Got rid of pinworm, but still itching

I was confirmed to have pinworm a few months ago. I took two pills of mebendazole, one every two weeks. I still had symptoms up until last month so I went back, and was put on 2 pills of mebendazole a day for 4 days. Needless to say, I think the infestation is gone, and checks with a mirror show no sign of the pin worm still being there. However, I am still itching, not on my (forgive the graphicness) butt hole but right above it. I'd say maybe a centimeter down from where my tailbone is. It's driving me crazy, its a consistent itch all day, it doesn't get worse during the night its just always constant and itching it initiates a minute long itching period where I can't stop. Please help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Causes of itchy anal rash 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, please take an antihistamine like Benadryl to reduce itching until topical treatments take effect.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.