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Um, kind of strange question...


Tue, September 09, 2008 12:00 AM

I should probably ask my Doc, but I thought I'd consult the boards too. It's an embarrassing question, though. Has anyone ever developed a...lump(?), inflammation (?), I'm not really sure what to call it, on the anus? Almost like a hemorrhoid that doesn't itch, burn or sting? If so, what is it?

Any insight would be helpful.
Thanks.

FPO moogan83
Joined Aug 12, 2008

Thu, October 02, 2008 3:49 PM

 Reply posted for Moogan83.

Don't feel bad asking "strange" questions... this is totally the place for that! More than likely, it's probably a skin tag. Those are very common in IBD and can exist without any problems and not be bothersome. However, it never hurts to get them looked at! If it really were an abscess though, you would probably be in pain, and might even have a low-grade fever and perhaps a little drainage (puss). And if it were an abscess, touching it would probably hurt - a lot! Mine always have, anyway (all seven times). And it would feel like a mass - sort of like someone put a ball "up there," for lack of a better way to put it. If it's squishy and more like a lump of skin... probably a skin tag, and totally consistent with IBD. Hope you get things figured out - best of luck!

FPO jna
Joined Jun 3, 2008

Fri, September 19, 2008 6:11 PM

 Reply posted for Moogan83.

It's been over a week since your post so you've probably gone to the Doctor by now but...

Literally the day my husband was diagnosed with UC  he began feeling a pain in that area.  We thought it was from the colonscopy and it would go away.  To make a long story short it ended up being a perianal abscess. He had to go to the ER to get it lanced and drained... extremely painful!!!  My suggestion to anyone would be to get it checked out before it gets that bad!

FPO heavystars
Joined Aug 29, 2008

Wed, September 10, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for Moogan83.

Thanks for the replies everyone. So, if it's an absess, which sounds fairly likely now that I think about it, is that common in Ulcerative Colitis as well? Because most have you have made posts in regards to Crohns. I'm not 100% sure, but I really don't think it's a skin tag because it doesn't have the same characteristics as a skin tag. Could it be an inlfammed vein?

FPO moogan83
Joined Aug 12, 2008

Tue, September 09, 2008 11:37 PM

 Reply posted for Moogan83.

Most thorough GI docs will do the 'butt check' periodically to check for what you are describing.  It's one of the unfortunate complications of CD.

FPO ibdamom
Joined Jul 4, 2008

Tue, September 09, 2008 6:43 PM

 Reply posted for Moogan83.

Hi there,


Could it be an abscess?  I have CD and I have had 2 of these.  They started off small and didn't cause pain but they grew and became more painful.  I would at least mention it to my GI or have them check it out. These are somewhat common in CD patients.
Good luck

FPO jlepri9783
Joined Sep 9, 2008

Tue, September 09, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for Moogan83.

I would agree that it is probably a skin tag.  My 8 year old daughter with Crohns has them.  Her doctor said that is a sign of inflammation internally.  Now that her Crohns symptoms are under better control it is smaller but still there.  They do not cause her any discomfort.

FPO concerned mom
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Tue, September 09, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for acrohnsmom.

Thanks for the reply.

I have UC. I don't think it's a skin tag...not to be gross, but it doesn't look like a skin tag. It's almost like a bubble, or like a hemorrhoid...I'm really not sure what to call it. And like I said, it doesn't itch or burn or sting. It's really not doing anything, only I don't think it's normal to have something like that there so....

FPO moogan83
Joined Aug 12, 2008

Tue, September 09, 2008 11:54 AM

 Reply posted for Moogan83.

It may be a skin tag which can develop from Crohn's. I don't know if you have CD or UC, but I have CD and have a few tags. My dr. told me that although it is possible to remove them, it is not advised because most people end up with open sores once they are removed.

I would suggest that you show it to the dr., I know this is embarassing; it took me a while to show it to him too, but it's worth it.

FPO acrohnsmom
Joined Aug 25, 2008

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