Skin tags are small pieces of tissue or flaps of skin that dangle from the surface of the skin on a narrow stalk. These flaps of skin have many names. The medical community may call a skin tag acrochordon, soft fibroma, fibro epithelial polyp or pedunculated fibroma. Regardless of what they are called, skin tags are usually harmless.
Many individuals do not worry about removing these pieces of tissue, unless they are in an area that is highly noticeable or in a location on the body where they are getting snagged on clothing or jewellery. Some skin tags are on an area of the body where they may be mistaken for other conditions. One example is the perianal skin tag.
What is a Perianal Skin Tag?
A perianal skin tag is a skin tag that appears at the opening of the anus. Many individuals report no symptoms with a perianal skin tag, but some may itch or become irritated. Before treating a perianal skin tag it is important to be sure the bump you have is actually a skin tag.
Haemorrhoids or anal warts can look like skin tags. Even though it may be embarrassing, you need to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatments for a Perianal Skin Tag
A perianal skin tag is best treated by a doctor since it is located in an area that is difficult to see. The doctor can cut the skin tag off, or he may use liquid nitrogen to freeze it off. These procedures are usually painless.
If you don’t want to see a doctor for removal of your perianal skin tag, you can try a few different treatments at home. Keep in mind, these treatments will take longer to work. It may be several weeks or even several months to get rid of skin tags using home remedies.
The first at home treatment for a skin tag is to make a paste of castor oil and baking soda. Put this paste on the skin tag and leave it there. Repeat this several times a day. Over time the skin tag should wither away.
Another home remedy to treat a perianal skin tag is to soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and put it on the skin tag. Apple cider vinegar is a mild acid, and it can eventually cause the skin tag to wither away. If full-strength vinegar burns or irritates the skin, you can dilute with water.
There are natural skin tag treatments you can buy. The best natural treatments are made from essential oils derived from plants that have been used for centuries to treat all kinds of skin conditions. The best natural skin tag solutions have been studied extensively and have been found to be effective at getting rid of skin tags.