Concerned

Doctor,

I am concered about some possible bleeding that noticed when passing a stool today.  I have read several times that it is good idea to have these situations evaluated by a professional rather than attempting to diagnose the problem.

Let it be known that I get rectal bleeding. In the past I experienced much anal itching, but I made a concerted effort to get rid of it by washing better in the anal area.  It worked, I rarely if ever itch there anymore.  

Bleeding is a rare occurence and when it happens, it usually involves a small amount of bright red blood on the tissue. In an effort to further evaluate this situation, I took a closed look at my anus to evaluate for possible fissures or hemrroids.

I noticed that the anus seems to look normal in most places but some portions are dark, almost purplish in color.  I saw no bumps, ulcers, warts or anything else.  I am concered that above the anus, it is bright reddish, typically near the rectal opening. I am not sure if this is normal or not, but there is a condition I read about called proctitis that has me very concerned.

According to some accounts, proctitis is caused by std's or other causes.  It is apparently found in gay men.  Let it be known that I am not gay, nor has anyone ever penetrated me in this region.  I am someone concerned, however, because I have been "grazed" in that area (anus) during massage by someone's hand.  I would say the contact was fleeting and not traumatic. I have read several posts by Doctor Handfield, who seems to think that I would be at zero risk for std here, mainly because he has never heard of this happening, and mainly because in his 30 years of being this type of doctor, he has never witnessed it.

I think it should be known that my family, has a history of hemrrhoids - but does this include the redness above the anus and what accounts for the purplish look in other places?

PLease help me make sense of this it is of concern to me

THanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Having the area evaluated by a physician is recommended.  Local inspection can be done with an anoscopy.  

However, if there is bleeding, a colonoscopy would be the most comprehensive test.  Polyps, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease would be excluded.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[joe187]

Maybe I am just being paranoid, but when I saw blood I got scared.

Let me try to clarify my description.  THE anus looks i think pretty normal. It obviiously has folds, which are somewhat darker in color, sort of a purplish hur.  Beyond the folds inwards is more redish looking flesh, similar to the color of your internal bottom lip on a caucasion male.  I don't know if bright red is the most accurate descritpion, itis redder than what i see in the anus.


Maybe I just need to leave it alone.

[joe187]

ANy idea about what the normal color of the anus should be.  Is it normal for it to be reddish pink, like lips in color?

[joe187]

I should also add that this problem cleared up in a day, no more pain. I think the bleeding came form the anus, not the rectum.

Do I still need to have it checked out?

[lizziecee]

Hi Joe - Dr. Pho doesn't answer supplementary questions to my knowledge. You will have to do a new post (and pay the fee) if you want another answer.
It could be that the blood is coming from an internal haemorrhoid rather than anything more serious. If it happens again I would get it checked out by a doctor.
Liz.