Anal Itch Caused Pinworms?

[impulser13]

I am not sure where this should be posted but I will try here...

I have anal itch. It doesn't hurt when I go to the bathroom, and I don't have any other symptoms besides itching. It has been going on for a few weeks now. I am a 20 yr old male and I work with elementary school children. I have tried various creams but none have really helped. The itch is often worse at night an in the morning. I have tried anti-fungals, hemroid creams, basic anti itch creams, and even zinc oxide creams... Some help but never alleviate the problem.

I am beginning to think it is pinworms and I would prefer not to go to the doctor. Should I pick up some over the counter pinworm medication?

[jagesh50]

pinworms are notorious to cause perianal itching.Albendazole 1 tab to be chewed just once,after food.Nails to be trimmed to prevent autoinfection,wash hands with soap and water after schoolwork and toilet.Treatment of whole family is a must.Consult your doc.

[pavidasi]

itching anus? not fun. children are notorious for getting pin worms as they play in the dirt and then put their little hands in their mouth. They infestation is in the soil and the worm larvae is spread really easily. Good way to check is examine the anus in a mirror at night when they begin to itch you. By spreading the buttocks the little pin worms may become visible because they wiggle alot and may exit the anus. Discusting, but this is the only way you can confirm your own diagnosis with out a doctor. The worms are especially active at night. I have seen this condition first hand many times so I know.You will probably still need to take a medicine to kill them. They won't go away otherwize, and will become more bothersome. Good luck!

[impulser13]

thank you guys for your comments... I am probably going to see my doctor tomorrow. I haven't seen any worms at all.

Could it possibly be a yeast infection?

[pavidasi]

yeast infection? I've never heard of males getting yeast in that area. To see worms you would have to spread the cheeks very very far apart, to the point where the worms actually come out because you are exposing the inner anus, if you know what i mean. Does it feel like tickling and movement. Or more of an itchy-burny feeling. Could also be hemmroids that are on the inside. You would not be able to see them. Good idea to see a Doc. Let us know what he says, now I'm curious.

[impulser13]

I don't think it is hemorrhoids because I don't feel any pain or discomfort whatsoever, just extremely itchy. It isn't really itchy on the outside it is more itchy around the area. I don't feel burning necessarily.

I googled it and apparently anal yeast infections do occur.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Anal itching is also called pruritis ani.Causes of include moisture(due to sweating or frequent washing), the abrasion caused by clothing,the pressure of sitting,chemical irritants like laundry soaps, colognes and scented toilet paper,certain food irritants,medicines like some antibiotics and laxatives,infections like STD’s and pinworms,anal abrasions and fissures and skin problems such as psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema. Sometimes hemorrhoids will start off as red rash and anal itching.

Try an over-the-counter (OTC) cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Preparation H),but it is to be applied sparingly to the affected area. A protective ointment that contains zinc oxide (Desitin, Balmex) also may help. If your symptoms are worse at night, pls take an antihistamine like benadryl to reduce itching until topical treatments take effect.Also get your stool examination done to rule out pinworms(more likely due to your symptoms of night time itching).

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[impulser13]

Dr. said it was likely a yeast infection and to apply Lotramin AF twice daily.

Dr. also gave me a script for Vermox in case it isn't fungal.

[Debra1959]

I had this problem too.  It was yeast - but not an infection on the outside but a yeast infestation (different than an infection I guess) in my bowel.  I was on acidopholius powder for 30 days and I am cured.  If the Lotrimin doesn't work, try treating it from the inside. You can get it at Whole Foods or I'm sure any local health food and supplement store.  And when my doctor said to treat it this way I was doubtful - but it really worked!