i am a 19, almost 20-year old wht male, and DELABRUM you described almost EXACTLY what my problem has been!!
There is one big difference though, I am gay and actively participate in anal sex. I have talked to my doctor about these lumps, he seemed to think they were a result of either anal fissures or irritated hair follicles.
I am very worried that it may be something much more serious about it, but its extremely embarrassing to talk about to a doctor. As DELABRUM described, they look like small, dark red lumps protruding from the anal ring, some are inside, some out.
This is the part that is even more embarrassing... while showering, I decided to see if these lumps were similar to pimples, and see if they 'pop'. so i squeezed a few of them and they did indeed pop, and i pulled off a very small glob of white colored puss, similar to that of what comes out of a pimple, only less liquidy, and more of a solid from the lumps...
these 'tags' that have been mentioned seem to make the most sense, anal fissures that did not fully heal had flaps of skin cover them for protection, and may have locked in bacteria causing a small infection, like that of a pimple? and due to the thickness of skin 'down there', the pimples never popped, thus causing discomfort, as whatever was causing the infection was never removed from the body...
im not in the medical field at all, but thats my best guess, and im really hoping that's what it is...
anyone else have other ideas, suggestions or solutions to what i have goin on down there? thanks!