A 'fissure tag'—formally known as a 'sentinel pile' or 'sentinel skin tag'—is a small, extra growth of skin that develops at the outer edge of a chronic anal fissure. It forms as a result of a local inflammatory response or scar tissue as the body attempts to heal the fissure. Key details about the fissure tag include: Significance: The tag itself is an "indicator"—an external sign pointing to the presence of a small tear (anal fissure) in the inner lining of the anus. Common Symptoms: The fissure typically causes intense pain—often described as feeling like "broken glass"—during bowel movements, followed by a burning sensation. While the raised tag itself is usually harmless, it can cause discomfort, swelling, or hygiene issues. Treatment Priorities: Dermatologists and proctologists strongly advise treating the fissure first rather than removing the tag. If the tag is surgically removed while the underlying muscle tension and the fissure remain, the resulting wound may struggle to heal properly. Treatment: Often, when the fissure is successfully treated—typically using muscle-relaxing ointments, warm water baths (sitz baths), and stool softeners—the sentinel tag softens, shrinks, and becomes much less bothersome without the need for surgical removal.