Sentinel Pile

Sentinel Piles

Sentinel piles, or sentinel skin tags, can sometimes heal without treatment. However, surgical removal may be needed if they are large or cause discomfort.

What Are Anal Skin Tags?

Anal skin tags, also called hypertrophied papillae or fibro-epithelial polyps, are common, harmless growths around the anus. They are often mistaken for warts or hemorrhoids and may result from inflammation, injury, lesions, or leftover skin after hemorrhoid treatment.

Possible Issues:

Although not harmful, anal skin tags can make hygiene challenging, trap moisture, and cause irritation. Friction from clothing or prolonged sitting may worsen irritation.

Medical Advice:

A doctor can confirm that the growths are benign and not cancerous. While professional removal is advised, skin tags can sometimes be removed at home by tying dental floss or fine cotton around the base, cutting off blood supply until the tag falls off.

Removal of Anal Skin Tags

A GP can remove anal skin tags using burning or freezing therapy. In some cases, surgical removal under local anesthesia may be required. However, this treatment may not be covered by the NHS, as it is often considered a cosmetic procedure with low clinical priority.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is typically quick and relatively pain-free. Proper hygiene is essential to prevent infection due to the proximity to feces. Aftercare may include laxatives, pain relief medications, and sitz baths to soothe the area and manage discomfort.

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