Are anal skin tags necessary to remove?

[pccc]

I have had an anal skin tag for a few years now (two doctors have told me that's what it is) that is quite large. I was meant to have surgery for it, but I canceled because it is not causing me any pain or issues, and I heard the recovery process for anal surgery is difficult and it can cause complications. However, my doctor said that it's "important I have it removed". I just wanted to know if there are health issues that could come of it, or if he just likely said that because he knows I'm in a relationship/thinks it would be best? I didn't ask him to elaborate and am now worried this tag could cause a threat to my overall health. Thanks xo

[pccc]

Just as an update......ACV did NOT work......I have never been in so much pain in my life, second degree chemical burn......bad move on my part. Seeing a surgeon next month to have the damn thing gone for good.

[shaiima8]

what happened ?

[bigsissie]

Hi getting mine removed Wednesday along with a fibroid. I asked for mine to be taken off because my thought was what if it got scratched and got fecal matter in it. That would be horrible and even more awkward to explain. Vinegar and magnesium oil do remove them but you have to scratch it in some way for it to get absorbed into the root otherwise you will have to apply several times a day and keep covered for about 4-6 weeks. I have them on my neck also and asked my NP about them that is what he told me. I rubbed magnesium on them for weeks then wore a necklace that caught on one and scratched it I continued to do the magnesium and within a few days saw the one that was scratched had turned black and soon fell off. You don't want to do that with that one though..... Best of luck.

[pccc]

I hope your surgery goes well! I think I am going to try apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil before I result to having it surgically removed - I have heard those work, so hoping for the best!

[bigsissie]

Surgery went fine :) I hope the acv or tea tree works for you. Mine is gone! One little dissolving stitch and ointment to put on it for a few days and no more worries for me unless it grows back :( but I rather not think of that lol.

[pccc]

That is good to hear! I have heard many horror stories about anal surgery so am trying to avoid it, but it seems to go well for some people. I am glad it did for you!

[caregiver222]

It clearly bothers you. Removal is a simple inexpensive procedure that is relatively painless and takes only a few minutes.

[SassyLassie]

Hello,
To be on the safe side, I would have it removed. I would have a talk with your doctor if you are concerned and ask why he feels it is important to take it off, but, as I said, if it were me, I would want it to be removed, if for nothing else, hygiene reasons as it can "hold" on to fecal material if not cleaned properly.

[pccc]

Thanks. I can't take any time off work right now, so I was thinking of trying apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil to see if those work before resulting to surgery, because I would very much like to avoid that. But it's not a threat to my health if it's cleaned properly and is not bothering me, right?

[flipper336]

You are correct. If it is just a skin tag like you say and not causing you any health issues it does not need to be removed.