Intense Anal Itching

[Worriedidiot]

Hi,

For about the last three weeks I have had a very itchy anus, the severity obviously alters throughout the day, but appears to be fairly constant, especially at night, I think it has woken me up a few times. I know that pin worms have similar night-time symptoms, but i think that is very unlikely as I am very hygeinic & do not have children. On inspection the anus seems a little red, & just by the entrance there feels like a small lump (not hard, not coloured, not really visible).

I have tried anusol, which doesnt really appear to stop the itching, any ideas on the condition, or any suggested over-the-counter treatment?

Thanks in advance.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Parasites, infections, diet, STDs, dermatitis and hemorrhoids can all lead to anal itching.

A digital rectal exam should be done, and any masses found biopsied.  Suspicious skine lesions can also be biopsied.  Looking for parasites can be accomplished during the physical exam.  

In many cases, a low-dose steroid cream can be considered.  

However, before treatment I would have this evaluated by a dermatologist.

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.
kevinmd_

[Linda J]

Sounds like a hemmorhoid to me. I'd try Tucks pads, or PPH ointment.

Linda J

[myproblem]

I agree that it is probably a hemorrhoid. Preparation H works well. Hydrocortisone cream works too. Anusol probably didn't help because it's for internal hemorrhoids. If it doesn't improve with home treatment, you should get it checked.

[KRYSTAAL]

I can speak from my experience as a child where all my 8 brothers and sisters were given worm medicine and I was extremely traumatized when I passed some huge 12 inch round worms. There were times when pin worms caused itching and I even saw them passed out in my feces and floating on the toilet bowl. The round worms were the worst because they ticked my anus so bad I twisted day and night. A lot of people as I have read on this forum need to stop listening to other people and check for themselves if they feel these things moving and tickling as they move, evewryone is supposed to be sensitive about their own bodies enough to know if that is a normal itching or one that keeps moving around.
I did it again in my late 2o's and used Zentel which was bought at the drug stores in Jamaica and removed the symptoms but it seems they are back.
I ordered more Zentel online but before taking it I need to know if it really hides them in the feces because I don';t want to see them or I will faint, seriously it is that bad, it traumatizes me to see worms let alone comming out of my body.
My family witnessed my trauma when I was eight years old and I cannot go through that again. It is worse now i am 45 years old this year and wonder if there is a surgery to remove them because I can feel them moving and I have the Zentel but don't want to take them unless I know I will not see them in my feces.

Doctor can you tell me if i will see them in my feces if I take  Zentel this time and folow a dosage of 400MG X 2 per day for 7 days or will they pass out while I am taking it and be traumatized? It would literally kill me!