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Re: Embarrassing Itching Anus

From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Wed, 24 May 2000 13:01:52 EDT


Hi there,

Have you ever been checked for a pilonidal cyst? Its a cyst in the tissue near the bottom of your spine, and it can drain sometimes, sometimes reaching the anus and causing itching. It's not all that common, but I thought I'd bring it up because you said it gets worse in hot weather, when you'd be sweating, and at night, where a drainage could dribble down there easily. Usually it shows no symptoms until its very large, so you may not feel any pain, or see any discharge yet. Just have your GP check into it, and if you do have it, best get it removed surgically or have it lanced.

The next thing that comes to mind is the odor. Are you 100% sure its not _vaginal_ dischage? It could very well be - you could have a minor untreated infection, or it could be that heavier or odorous discharge is becoming a norm for you - in any event, vaginal discharge can certainly make the anus itch. You should see the gynecologist and perhaps have a culture taken to check for any bacteria or yeast.

You said you have good hygiene...I'm wondering if its not either of the above things, could it be that your hygiene is _too_ good? By this I mean that sometimes when people have a problem like this, they wipe themselves extra, often more than necessary, or use scented or "medicinal" powders or creams, that can put you in a tailspin - they can cause more irritation than anything else. What do you use to wash yourself: what kind of soap, what temp of water, what kind of washing cloth, how often, etc? Those answers may be good clues to what's causing the irritation. Are you bathing or showering? If you're showering/bathing too often, that might be aggravating the problem too. Sometimes in cases of vaginal or anal itching, doctors recommend using very dilute soap like dove unscented, or just tepid water soaks for a while.

If the area seems dry, you may want to try a moisturizer - ask the dr. for a prescription. If it seems moist, don't use any creams or lotions that could moisture or don't sink in - moisture can cause wetness. If you're overweight, or someone who's warm normally or having hot flashes, excess sweating could cause moisture, thus causing irritation, thus causing the itching.

I'm sure you've heard this before, so I saved it for last - wear only loose, cotton (not nylon) underwear. Steer clear of tights, and wear a pantiliner or sanitary napkin if you feel any wetness. A powder like GoldBond, or Vagasil might help, but consult your doctor first.

Hopefully some of these things will help you. Here are some websites for you to go to:

1)This site has a diagnostic page for anal itching: http://www.medical-library.org/journals/mddx/anorectal_pain_and_itching/1_anor ectal_pain.htm

2) Easy to read information here: http://www.capederm.com/info_pruritus_ani.htm

3) Patient info on anal itching: http://www.dermnet.org.nz/dna.pruritus.ani/pa.html

4) Patient Brochure: http://www.fascrs.org/brochures/pruritus-ani.html

5) Healthsquare information: http://click.hotbot.com/director.asp?id=3&target=http://www.healthsquare.com/m c/fgmc0541.htm&query=%22anal+itching%22&rsource=LCOSWFE

If you need any help with these, let me know!

Take Care

Kas




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