Itching problems in the anal area due to hair growth

Hello, and thank you very much for the support given in this forum.  I have a 12 year old son who is autistic, non verbal, and is having itching problems in his anal area, he just wants me to be cleaning him all day long, and what I've noticed is that he is beginning to grow hair down there.  He showers all the time also, I guess he gets some relief from the itchiness this way also.  Is there any type of cream or medication I can buy him, since this is a very sensitive area.

Thank You again for your support.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Anal itching is also called pruritis ani. 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.

Treatment of anal itching depends on the cause of the problem. It may include self-care measures, changes to your diet, treatment of infections or, rarely, surgery to correct an underlying problem. So please get an examination done by a surgeon/dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis. Till that time, 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.

Hope it helps. Take care and do keep me posted on how your son is doing or if you have any additional queries. Warm regards.