Itchy Anus

[Usernameisnot123]

so I’ve had an itchy anus for about a month now. It’s not haemarroids and it’s not thread worms. It’s an itch on the skin around it I’ve used Clotrimazole and that hasn’t helped. What is happening??

[Worriedman]

the question has to be asked have you been having anal sex

[Usernameisnot123 in reply to Worriedman]

No on this one. Haven’t even had regular sex for a year! (STI tested back then too)

[Worriedman in reply to Usernameisnot123]

what about soaps or deodorant they can irritate the skin. I use a brand called Simple soap which has no additives and my skin irritations stopped

[Usernameisnot123 in reply to Worriedman]

thank you! I usually use a mild soap by imperial leather. I think it might be irritated by perhaps washing power? I don’t know🥹

[Worriedman in reply to Usernameisnot123]

I used to use imperial leather and it gave me sore skin. Diet could also be a factor say spicy curry

[Usernameisnot123 in reply to Worriedman]

👀 okay I’m going to stop using imperial leather see if it makes a difference! Diet isn’t any diff to usual so might be the soap irritating the skin. Thank you!

[Worriedman in reply to Usernameisnot123]

it’s a difficult one as you can’t really take a photo

[xsevenx]

Do you wear thongs regularly? They may cause irritation in that area.

[Usernameisnot123 in reply to xsevenx]

thank you for the suggestion. No thongs for me! I work from home so it’s big pants all the way😅

[Galen70]

Most likely a dermatological problem. Try non bio detergents for your clothing, soap substitutes like E45 /Dermol 500/aqueous cream, and a topical steroids like hydrocortisone 1% twice daily for 2-4 weeks

[Usernameisnot123 in reply to Galen70]

thank you! The hydrocortisone has helped a lot!!

But seems to come back if I stop using it. Have changed my soap too🙏🏻

[Custardcreams]

I've had anal itching, is the itching worse at night?

I've been through the Drs they consulted a dermatologist and diagnosed 'pruritus ani' you can look it up on the NHS website.

Things that have helped me:

- not being rough with wiping - don't use wipes either, I bought a travel 'bidet' its a squeezy bottle with a nozzle and just fill with tap water, wash and then dab dry with tissue [when I am having a particular itchy spell I use before I go to bed with cool water and it soothes the area

- don't use soaps, they said to wash with aqueous cream but I found this irritates me, but could work for you

- use nappy rash cream, thinly as a barrier when needed [they put me on a topical steroid - like you have already said the clotrimazole, but this didn't work and you shouldn't use for longer than 1/2 weeks]

- wear cotton underwear, apparently white is best as no dyes

- try not to itch

[Usernameisnot123 in reply to Custardcreams]

thanks so much for taking the time to write this🙏🏻

It seems to haven gotten better recently so I’m hoping it is all okay. The other stuff I’ve already done (apart from the bidet thing, that’s a good idea and will look it up) also more eco friendly!

And will also look at nappy rash creams too.

Thank you!

[Galen70 in reply to Usernameisnot123]

Good to hear. If it is deratological it may reccur but you have a management plan to help now .