Ongoing Anal Itch

[youngrlc]

For three years now I've been dealing with a very bothersome anal itch. It doesn't bother me during the day.  Only in the evening.  It wakes me up every night approx 15  minutes to a 1/2 hour after falling asleep.  I've tried all the remedies I can find.  Various cream,s sprays, natural ointments, zinc oxide etc.  I've tried cold application, washing before bed with phisoex.  It's not pinworm.  I've taken this medication with no affect. I've been been examined by specialists in this problem and they haven't been able to help  Nothing has been working.  I don't sleep well and am feeling the affects of this. The only way to make it go away is to scratch.  I'm desperate for a solution. I haven't seen a dermatologist yet. Would this be a good idea.  Can you suggest anything else to try.

Thanks for responding

[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 you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Warm regards.

[721Tina]

I feel your pain!!!! I thought I was alone in the world, but apparently, we are not! I also have been suffering with severe anal itching for over a year now. Definitely see a dermatologist - I've seen more of my derm more than I would like, but he says it is eczema (atopic dermatitis). My itching, when really bad - like now, extends beyond the anal area to vaginal/labia. What I think happens is when we scratch the skin too much, it becomes infected - with fungus, etc. In my case, I think I have another fungal infection, so I am headed back to Dr. tomorrow.

I've also been to an Allergy specialist and had allergy testing - which didn't come up with any flags, but it's worth checking out. That doctor even suggested seeing a neurologist!?  My dermatologist says to stop eating dairy, which has helped, but I'm not convinced it's the only solution. I've been taking Doxepin (pills) at night since March to try and curb the urge to itch at night when, like you, it is the WORST! The allergist told me that Doxepin is 300 times stronger than Benadryl! WOW! But I'm not sure it's working anymore??!! My itching actually starts around 9:30/10pm when I'm just relaxing on the couch watching TV. It has been very frustrating and tiring, to say the least. Still trying to find a solution and cope!

Talk to a dermatologist and possibly allergist! Good luck!

[hugtrack]

I hate to be a downer, but I have suffered with anal itch, bleeding and discomfort for about 15 years. I have drawers full of hundreds of creams, prescription and over-the-counter, that I've tried to no avail. I've been checked and treated for parasties, yeast and hemorrhoids, even though none were found. I've changed my underwear to white cotton, my soaps, shampoos, laundry detergent, toilet paper and lotions all to non-allergenic, dermatologist suggested. I take a sitz bath after every bowell movement. I tried antidepressants and counseling after it was suggested that it might be psychological. I've seen close to a hundred dermatologists and G.I. physicians as well as general practitioners. No one can give me answers and no one seems to understand how disruptive it is to my life unless they too suffer from it. Lack of sleep is torturous and it's always worse at night. It's difficult to be a lady when you constantly want to wiggle.
My docs now say that it could be inverse psoriasis but they don't know how to confirm the diagnosis and don't know how to treat it. Has anyone received a diagnosis of psoriasis. If so, how are they treating you?

[Vibrant75]

I had a similar problem that lasted a couple of months. It was a horrible and embarrasing experience! I think it might have been a reaction to Cotonelle Wipes or pinworms. I was extremely itchy and sore.  I would scratch and it would feel good but then I would tear the skin.  The area became dark, tender, rough and flaky.  I tried washing after going to the restroom, putting lavander oil, and rash ointment.  Nothing worked.  OK, bear with me......Then I heard something about using Clearasil on your flaky feet and a thick lotion and wearing socks at nite on Oprah. So I bought some and tried it on my flaky feet.  It worked great!  Then I really paid attention to the small print "DUAL ACTION PADS DEEP CLEAN AND EXFOLIATE TO CLEANSE AWAY DIRT, OIL, AND BACTERIA".  So one desperate nite I used it on my bottom and it really Burned (due to scratches) but stopped the itching.  I continued use after going to the restroom.  After about a week my bottom healed, two weeks no more flaking and 3 weeks later no more itching!  I continue to use the pads after using the restroom but not as often.  I know it sounds really strange but it worked for me.  It's been a couple of weeks now and I am doing great!  HOPE THIS HELPS.