itching around rectum/buttocks

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The area around my anus itches. It comes in phases and mostly occurs at night when I lay down. When I use the bathroom, I sometimes find very small amounts of blood on the tissue. I saw a doctor about this and he gave me a prescription for Analpalm, but it didn't get rid of the itching even right after I used the medicine. He said it might be a fissure. I believe the problem is outside of my anus due to that fact that the itching occurs up to the top off my buttocks. Any thoughts? A side note, may or may not be a factor: I do have hair in that area and have shaved the area a few times. Could it be razor burn? The only thing that makes me think it is not is how the itching occurs weeks after I have shaved.

[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 pls get an examination done by a surgeon 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, pls take an antihistamine like benadryl to reduce itching until topical treatments take effect.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted if you have any additional queries

[David38]

I think I have the same issue, Ive tried Preperation H...doesnt work so good....I dont think it keeps the area dry enough...infact I think it made things worse

Try bathing in epson salt (make a solution in a dish and apply it with a guase pad) and after its completely dry add Balmex (diaper rash cream - blocks moisture)

careful with how much epson saly you use as it can burn like salt on a cut...but feels so good after.

These two things have reduce redness, rash size and increased my comfort...

although my problem is not solved....and I am still looking for suggestions