Diagnosis?

[Ja1993]

I'm male and 18 years of age,I've had an itchy anus for a few months now and there is redness around it.I also have a foul smell coming from the groin area,down the sides it looks like my underwear have cut into me (I tend not to wear boxer shorts).I am very active too so sweat maybe an issue,I can't resist the urge to scratch,there definitely is unwanted moisture down there which irritates the anus aswell.Other things about me that could help with a diagnosis are that I am sitting down quite alot each day and I have been told that this contribute! Because of the itch,I tried shaving the area which I now know isn't a good idea because as the hair grows back,it feels gritty and doesn't help at all (shaving didn't help the original itch by the way) and I think that has caused spots near the anus,they appeared a day or 2 after shaving the area but there are only 1-2 spots... the only allergies I have are hay fever and I'm also allergic to metal (wearing a belt with a metal buckle etc) Sometimes I have an itchy penis but this is usually after running or playing football or something so I think that would be normal due to sweat.                                                          Could someone help please?

[Ja1993]

I do spend alot of time sat down and I often strain while going to the toilet,are these things likely to cause hemorrhoids? And is it possibly to have hemorrhoids that cause near constant itchiness of the anus and that cause no pain and aren't visible?

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hi there!
Itching can be a normal reaction to the chemicals in the stools due to foods we eat like sauces, spices etc. Irritation caused by frequent loose stools, fecal incontinence, yeast infections in patients with diabetes mellitus,HIV etc can all contribute to anal itching. Conditions like psoriasis, fistulas from small intestine/colon to anal area seen in conditions like Crohn’s disease can cause anal itching. Pinworms, haemorrhoids, anal fissures and skin tags are other possibilities. It is best to seek the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional and get the diagnosis confirmed. Treatment will depend on the cause. Do keep me posted.
Take care and regards!