Possivle hemorhoids but also red and itchy skin

Greetings,

I've recently went to a doctor because of a possible hemorrhoid problem. The skin around the anus was also red. He prescripted me a meconazole nitrate 2%-hydrocortizone 1% cream for the rash but I don't see it getting better! And do believe me this is much more annoying than the hemorrhoids themselves as I cannot freely move, go to the toilet or even touch it!
The whole area is red with a pale red line in the middle of it! (I don't even know if that means that  it's getting worse or better!). I've been applying the cream 2-3 times daily for about four days now but I cannot see any improvement! I would have added a photo but because of the area of the problem it may not be appropriate.
Any help??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Causes of such an 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.