Anal Itching

Hello,

Some basic info about me - i am male, 29, and in good health, non-smoker. No health issues.

About a year ago, i developed a persistent itch in my anal area.  Went to the doctor they had several diagnoses, put me on some antibiotics, and after about 2 or 3 months it went away on its own with the use of hyrocortisone suppositories and keeping the area clean with witch hazel. I was back to normal, no abnormal itching.

About a week ago i went to bed with some light itching, didn't think anything of it, put some witch hazel on it and went to bed.  Woke up and the itch was still there - so i refilled my hyrdo prescription and have been using them again for the past few days.   I dont have any bleeding, or bump or lessions or discharge... no change in anything else down there at all. Area doesnt even look irritated to be honest.   does seem to be concentrated on the small fold in the opening closest to my front.  

I can say that the intensity and persistence of the itch is much less this time. Last time around, the itch was near constant, this time, its very light, almost a tickle, and last for a few seconds or a minute and then its gone and everything feels normal.   I do notice it a bit more at night when i am a bit more sedentary. And the "volume", if you will, is turned up after a bowel movement.  

I don't know if this means anything or not but i live in a place that is very very hot in the summer time, and i tend to sweat a lot. the last doctor i saw about it said she thought it had something to do with persistent moisture in the area, which might make sense to me given that this is the hottest part of the year and it has appeared both time in august.

Anyway - what are your thoughts on this?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have perianal itch, a common and persistent condition.  Moisture and friction may aggravate it.  Hydrocortisone helps, and should be used when needed.  Not sure why they gave you antibiotics, but it doesn't sound as though you need them now.  You should confirm this diagnosis with a doctor in person.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff