Re: Embarrassing Itching Anus
From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 25 May 2000 11:16:08 -0500 (CDT)
Very thorough answer.
The original poster said she went to the doctor. Was it a gyn? If not,
that may be helpful. Also, a dermatologist. Sometimes derm conditions
can hit in unusual places.
HSM
At Wed, 24 May 2000, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote:
>
>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
--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York
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