Rash and itching around anus

[falcon21]

Well this is by far the most embarrasing thing I have ever talked about!  For several months now I have been experiencing tenderness and irritation around my anus.  When I finally got a mirror and looked it is clearly red with a very distinct border.  I have been trying to diagnose and treat it myself for about 6 weeks and it seems to be getting worse.  I clean very regularly so I would not attribute it to hygiene.  So far I have tried Desytin (diaper rash, that was my wifes first guess when she saw it) and Lotrimin ultra (antifungal, I thought it might be similar to jock itch).  This past week I have been getting intense itching during the night so bad that it wakes me up and I cant go back to sleep.  I have been woken up like clockwork at around 3am every morning, about 4 hours after going to bed.  I thought it might be pinworms but my wife is not affected and I have seen no other reason to believe that is the case.  I have a history of eczema and I am wondering if that may be the cause.  My eczema has usually been mild, small spots about a 1/4 in size that show up anywhere (hands, arms, chest, legs, face) but they are easily treated with a steroidal cream.  Please help!  I have been too embarrased to go to my doctor but it is greatly affecting my sleep now!

Thank you for your time.

[56Mommaof6]

I just recently saw my MD for the same symptoms. He told me to use gynlotrimin. To put small amount of the cream on the fingertip and rub into affected area, outside only. Also to use 1% hydrocortisone up to 4x a day. Good luck

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One of the possibilities for a red itchy rash around the anus can be intertrigo. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[29sillygirl]

Since you suffer fro eczema I am guessing it is attacking skin around anus.  I used to think the various skin problems I had were restricted to certain areas of my body....but noooo.

See your doctor: you have done everything reasonable and are still miserable.