Perineal/Anal Irritation, burning, itching, mostly after a bowel movement...

I too have suffered for the past 4 going on 5 months with a strange itchy anal problem. It started just inside my anus. I tried worm medicine, no relief. I tried a parasite cleanse. Still no relief. Then I applied Preparation H ultra. The itchy sensation started to spread out of my anus into the crease area and around it. It became intense. I tried alcohol gell you use for your hands- found it on the web - this burned but helped the itching... I think it may have given me dermatitis? Anyway - finally tried Lortrimin (antifungal) it helped a lot. So I though it was fugus. Tried Lortrimin and Tea Tree Oil (great for bacteria or fungal or parasites). The Tea tree oil is strong but mixed with the Lortrimin it's fine. It helped the itching like nothing else. I have since been to several doctors... they all act like nothing is wrong... I think they think the rash is from itching but it isn't ... I apply the creams instead of itching. The rash feels better than it did (as long as I apply cream many times a day). The rash won't seem to go away though. I've never had any medical problems before. I feel like I'm going mad. Because the antifungals help some, I talked the last dermatologist into giving me Diflucan 200mg. + econozole creame. Unfortunately doesn't seem to be any more effective than OTC cream I'm using. This is horrible. I have 5 kids. I'm so afraid I'm contagious. I wash everything constantly. My bedding, towels, by bath etc. I can't have sex with my husband because I'm afraid I'm contagious with something but NO ONE WILL TAKE A sample. I keep reading on line that the "doctor will do a scraping" hmmm WHO. No one I've seen. My normal doctor saw me twice and didn't give me anything (after a rash for 3 months). She sent me to a colorectal specialist because I felt a small bump in my anus. He said it's just an enlarged papillia and shouldn't cause too much itching. He didn't comment on the rash and I felt like I couldn't ask since he is more internal. Well I DO itch. If I don't use the creams I wake up in the middle of the night with itch. My rash is now much worse than the papillia site. I saw a gynecologist - tested for STDs all came back negative. Use vinegar baths at night & morming (these do help and are soothing). Finally tried bath with borax last 2 days. Seems like less itch but borax can be harsh so don't want to use often. Rash seems like will never go away. Waiting for soap from "Safe Solutions" that I hope will help - especially if this is actually parasitic? Until then - antifungal creams & tea tree make this bearable. Hope heaven is real because this feels like hell - don't want to live like this forever. Good luck everyone.

Hi ItchyMan,

UK, yes. Good luck. After using it everyday at first after discovering its helpfulness, I've been able to cut it down over a few weeks and now only use it occasionally. However, I am being more aware of how I sit and of trying to reduce pressure on the nerves in the area, which may be the root cause of the sensations.

Val

Hi Val -

I'm really glad to hear you're doing well. I ordered some gel from Westons last night, and I'm really looking forward to its arrival :-) Thanks for posting about it!

To the Guest above Val's last post:

You're where I was 2-years ago, with doctors thinking it was fungal. I've used Nystatin, an anti-fungal cream off and on for two years without it curing the affliction. I've also used every OTC anti-fungal out there with no effect. I don't even bother with the Nystatin any more, but in the beginning it worked great. I figure if it hasn't cured me by now, it's worthless. Maybe it will work for you (you need a prescription). Use it sparingly, and read the cautions.

If I were you, I'd print out the information from the link I posted above, make an appointment with your arse doctor again, and take it with you. That's what I'm doing, but I have to wait two weeks for an appointment. It might also be helpful if you print out this thread, or at least some of the posts in this thread. I'm doing that as well.

A final word about this - I know our doctors might think we're crazy, but there is no way in hell we're crazy when we all have the same symptoms. Please, if any of you have any breakthroughs with your doctors, post the information here. I will continue to update the thread as I do the round of doctor visits again armed with this new information.

Good luck!

I just want to say I am so glad I found this area...I have had similar issues as all of you..except...my problem is slightly higher than the perianal area..it goes up toward the base of my spine...between the cheeks..there is a redness..and often times it feels like it is splitting open...I have started to use vaseline..and as of yesterday I sat in a salt bath..I am pretty sure it is anal fissures but more from the inside than around the opening..
I also have the itching..which because it is sore I can not scratch..and like many of you find the night time the worst..this has been hard to live with and i only have had it for a couple of weeks..how on earth are you all dealing with this on a daily basis for months at a time..ARGH!!
I hope that some of the information I have found here helps...
I know that knowing I am not alone in this helped mentally...

I too have been suffering similar symptoms for 2 years now.
It all started with a very long airplane flight (12 hours) overnight, so I was in that horrible airplane crunch position..(which makes me think it may be nerve damage)

Yes, I have tried...diaper ointment. ice, hydrocortisone cream, hemmoroid cream, sitz baths, tea tree, tiger balm (which masks the itching enough to make life bearable) gold bond cream (masks burning as well)..prescription steroid and antibiotic cream...
I've changed my diet, my soap, bathng schedule, underwear, wear skirts most of the time, modified my diet, eliminated what I thought were culprits..
I've been tested for herpes (no) yeast (no) uti (no) parisites (no) blood in stool (no) and I am in a very monogamos marriage (not like I'm in any shape for sex with my tush so inflamed)

I also have the sensation that I have fiberglass like needles in my leggings and underwear. the prickly sensation radiates dowm the backs of my legs.
Luckily, I don't have any problems sleeping and the itching isn't bad, it is more of a burn..like I have acid urine / stool

whew_ seeing how much I have typed makes me realise that I have had this pain in the a-- for too long!

I'm wondering if you all have had your gall bladder removed as well? could this partially be an overproduction of digestive acids??

I'm searching for ibuprofin cream/gel tomorrow.

thanks for posting and reading. I hope we all find the relief and answers we need.

I had the same problem as everyone. I found the problem was that i would stand up and bend over while wiping. So i adjusted and started wiping while still sitting on the toilet before getting up. It instantly kept the number of wipes down and eventually the burning/itching/bleeding.
Hope this helped.

many of the posts are describing chronic anal fissures. I have been tested for every category mentioned here, but I can feel one distinct tear, plus a few small others. For almost two years now, I have had to lay down and not do anything.

SOLUTION: Start by seeing a respectable gastro-enterologist, and then a dermatologist if needed. Anal fissures have over a dozen potential cures (and I am trying a few now).

I have been dealing with the "itching ass" problems for almost 2 years. It has been my life's passion to find an answer. Although I have not cured it, I have figured some things out that may be helpful.

First of all, examine yourself with a mirror. If you have any tears or cuts in the skin around the anus than you have an anal fissure. This can cause pain when going to the bathroom and for an hour or so afterward. It can also cause discomfort prior to going to the bathroom because of the stool resting in the rectum. When people have really bad fissures they tend to tell their body they "don't want to poop" and therefore become constipated. Anal fissures will leave blood in the toilet, on the toilet paper, etc. They will also cause sharp shooting pains in the rectum.

What can you do? Go to a butt specialist/colon rectal surgeon and have them examine you. Tell them you want to try these two ointments: Lidocaine to numb the itching and pain, and Diltiazem to relax the muscle tissue making it easier for the fissure to heal. The doctor will probably have you stay on these two meds for about 6 weeks. There will not be immediate, but rather gradual improvement.

However, in my case the anal fissure had healed but I was still itching like crazy. Some days worse than others. I went back to the dr 3 weeks prior to my scheduled follow up. She said the fissure looked great but it was obvious I was still scratching the area because it was red and irritated. I was waking myself up in the middle of the night by scratching myself. She told me to use the over-the-counter ointment Calmoseptine. She said this was a common case of pruritus ani and that I needed to follow the guidelines for this problem now.

She told me to avoid the foods most commonly known to cause this, and gave me a list, but said the most common are tomatoes, beer and coffee. The list of foods that can cause itching, etc, is long and can be different for everyone, though. Find this list online and either eliminate all foods and see if the itch goes way and then gradually add one at a time back to your diet per week to determine which is the culprit. Or remove one at a time, but you could deal with the itching much longer because of this.

Also, hot baths are great for anal fissures because they relax the muscles and help the area heal...but, they are not good for pruritus ani and can further irritate the skin. Here are some DON'TS for pruritis ani:

DO NOT over bathe. Keep the area dry. Blow dry with cool air after a shower or bath and then apply the Calmoseptine.

DO NOT use the applicator that comes with medications like Prep H. This long nozzle shaped applicator can actually cause damage and prolong the problem.

DO NOT apply more than one cream at a time if can be helped. Use what your doctor prescribed and if it isn't working after a week or two then let the doctor know. Over use of medications dries the skin out and makes the itching worse.

DO NOT use soap on the anal area AT ALL!! DO NOT scrub the anal area. Soap can dry the skin and scrubbing prolongs the problem by damaging the skin.

DO NOT use baby wipes. (I had used these for over a year...) The alcohols, etc, within the baby wipes can dry the skin and prolong the itching. Blot the rectum after a bowel movement and then use a hot paper towel and just press it against the skin to clean and soothe. DO NOT rub or overwipe.

DO NOT scrub, rub, scratch, etc. This is where I have the biggest problem. It itches so bad I say to myself, "I'll just scratch it a little" and it will turn into a five minute scratch fest...and sure enough, for the rest of the day I feel worse. The skin has to heal to feel better.

I have been to over a half dozen doctors for this in the past year. I am currently on my second colo-rectal surgeon. The first did not believe in the idea that food was causing all my issues and said it was something physical, like the princess and the pea theory. But, he removed the three small hemorrhoids I had with banding procedures and I still itched like crazy... And, the itching like crazy led to my rectum being covered with anal fissures... I felt like I had a massive scab on my ass and I feared going to the bathroom... I was a wreck. I went to a new doctor for a new opinion and she treated me for the fissures with the Lidocaine and Diltiazem...and, as I said, now I am treating the pruritus ani with Calmoseptine and removing troublesome foods... I do feel much better than I did one month ago. If I would stop scratching completely I think I would feel great.

IN the spring I actually felt almost 100% normal for about 6 weeks. I think back to that time and remember that I had stopped drinking all forms of caffeine... It was a hurdle because I love my morning coffee or tea...but, my ass felt fine.

One more thing you might want to consider is food sensitivity testing. This will not be covered by insurance, but here is the cheapest way to do it. Go to **** . Order a self kit. Take the kit to your doctor and have them draw the blood for you. Send the kit to the Alletess Labs and they will run food sensitivity testing. My results were less than exciting. I have sensitivities to almost all foods. My biggest being gluten, wheat, baker's yeast and brewer's yeast...but, am also sensitive to things like garlic, cow's milk, yogurt, strawberries, black pepper, etc. I am supposed to remove all of these items from my diet for 3 to 4 months and then gradually add one back at a time. So far I have done it about 90% of the time... I am not saying this will cure your itchy ass...but, if you've tried all else and are still left with no answers, this could help. Total it cost me was $140.

If you have any further questions you can email me at *** Believe me, I've read everything these is to read and tried everything there is to try... You have to give up the problematic foods and you have to stop scratching...
Sarah :?

**edited by moderator** **e-mails and web addresses are not allowed**

Instructions for Managing Perianal Itching [Pruritis Ani]

Definition:
Perianal itching (pruritus ani) is a common problem involving caused by irritation and rubbing of the perianal skin. The main symptoms or burning discomfort, moist drainage or weeping from the anal skin, spotty bleeding on toilet tissue and intense itching, particularly at night. The symptoms induce patients to try to rub or cleanse the area more thoroughly, which only contributes to the ongoing irritation. Perspiration in the area caused by wearing polyester or non-absorbent clothing will enhance symptoms. The treatment of pruritis ani is to reduce the inflammation and break the cycle of rubbing and scratching.



Treatment:

1. The basic aim of treatment is to keep the anal skin clean and dry, and to avoid continuing injury to the skin from excessive wiping or abrasion.
2. Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment on the skin in a small amount twice a day. If troubled by itching during sleep, it is helpful to wear cotton gloves to prevent yourself from scratching.
3. When showering or bathing, avoid the use of perfumed soap. Especially avoid rubbing the anal area with the bar of soap or washcloth. Soap is highly alkaline and the residues collect in the folds of skin causing irritation and altering the normal acidity of the skin. Avoiding soap in this area completely is preferable.
4. After bowel movements, instead of wiping vigorously with dry tissue ( sry tissue is made with wood fiber), use a flushable wipe or similar application. Do not rub. Pat dry. A non-medicated (corn-starch based) dusting powder can be used to keep the area dry. Do not use baby paper. It can cause infection.
5. During the day, wear a thin piece of cotton drawn off a roll of 100% absorbent cotton. The cotton strip should be thin enough so that you are not conscious of its presence. Do not use rayon cotton balls or cosmetic puffs. Change the cotton strip frequently, especially if you perspire. Wear cotton underwear.

Diet:

1. Avoid foods that produce gas, indigestion or loose stools.
2. Foods that may cause increased mucus production include: tomatoes, ketchup, citrus fruits and juices, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, colas, nuts, popcorn, milk, chocolate, and spices. Avoid these foods or decrease their intake.

Hey Folks,

First, I just want to say that's great advice above me.

Next, I'm pleased to announce that after more than 2 years - I am ITCH FREE!!!!! I received my Ibuprofen Gel a couple weeks ago, and by the end of week one, the itching was gone. I now feel confident enough to report the results. I use it twice a day - after my shower and at night.

For those of you in the US: even the doctors here don't know about topical Ibuprofen, and pharmacists will look at you like you're nuts. I ordered mine from Weston's in the UK (Google it), because it was a better deal - two 50g tubes cost less than $20USD shipped. The 50g tube is a little larger than the biggest Neosporin tube I've seen to give you an idea.

Finally, I took it with me to see my doctor, and he's "blessed" my usage of it. According to my research, a little less than a pea-sized drop results in about 125mg of ibuprofen being absorbed into the body, and the Doc says an adult can have up to 800mg of ibuprofen 4x a day. So, despite the warning on the tube, he says I can still take Aleve for head or body aches.

Here's a HUGE hug and thank you for Val ;-)

I probably won't post here again, so I just want to say, good luck, and don't give up!

Cheers,
ItchyManNoMore

Hi ItchyManNoMore!

I'm SO pleased it is working for you! I find I only use it occasionally now.

If the theory that the root cause lies with some degree of pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) or pressure on that nerve is correct, then in the longer term one has to look at factors to do with the way one sits, etc. to relieve mechanical pressure on the perineal and anal area. But it definitely helps having something that stops the itching and burning long enough to think about those things!

Thanks too for your advice to people in the US.

Val

Check for Crohn's Disease or Celiac disease. they can cause nerve damage and bowel problems.

This is for Vals post...Im trusting you and i just bought some Ibuprofen Gel for the UK. Im in the states. I just had hemmoroid surgery which my doc said i had small internal hemmoroids but i have been dealing with this for about two years myself. So its nice to know there just maybe something that might help. Mine is more soreness and irritation after bowel movement with some itching everytime i go. Ive tried alot of things myself and some help but never go away. Im at the point of trying anything now. I found that most of the doc's just do listen and when you try to ask them about different things (They know what there doing) which im sure they do but when nothing is helping sometimes you just have to take matters in your own hand! If it helps i will post to let ya know. It will take about 4-6 days to get here.

Thanks in advance :D and praying!!!
BLONDEE

Mrs Buttfire..Do you have yahoo messenger with a name because they wont let you post email address. Im a female who has been dealing with this myself. I wanted to know where you get the cream you are using. Thanks



Thanks...Blondee

I have been suffering for 4 weeks with the misery of anal itch ,and burning. Five visits to my doctor and various prescription medications did not help ,and I was getting desperate to the point where I tried every over the counter cream and ointment with no positive results except for temporary relief due to analgesics in some of the products. After lots of investigation online I tried Witch hazel which i purchased at Walgreens in the form of Tucks pads ,and liquid Witch hazel. These products caused more pain when applied ,because of the amount of alcohol in the products.I went to a health food store and found a product(THAYERS ORIGINAL WITCH HAZEL WITH ALOE VERA) . 24 hours later and regular applications of this product have done the trick.I am almost back to normal. I am so happy and have struggled with this problem for so long I fealt obligated to share with anyone else who is suffering .