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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Anal Irritation
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Anal Irritation
by Dick, Jan 20, 2000 12:00AM
Here's one you probably haven't heard before but for the past 4 1/2 years I've been suffering from this condition. I'll be blunt. The area around my anus is inflamed and the skin is thinned out. As a result I am always uncomfortable and 50% of the time I have a bowel movement it bleeds. In addition to my regular dermatologist I've seen at least six others. My personal dermatologist thinks it likely is psoriasis but can't say for sure. We've tried everything including diflucan, anti-depressants, as well as just about every medicine you can think of. I haven't used a cortisone for 4 years so you can rule that out as a contributing factor. Currently I'm using just Aquaphor. This problem might not sound like a big deal to someone else but it prevents me from exercising so it impacts my physical health. In addition because I'm always sore it makes me cranky most of the time and I'm not my normal self. In the past doctors simply put some Gentian Violet on it and it would clear up in a few days. Not so anymore. Incidentally I've seen a proctologist and everything is normal as far as my bowels go except that this irritation extends about 1/2 to 1 inch inward. My diet consists of lots of fiber and plenty of water. I would appreciate any suggestions regardless of how unconventional they may sound. Or at least point me in a direction where I might look for some answers. ANYTHING. I am a 50 year old heterosexual male. Help. Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jan 20, 2000 12:00AM
, Jan 20, 2000 12:00AM
****:
What you describe is actually very common. It's hard to expalain why, but the perianal tissue is very sensitive, and intermittent or continual itch is very widepsread. Scartching and itching often produce blood on toilet tissue or bowel movements themselves.
Nothing cures this condition, but there is good treatment to suppress it. My personal favorite is vioform-hydrocortisone cream, applied 4-6 times a day, and then sealed in with Aquaphor. As symptoms remit, applications can be lessened.
Try it. You'll like it. If not, there are other choices. The key is to look for comfort, not cure.
Best.
Dr. R
What you describe is actually very common. It's hard to expalain why, but the perianal tissue is very sensitive, and intermittent or continual itch is very widepsread. Scartching and itching often produce blood on toilet tissue or bowel movements themselves.
Nothing cures this condition, but there is good treatment to suppress it. My personal favorite is vioform-hydrocortisone cream, applied 4-6 times a day, and then sealed in with Aquaphor. As symptoms remit, applications can be lessened.
Try it. You'll like it. If not, there are other choices. The key is to look for comfort, not cure.
Best.
Dr. R
Thank you for your response. Allow me one follow up line of questions and I won't bother you anymore. I realize there are other people out there with concerns of their own.
If my skin is thin is it alright to use hydrocortisone on it? Doesn't that thin out the skin even more? My skin is so thin already there are breaks in it. Burns like crazy. Is Analpram H.C. 2.5% similar to vioform-hydrocortisone?
Could MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane), alpha hydroxy acid, or lactic acid be used to regenerate skin tissue? I've also heard of a study conducted in Sweden where an aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic base has been used with a lot of success in conditions such as this and psoriasis. Know anything about it?
Please list the other choices I can try that you mentioned in your reply. I appreciate your help.
****
The alternatives include these ointments: aclovate, dermatop, tridesilon.
I don't know anything about MSM. The claims I see on the web seem hard to credit.
Good luck.
Dr. R
Dr. R
Mine is almost constant and the only relief I get is to scratch and massage my anus in a kind of "counter irritation" cycle - it is most unpleasant yet compulsive and addictive.
I too have tried all sorts of creams and am concerned about cortisone as well as dietry matters.
I will try some of the solutions mentioned above and hope like hell to get some comfort, but if any one has other suggestions please put fingers to the keyboard as after 25 years I am so sick of the condition. Thanks to you all.
I too suffer from the dreaded itch of the Anus. I have found that alcohol can irritate it. I have tried various creams prescribed by by GP. I find that during the summer months it goes away. I also feel it is all a state of mind as I have psorisis and when this gets bad so does the itch. Ive been to a "quack" which I found very good, but unfortunately circumstances didn't allow me to stick to the "No Alcohol" rule. I am going to start back on the cure soon so I'll keep you up-dated. The cure consists of a bottle which is drunk daily (to drive the itch out of the body) and a cream (no steroids) which then kills it off.
Regards
Mickey
Thank you, Jack