An anal skin tag is a small growth of normal skin that forms near the anus. The anus is where a bowel movement (poop) comes out of the body.

Skin tags happen when the skin rubs together or against clothing. An anal skin tag can also happen after an anal fissure (a small tear in the opening of the anus) or with hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum, the area just inside the anus).

A person can have one skin tag or many. A skin tag may grow slowly, go away over time, or stay the same size.

Skin tags are harmless and usually don't need any treatment, but the cause of the anal skin tag may need to be treated. If a skin tag is painful or bothers your child, the healthcare provider can remove it.

• If your child has an anal fissure or hemorrhoids, follow any treatment recommendations from your healthcare provider.
• Do not try to remove skin tags at home.
• Your child should not twist or rub skin tags.
• Follow up as recommended by your healthcare provider.

The tag:

• Gets red, sore, or swollen
• Bleeds or gets bigger

Where else do skin tags happen? Along with happening near the anus, skin tags also occur on the neck, in the armpit, under the breasts, or in the groin.

Who gets skin tags? Skin tags happen in all age groups but less often in kids. They can run in families.