I went through this a couple years ago. It was horrible. I suffered for 6 months. I thought I must have hemoroids, but none of the wipes, creams, or sitz baths helped. It kept getting worse. I could barely sit still I was so miserable.
My doctor and GYN couldn't figure out the cause of the problem. (I felt like a freak.) The GYN prescribed an expensive little contraption that inserts a foam into the rectum. One of the active ingredients was hydrocortisone or something similar. It worked, but it came back after a few weeks.
Luckily, during a regular GYN exam, my doctor took a urine sample. The next day they called to tell me I had a Urinary Tract Infection, and prescribed an antibiotic. The anal itching stopped in 2 days and my skin was back to normal within a week. Both doctors were surprised.
To this day I don't know if I really had an internal UTI (I didn't have the ordinary symptoms), or if it was the infection on my skin that washed into the cup. It doesn't matter because the antibiotic totally cleared up the external itching problem (for a long time). So talk to your doctor about a possible bacterial infection.
It still comes back once in a while. When it does, I use a great topical cream called Triamcinalone. It's a prescription. It works for any itchy spot I get. I believe it's a cortisone cream, so you must use a VERY SMALL amount of it. It absorbs into the skin, especially through open skin. Use a small amount a few times a day at first, then only as needed. I only need to use it 1-2 couple times a month, and it keeps the itching at bay.
The closest OTC medication I could find is hydrocortisone cream. It burns a little, but it helped more than the hemorroid stuff.
Hi Needhelp911... maybe something in the water over here?
Thanks lucylucy. That's interesting. I'll look into that. I've recently had a tooth problem and have been prescribed antibiotics. I realize that are many varieties though and am willing to give it another shot next year. My medical bills are adding up -_-
Well, Needhelp, I've found a temp fix for the problem. I poop at home. I use the bath shower head (water only!) to wash down there... always and thoroughly! Dry with towl and dab with TP. Apply a sparing amount of cream with 2% Diltiazem and "praff molle flav" or something(i think this means paraffin based) with TP and wipe any excess with clean TP. Next, I've changed my eating habits. I avoid coffee, caffeine and too much dairy since they all give me diarrhea. and for our--or al least my--problem, diarrhea is bad. Oh and try to cut out the spicy stuff.
Also, avoid soap near your anus. In fact, when you shower, do not soap or even clean between your cheeks. Use the bath's detachable shower head if you have one. Another thing: when you poop, do not wipe too much. Rather, take it to the shower head.
It's a terrible life but sooooo much better than having to deal with that 24/7.
I have also started taking calcium and potassium supplements. The potassium, I heard on opera, can give constipation. This is great for me since it just turns watery poopoo into harder ones, which means less wiping and thus less irritation. Both help with IBS, I hear. This is all IMHO. Please do your own research on the effects of calcium and potassium.
I've been told by a gastroenterologist that I have something similar to a chronic pain. He gave me psych-drugs! In other words its all in my bloody head. If it is or isn't it's still hell on earth and I'll still be looking for a solution.
Thanks again, lucylucy.
Last edited by MrItchyBum; 10-02-2008 at 02:01 PM.
Reason: spelling and clarity
Have you ruled out the possibility of an anal fissure? I had/have itchy bum related to anal fissure for which I had surgery. Most of the problem is solved but still dealing with some itchness. Was hoping to find some useful advice on how to handle the itching. Most people seem to do the same thing, wash, wash, wash. No soap and a little anti-itch stuff. But still, I'd like to be free of this prison and hope someone might have a better suggestion. Thanks.
I thought I was alone with this problem. I've tried wipes, foams, ointments nothing seems to work long term. Sometimes it feels like an itch other times it can only be described as a feeling of glass shards a 1/4" or so up the rectum. Sometimes the discomfort is unbearable then disappears for hours or days. I finally found a rectal cleansing lotion for use after bowel movements and the detachable shower-head for the extra cleaning during my shower. Testing shows no worms or hemorrhoids or fissures. Reading the posts has at least comforted me in the fact I am not alone, for awhile I thought it was all in my head.
I thought I was alone with this problem. I've tried wipes, foams, ointments nothing seems to work long term. Sometimes it feels like an itch other times it can only be described as a feeling of glass shards a 1/4" or so up the rectum. Sometimes the discomfort is unbearable then disappears for hours or days. I finally found a rectal cleansing lotion for use after bowel movements and the detachable shower-head for the extra cleaning during my shower. Testing shows no worms or hemorrhoids or fissures. Reading the posts has at least comforted me in the fact I am not alone, for awhile I thought it was all in my head.
What is the name of the cleansing lotion and can I get it at any drugstore?
i'm curious if you already got a whole cleanse or not? i highly recomend those.for anyone with itchiness. i did for myself and wife afyter being recomended by our nutritionist. yes everyone seems to be doin it but i say its really good. it can take care of the microorgs that can cause this kind of symptom u describe
Have you been seeking professional advice from a doctor??? This could be anything and these cleaning remedies may not be doing anything or making it worse. Have you been wormed??? Has this area been checked??? I highly suggest you speak with your doctor
I'm back, and still itchy!!
I'm making quite the part time hobby out of trying to kill the itch.
I've found one thing that does help.
Baby powder, and loose boxers.
When I wear briefs, the itchiness is unbearable. Now, if i grit my teeth, I can almost bear it.
Almost...
Anyways, I got some black walnut capsules, wormwood, and cloves.
I'm gonna start on a regimen of that. It was cheap so it's worth trying, I guess.
Here's what i'm going to try:
I have:
-black walnut hull tincture extra strength
-Wormwood complex(500 g capsules)
-Clove capsules(450 g capsules)
I had some reservations about the safety of wormwood, but i did some quick calcs about the safety(always good to be hasty with those safety calculations )
500 mg/capsule
Estimated 300 mg/capsule of wormwood.
Of that, estimate 1 mg of thujone per 1 gram of dried plant.
Therefore for 300 mg of wormwood, 0.3 mg thujone.
Maximum dose during regime is 7 capsules, so 2.1 mg thujone/day.
LD0 Dose in mice is 30 mg/kg. I am 75 kg, so I can have 2250 mg of thujone/day and not die!!!
I'll increase my dose slowly too.
If i start to feel pukey, I'll just cut back.
Damn, man, I really should make some homeopath friends so I can ask them questions.
Well, wish me luck.
Last edited by moderator2; 11-20-2008 at 05:56 AM.
Reason: posted disallowed website(s)
Hi, I too have been suffering from a persistant anal itch for over 10 years which I put down to a chronic candida infection of the digestive tract. The only time I've managed to completely rid myself of the itch is to stick to my anti candida diet which consists of food completely free of refined carbohydrates (sugar) as well as taking various anti fungal herbs.
It is possible for the candida to colonise the entire digestive tract from mouth to anus. The only place you would actually feel an itch would be the anus as this is the only part of the digestive system that has a layer of skin. The rest is lined my mucosa which my Dr told me does not itch even though it may be infected. This actually makes sense. I'm not saying that eveyone posting here has a candida problem but it is def possible that some do.
Signs that you may have a candida problem include:
- oral thrush: white coating of the tongue which worsens when sugary foods or beverages have been consumed especially alcohol. Cigarettes also make it worse for some reason. Prob because they suppress the immune system to some degree. I always test positive.
- Bloating shortly after consuming refined carbohydrates (sugary foods) or drinks. This includes white pasta and white rice and any white breads or pastries. The bloating in my view is caused by the by-products of the yeast (candida) fermentation process which is fed by the sugar. Just like fermenting beer. This occurs in the small intestine which immediately follows the stomach. So any yeast that resides in the small intestine feeds on the sugar and the expands its territory by competing with beneficial bacteria.
- Diarhoea can also be a problem as I've recently discovered. I'm not sure but I think this is a sign that the candida has spread to the lower large intestine.
Other symtoms include general malaise and fatigue, brain fog, and feeling like crap. Being easily irritated especially after having refined foods.
I no longer have the small intestinal symptoms as i went on major campaign to kill of the yeast using herbs and probiotics coupled with the sugar free diet; but the itch is something that keeps coming back when i reintroduce regular western foods and beverages.
The only option I see now is to use pharmaceutical drugs such as fluconazole which I'm planning on using after christmas. I'll let you guys know if that works.
I do know of a tea tree gel that worked for me in managing the symptoms of the itch. It was the only thing that completely got rid of the itch although it did come back after cessation of the gel. Am I allowed to list the name or is that a breach of the forum's rules. It's the only one of its kind.
Let me know what you think.
I can post more detailed info if you guys need it.
Last edited by moderator2; 12-02-2008 at 02:47 PM.
Reason: posted disallowed website(s)
Lampskin, I have been trying natural stuff. Have you tried any of the products? Right now I am trying ananoitch. Seems to help but too soon to tell exactly. There is another product called Itch Dr. I might try that one if this one doesn't work. But if anyone has tried these products and has had any success please let me know. Thank you.
Last edited by moderator2; 12-02-2008 at 02:47 PM.
Reason: posted disallowed website(s)
I had this problem for 3-4 weeks earlier this year. I tried a lot of things that didn't help until my daughter showed me some cream prescribed by her doctor (I think for a rash) called Triamcinolone 0.1%. I think it is generic for Aristocort Cream. I applied it at bedtime and when I woke up it was much, much better. The label said to apply it 2 times a day for 2 weeks, but I stopped after several days. The problem was gone and it hasn't returned. Your mileage may vary.
I am currently going through alot of these symptoms right now. Like bloating, spacey feeling, generalized all over cruddy feeling, anal itching, and the list goes on. I FINALLY realized that my body is full of yeast. I am over yeasted! lol I don't know the word for it. But it totally explains my chronic sinus infections! They are yeast based as well. So for those of you with anal itching it could very well be you need to De-yeast your body!
Here is what I started a week ago and I am feeling better already. I have started taking oil of oregano! My friend told me all about it, he and his wife have taken it everyday for 2 years and have not gotten sick yet. It got rid of their ailments and sinus trouble. It kills bacteria and fungus!
So everyday I take 4 drops into a shot glass of water and hold it under my tongue for at least 30 seconds and swallow. It gets right into the blood stream from there. I bought 1 ounce from the health food store for 58.00 but have since found it online for about 20.00. I would suggest you at least give it a try. It may be worth it for you too. Good luck!
I have a chronic skin disease called Hailey Hailey for the past 25 years. About seven ago it became much worse spreading in my groin and butt and under both arm pits. I began applying Dermatop cream continuously. Total is about 200 60 gram tubes. Also I contacted Lyme disease and used antibiotics for about a year. After not getting better I saw another doctor who said that I have a fungus/yeast infection. I've been taking Ketoconozole tablets and shampoo and also Vusion Cream. My skin is slowly getting better, quite a change for always getting worse.
One product I have found that is invaluable is Calmoseptine Ointment. This can be purchased at medical supply stores or over the internet. It is an amazing product. Unlike most over the counter creams, Calmoseptine does not infect my skin. It calms down inflamed rashes and allows me to finally function. It also appears that I will be able to get off the Corticosteriod Creams by using Calmoseptine.
Last edited by danielbarth; 12-15-2008 at 04:36 PM.
I hope all of you have found a way to relieve or make yourselves comfortable. I was really miserable and found I could make myself comfortable by practicing some of the suggestions I have read here. Avoid spicy foods, caffeine and chocolate. Use the showerhead and clean super gently. But still the itchyness would not go away completely. Finally went back to my colorectal doctor and he prescribed clotrimazole and betamethasone (one cream with both names) and told me to apply 2x day for 10 days. Today is day 9 and I'm so much better. Before it would take 1/2 hours for the itch to calm down and sometimes it just wouldn't. And I could NOT sleep well. Now, I am sleeping, the itch is practically gone between bowel movements and I have very little discomfort after a bowel movement. I go for a follow up on Monday. But things are really looking up. So, please, if you have not tried yet, go to your colorectal doctor and see if she/he can help. Hope you all find relief.
I have had this problem on and off for at least 10 years. I finally saw a colorectal doctor about 2 years ago. I did have a couple of hemmroids, but the major issue was yeast (candida).
I flare up when I eat sweets,carbs and acidy foods (like tomatoes, citrus) - the sweets with refined sugar are my real ememy. I also get this from antibiotics - this is what caused it when I finally got a correct diagnosis.
After being prescibed nystatin cream the fungus cleared up, but my skin was still very raw and sensitive. Dr. gave me sample of Calmoseptine Ointment and it saved me. This is great stuff - it's over the counter, but difficult to find - I was able to get my pharmacy to order it for me.
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Re: Itchy anus: Did anyone find a cure here? 
