Small Skin Protrusion After Fissure Healing: Skin Tag or External Hemorrhoid?

After an anal fissure heals, some individuals may notice a slight skin protrusion near the anus. The question is: Is this protrusion merely a natural skin tag resulting from the wound's healing, or is it an external hemorrhoid that requires medical intervention? The following article clarifies the difference between the two conditions.

What is a Skin Tag?

After an anal fissure heals, the wound may leave behind a small skin protrusion that causes no pain and no bleeding. These tags are often:

• Painless.

• Soft to the touch.

• Fixed in size.

• Considered a natural result of the healing process (sometimes referred to as a "sentinel tag").

Their presence does not pose a risk in itself, but some may find them aesthetically bothersome.

• 🔗 Related Article: Anal Fissure: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. (Arabic)

What Are External Hemorrhoids?

External hemorrhoids are swollen veins under the skin around the anus and may look similar to skin tags. However, the difference is that external hemorrhoids:

• May be painful, especially when sitting or moving.

• May be accompanied by bright red blood with or after a bowel movement.

• Are firm and swollen to the touch.

• May cause itching or a feeling of fullness.

• For more on Hemorrhoids:

  • The Difference Between Internal and External Hemorrhoids and How to Tell Them Apart (Arabic)

  • Hemorrhoids: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment (Arabic)

  • Can Hemorrhoids Return After Treatment? And How to Prevent That? (Arabic)

How to Differentiate Between a Skin Tag and an External Hemorrhoid?

When Should You See a Doctor?

Medical consultation is recommended in the following cases:

• Persistent pain or recurrent bleeding.

• A change in the shape or size of the protrusion.

• Presence of inflammation or severe itching.

Conclusion

The appearance of a small skin protrusion after an anal fissure heals is often just a skin tag that is painless and does not require treatment. However, if the protrusion is painful or accompanied by bleeding, it is more likely an external hemorrhoid. The included Hemocure links provide a practical explanation of the difference between a fissure, hemorrhoids, and how to manage each condition.