I've seen the phrase tossed around a bit, I think from what I've read I have one, but what is one? is it a problem? will it slow down healing / make it easier to rip again?

From what i've read, when people refer to a skin tag, they are actually talking about a sentinel. These are made by your body to protect the injured area.
Some docs say it will prevent healing, and others say if you remove them before the fissure heals, it can slow down healing.
They can become a source of discomfort in themselves, and can get quite large.
I have a small one that can get kinda swollen at times during my M cycle. I had one removed 1.5 years ago thinking it was am external hemorrhoid. The doctor was very uninformative. I wish i had let it alone.
they do often go away on their own, after the fissure heals, and a small bit of skin is left behind, which is then a skin tag.
anyhow, this is what i have gathered.
-Tanya