Excessive Moisture Around the Anus

[sam2004]

I am a 36-year old male.  From the time that I was a teenager until about 2 years ago, I used to experience frequent constipation and stomach pains.  After modifying my diet to include more healthy foods (i.e., whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) and less junk food, the constipation became infrequent.

However, after I made the change, I experienced the opposite effect: frequent bowel movements with loose watery stools.   I am currently experimenting with different foods, and taking Metamucil has helped to some degree.

An accompanying problem for at least two years has been this: nearly every time that I get the urge to have a bowel movement, the area around my anus becomes wet.  It seems to me like it might be nothing more than sweat – and it shows up as a wet spot on my underwear.  If I do not tuck my shirt in, it can show up on the back of my pants too.  The moisture is colorless, has no odor, leaves no staining, and is not thick or sticky – that’s why I suspect that it might be sweat.  I experience something similar under extreme heat, or during an intense workout.

This situation is worse in the morning (I usually get the urge to go as soon as I wake up, immediately after breakfast, and once or twice when I am at work).  It also happens when I am under a lot of stress.  

Is this a common problem, and is there anything that I can do to help avoid it?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are indeed sweat glands around the anus, and the amount of sweat that is produced would vary from person to person.

The frequent bowel movements are more concerning.  Irritable bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease as well as malabsorption syndromes would all be considered.  I would discuss whether a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (to look for inflammatory bowel disease) would be helpful in your case.  Stool tests looking for malabsorption, or a blood test looking for celiac disease can all be discussed with your personal physician.

If all the tests are negative, treatment for irritable bowel disease can be optimized.

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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Zicki]

A related discussion, Excessive Anal Moisture was started.