How to manage a soft, painless bump outside anus?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 19-year-old male. I have a small, soft, painless bump just outside my anus. It feels like a soft ball under the skin and does not bleed or hurt. I noticed it after constipation and sitting for long periods. I used to apply pressure around the anus to help pass stool before, but for the past two weeks, I have been using a stool softener and only sit for about eight minutes during bowel movements. I try to rely on my pelvic muscles and wait for the natural urge. Also, I have noticed that when I eat spicy food, I sometimes feel a burning sensation around the anal area. If needed, I also have clear pictures of the bump that I can share for a better assessment. Can you please guide me on what this might be and if it needs treatment or will go away on its own? My height is 5 feet 10 inches, and my weight is around 165.35 pounds.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

It seems this is likely a skin tag that developed due to a chronic anal fissure. It is an anal fissure, which is a longitudinal ulcer in the anoderm of the distal anal canal. This condition is usually associated with hypertonia of the internal anal sphincter, which increases the traumatic effect of passing hard stools. The symptoms are-

Pain during defecation.
Bright red bleeding.
Mucus discharge.
Constipation is consistent with this condition.

I would like to ask a few questions-

Any history of painful bleeding, especially after defecation?
Duration of symptoms? Any attacks before it subsided?
It will be very helpful to send pictures.

Your responses will be very helpful in reaching a definitive diagnosis and determining the best course of action.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.