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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
hemorrhoids?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
hemorrhoids?
by tfe, May 16, 2005 12:00AM
Hello Doctor,
For the past month, I've had irritation around the opening/just inside my rectum. It feels like an itching sensation. I notice that there's a small solid "lump" raised. It doesn't feel like it's movable (when I push on it, it causes slight dull pain but seems to stay put).
There very seldom is blood in my stool, and there is only slightly more pain when defecating than normal. Additionally, it is not bothersome to the point where I have to change my sitting/laying patterns at home, school, or driving.
What's complicated is that I recently was the recipient of anal sex, and there was a period of unprotected genital-to-rectal contact prior to engaging in protected sex (but as I recall, that "lump" was present at the time of the sexual contact).
So, my mind is constantly on the "lump" because of the possibility of it being sexual in nature (though, from other articles, a single persisent non-changing lump isn't likely to be herpes - right?), and as a result, it seems to always cause mild mild discomfort, though once my mind's on something else, it doesn't cause any discomfort, but I still know it's there (plus, examining it for changes 100 times a day probably doesn't help, either).
I've started applying hydrocortizone 1% around the rectal area - but I'm not sure if it's helping (I apply it once or twice a day).
Do hemorrhoids (or a fissure or maybe even herpes) last a month roughly unchanged? Is there something else that it could be and do you think it requires medical attention? (Again, it's not painful so much as bothersome/uncomfortable). Do you think an urgent care/ER/walk-in place would be equipped to handle something like this? I don't feel comfortable sharing this with my GP, if I have to go.
Thank you for your help, Doctor!
For the past month, I've had irritation around the opening/just inside my rectum. It feels like an itching sensation. I notice that there's a small solid "lump" raised. It doesn't feel like it's movable (when I push on it, it causes slight dull pain but seems to stay put).
There very seldom is blood in my stool, and there is only slightly more pain when defecating than normal. Additionally, it is not bothersome to the point where I have to change my sitting/laying patterns at home, school, or driving.
What's complicated is that I recently was the recipient of anal sex, and there was a period of unprotected genital-to-rectal contact prior to engaging in protected sex (but as I recall, that "lump" was present at the time of the sexual contact).
So, my mind is constantly on the "lump" because of the possibility of it being sexual in nature (though, from other articles, a single persisent non-changing lump isn't likely to be herpes - right?), and as a result, it seems to always cause mild mild discomfort, though once my mind's on something else, it doesn't cause any discomfort, but I still know it's there (plus, examining it for changes 100 times a day probably doesn't help, either).
I've started applying hydrocortizone 1% around the rectal area - but I'm not sure if it's helping (I apply it once or twice a day).
Do hemorrhoids (or a fissure or maybe even herpes) last a month roughly unchanged? Is there something else that it could be and do you think it requires medical attention? (Again, it's not painful so much as bothersome/uncomfortable). Do you think an urgent care/ER/walk-in place would be equipped to handle something like this? I don't feel comfortable sharing this with my GP, if I have to go.
Thank you for your help, Doctor!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 16, 2005 12:00AM
, May 16, 2005 12:00AM
Yes, it could be a hemorrhoid. You are also right to say that this doesn't sound like herpes. I nevertheless recommend that you have it checked out. I doubt this is sexual in nature, but still, you need to be seen for definitive diagnosis. An urgent care center would be a reasonable place to go.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Could it have been follucilitis (sp) or another irritation that just kept its original size because of my constant irritation?