worried that the clot was a tick and pulled at it with tweezers.  It bled a lot and then appeared lighter in color (thus not a tick).  The tag remained the same.

On a similar blog I saw that a doctor mentioned HPV.  I had HPV about a year ago and had a LEEP procedure, and the follow up came out clear.  I didnt have any demonstrative symptoms when I had HPV, just abnormal pap smear.  Would it be likely that warts would now appear?  Is that what they look like? And is it typical to have a blood clot right beside the tag?

Also, should I be worried about infection since I picked at the skin and made the clot bleed?  If so, what can I do to avoid infection?

Thank you!

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Anal warts, also known as condyloma, are growths found on the skin around the anus (rectal opening), in the anal canal, or in the lower rectum.

Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, which is usually transmitted through sexual contact but not necessarily through anal intercourse. The same type of warts may occur on the penis, scrotum, vagina or labia.

The anal warts may have no symptoms. In some cases  small growths are noticed in the anal area. Sometimes there will be minor complaints of itching, occasional bleeding, or moisture in the anal area.

There are several ways anal warts can be treated, depending on the location, number, and size of the warts. If the warts are small, they can be treated with podophyllin or bichloracetic acid, which are solutions applied directly to the warts intended to cause exfoliation of the warts. This is an office procedure that takes just a few minutes. Another form of treatment is cauterization. The area is numbed with local anesthesia before the warts are burned off.

If there are numerous warts, the doctor may choose to remove them surgically. This is done as a same-day procedure in a hospital or day surgery center.
The condition has to be diagnosed correctly first with an anoscope (a short instrument inserted into the anus).

ref:http://www.colonrectal.org/patientinfo/conditions/analwarts.htm
You can apply an antiseptic or anti-bacterial ointment on the site where the blood clot was present.

[bigolbigun]

Sounds to me like a hemorrhoid. HPV would not usually be present in your anus.  Use care when washing the affected area. You should use wipes instead of toilet paper as they are easier on your rear end. I suggest you see your GP and allow them to take a look. Hemorrhoid suppositories and creams are not recommended for use when bleeding is already occurring. They are fairly successful at shrinking hemorrhoids when used as directed.

Good Luck.