Swelling around the anal opening can be attributed to a number of causes. However, the most common cause is due to the swelling of the localised blood vessels which we call vascular cushions and this is most noticeable after you have gone to the toilet. These vascular cushions are normal blood vessels in the lower part of the anal canal however due to the pressure and straining mechanism to expel the faeces from the anal canal these engorged and swell up. The swelling of these blood vessels should they remain persistent or associated with bleeding can then often be termed haemorrhoids or commonly known known as piles.
These anal swellings are often internal. However, occasionally they can protrude at the anal margin or the anal opening so that you notice a swelling or lump in this area.
Most anal swellings can be attributed to straining or over straining or a poor diet. The swellings can sometimes only last for up to an hour or two after going to the toilet and normally settle within a few days in which case a simple alteration of your bowel habit and try not to strain when go to the toilet will be sufficient alterations in the lifestyle include high fibre diet with fruit and vegetable and plenty of water occasionally some people may need to take fibre supplements such as fibre gel in order to increase the daily fibre intake to help the make the balls more regular.
Should the anal swellings be more persistent and/or painful and/or associated with rectal bleeding then these can often be termed as haemorrhoids or piles. These often cause more ongoing bleeding and/or swelling and normally Conservative treatments such as creams like Anusol will help calm these down. Should they still be persistent after a week to 10 days then it will be worth seeking some medical advice.
The swelling of the anal canal vascular cushions can then sometimes cause the stretching of the anal skin which in turn is leads to anal skin tags. Should the stretching of the anal skin be more severe such in the case of haemorrhoids particularly more prevalent during straining or pregnancy then these anal skin tags can also swell on opening your bowels.
In order to get a proper diagnosis of whether or not it is the vascular cushion or haemorrhoids that is adjacent to the skin tags or causing the skin tags to swell would need a proper colorectal assessment including a proctoscopy. Should you feel you suffer with anal swellings or persistent skin tags in that area at the haemorrhoid clinic both of these symptoms are easily treated at our clinics
Frequently Asked Questions – Anal Skin Swelling
How do I know if I have if the swellings are haemorrhoids or anal skin tags?
It is difficult to assess whether or not you have haemorrhoids and your anal skin tags until you have been assessed by a doctor.
What does it mean if I feel something coming out of my bottom when I go to the toilet?
Occasionally you can have internal haemorrhoids or swellings that prolapse or pop through the anal canal when going to the toilet that people feel and sometimes then push back in. These internal haemorrhoids that are prolapsing through the anal canal often require treatment and you should see one of our consultants in order to assess this issue.
What can I do for to remove anal skin tag swellings?
At the haemorrhoid clinic we specialise in the cosmetic removal of the anal skin tags particularly when they are causing hygiene issues and confidence issues with their partners. The procedure to remove these normally takes less than half an hour and is normally done under local anaesthetic