Anal skin tags are a common mild anal disorder consisting of shapeless flaps or lumps of flesh found at the anal verge.

This verge, which also determines whether a hemorrhoid is classified as internal or external, is where the inside of the anal canal becomes the outside of the body.

Anal tags are also known by the names of "cutaneous papillomae" and "acrochordon".

They're an extremely common condition and are often found along side or because of other anal problems.

They are not caused by viruses or bacteria, and therefore are not contagious.

They may occur alone or in groups, but you'll always find them in approximately the same place.

Anal skin tags are frequently confused with other anal health problems, which is why proper diagnosis is an important first step.

What causes them?

Anal skin tags usually start because of some other sort of anal problem.

A common example of an anal skin tag is left over from an external hemorrhoid that swelled up extremely large before healing, leaving a bit of expanded skin behind.

While this sort of anal skin tag isn't dangerous in and of itself, if the hemorrhoid starts coming back due to other factors, it may use the skin space of the anal skin tag and get even bigger than before because it's so close to a susceptible blood vessel.

Anal skin tags can also develop from the ragged edges of injury or surgery.

The biggest problem that anal skin tags usually indicate is the potential for a blocked anal gland, which is why previously undiagnosed anal skin tags should be looked at by a doctor. If an anal gland is blocked, a doctor needs to clear it up before it becomes an anal abscess.

What to do?

Most anal skin tags only itch, if they offer any symptoms at all.

If you're suffering from anal itching, clean the area gently with witch hazel extract, aloe vera extract, or just plain water. Avoid tight clothing and wear loose cotton underwear to keep irritation down to a minimum.

Remember, if any anal skin tag actually starts to hurt, it's usually a symptom of an underlying problem that probably needs to be seen by a doctor.

When anal tags cause unbearable levels of itching, pain, social or personal anxiety or hygenic problems, they are usually biopsied to make sure they're not malignant and then removed.

If small, they can usually be removed right there in the doctor's office, but if they're large or if there's a lot of them, you'll need to have the procedure done in a full operating theater.

Laser surgery and traditional scalpel are equally risky and lengthy procedures, though laser surgery does often do a better job of resurfacing the skin to appear normal.

Before getting a surgical procedure of any kind, look into the risks, costs and whether your insurance will pay for it in order to determine the course of action you want to take.

Anal skin tags are one of the mildest and most common anal health issues today.

Whenever you find a fleshy lump in the anal area, you should go to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Once you know what exactly you have, then you can make the best educated decisions for yourself, your preferences, and your life.