Some sort of anal rash? Please help!

[omega11]

Hey, I'm a 20 year old male. I've been having this problem for quite some time now and it just hasn't seemed to let up any. Right inside my rectum is very itchy and around the anus are some small red bumps. I've been treating the rectal itch (which I believe is just hemorrhoids) with Prep H for about a month or two and it does seem to help a little bit, but upon actually inspecting the problem visually, I noticed the small bumps. I am straight, and just got blood tests for HIV/AIDS and was negative, as well as tested for other STD's in April. In the photo I've attached, you can see where it's inflamed from itching, which I do try to avoid but it's unbearable at times. Any help is greatly appreciated. I'd like to avoid going to the doctor because I actually ship out to basic training for the military in a month and cannot have something come up on my medical record. Thank you!

I feel gross putting the picture on here, but I feel it's necessary.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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 (already ruled out in your case) 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.

You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.
If symptoms persist then get an examination done from a doctor and also get your stool examination done for pinworms.

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.

[omega11]

Thanks for the response. I did look up the condition you named, and I wanted to add that the skin is not 'leathery' as Neurodermatitis is described. More-so raw from scratching. However, I'll pick up some hydrocortisone and try taking some sort of antihistamine to relieve the itch so it actually has a chance to heal. If that doesn't seem to help within a few days I'll take myself to the doc. Thanks again for the tip, I hadn't even come across that condition when looking up my symptoms.

[maatson]

Neurodermatitis- anal. Might need an external application of clotrimazole with hydrocortisone for a short course. Do consult your doc.