Skin tags are small, raised growths on the dermis. They develop due to friction on the skin. When the skin rubs against itself through creases or folds, it can cause irritation on the dermis. The dermal tissue will raise a small tender, and benign element that is not too problematic in most cases. It’s rare that it is connected with another problem, but it does happen. Tags have been connected to obesity, diabetes, steroids, and even HPV infections. However, there is a new connection that doctors are seeing, and you should know about it. Understanding what perianal skin tags are, and how they are connected to bowel issues is critical to helping get relief from the problem as a whole.
Are All Skin Tags Problematic?
The short answer is, no. However, there are perianal abnormalities that you should know about. When skin tags are in or around the anus, they can be a matter of deeper problems. This can be a problem that is directly linked to ulcerative colitis. Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause a great deal of issues for adults. It causes problems with digestion, and makes bowel movements somewhat difficult to manage. Skin tags around the anus may accompany hemorrhoids, or even fissures and ulcer.
Only a doctor can determine if perianal skin tags are in fact due to colitis or if they are stand alone problems. There are some people that will have tags around the anus due to the friction that is caused by gaining or losing weigh rapidly. Those that are prediabetic may also have this issue, however, it is hard to determine what the link is without getting the help of a professional.
How Are Skin Tags Treated?
In the case of rectal issues, there are a lot of different options that can be looked at to help with the problem. The most common solution is topical creams or liquids. Essential oils, or even certain acne medications can help with removing these. Hemorrhoid creams can also work here, but it’s a sensitive area to work with. Anal skin tags are just difficult to manage due to the friction that occurs with sitting, driving, and bowel movements in general.
Professionals will apply a solution that may be topical, prescribed to help heal the issue, removing tags with relative ease. However, that does not speak to the bigger connection with ulcerative colitis.
How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?
Colitis is treated through the use of dietary supplements, change of lifestyle, and certain prescription medications. Often, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed. If that doesn’t help or a person has extreme issues, an enema can be administered, as well as a recommendation of dietary changes. Colitis, and Crohn’s disease may require a visit to a gastroenterologist, as it may be difficult to manage without further investigation.
At the end of the day, while there is a connection between perianal tags and ulcerative colitis, the two are not always immediately connected. Sometimes anal skin tags are just a matter of weight gain, hormonal shifts, and other minor issues. A doctor can decide whether or not this issue is connected to other problems.
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