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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What can I do to relieve an itching anus?

    Related Topics
    Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Digestive Health Haemorrhoids
    I have a complicated history of pain due to spinal degeneration, (4 proplapseed disks, arthritis, nerve damage).

    I am 30 and female, I receive ketamine every 8 weeks this has been the only treatment that has managed my pain… the question I have I don't know if it is related to my history or a separate issue. I have had stomach pain for at least 18mths lower left side above hip, constipation and diarrhea, my doctor has done basic tests and found nothing, over the last two months I have experienced extreme itching of the anus, as well as sharp burning pain, again my doctor felt it was nothing, I can't stand the itch, its keeping me awake at night and “nappy rash creams” relieve the itch for a short time but they do not seem to help, what can I do to relieve this pain and itch?
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  • 8

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    Jon Gamble

    Naturopath

    Jon is author of ‘Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome’ and “Obstacles to Cure: Toxicity, Deficiency & Infection” - two books for CAM practitioners. He specialises … View Profile

    In adults you have to think about the following reasons for rectal itch: (1) worms - try a common worming treatment; (2) haemorrhoids - try a haemorrhoidal cream instead of a fungal cream; (3) food sensitivity: you can ask  you practitioner to get you an IgG food sensitivity panel - eg wheat sensitivity can cause rectal itch. You may have a combination , since you also have undiagnosed abdominal pain with alternating constipation and diarrhoea: try an antiparasitic remedy and think a bout a food sensitivity panel.

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  • 5

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    Anonymous

    HI what test have you had done regarding the pain and other symptoms ? it could be food related you can also do an elimination diet to see if that is the course also. 

    Have you had a colonscopy or endoscopy just to rule out anything else like an IBD / IBS also  do you notice any bleeding when passing motion?

    also I was recommended by my surgeon as I sufer from, fissures and itchness and IBD and he recommend that I use baby wipes or the moisture toilet paper wipes after bowel movements he also suggested for me to use wheatgrass blam, do a google search on this product belief me it is very sorthing I found it in a healthfood shop, my surgeon did tell  me you can get it from good pharmacies also you can buy it on line. 

    I hope you can get some relieve. 

    As for the back pain sometimes changes in bowel movements / or urinating can be from nerve damage but I am not sure how they can determine that. i think you need to see a nerologist for that

    good luck

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  • 7

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    kiminpain

    HealthShare Member

    thankyou for your responses… my gp has done blood tests to rule out wheat sensitivity, kidney, liver issues… we have treated for worms although he felt that it was highly unlikely… and he has decided by process of ellimination that i must have IBS, my question is why is the first treatment for IBS “antidepresents”? after reviewing my blood tests he has given me a script for Allegron 10mg… i am not one for taking tablets unless absolutly neccesary and do not really understand why an antidepresent would help with stomach pains, diarreah/constipation and itchy bottom…is this commonly the first line of treatment? is this a short term treatment or lifelong.. my gp said we'll just see how it goes and treat accordingly. i have not filled the script and am unsure i want to.

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  • 1

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    Anonymous

    Hi Kiminpain

    I have read about how some GPs  prescribe people with some antidepresents to help relax the stomach for IBS antidepressents are also good for pain not only depression,  but may I ask how bad is your symptoms and have you tried the moist toilet towels / baby wipes suggested, and also the cream I suggested for your itchiness, believe me it does work from my own experience. 

    Also have you considered seeing a naturalpath or a homeopath especially ones that deal with IBS if you do not want to take this type of medication I have heard a lot of people that try alternative medications and also  look at the diet and found help with their IBS, also look at the fodmap diet, or the special carb diet, Paelo or GAPS diet. I have been reading up on them and have heard some get responses from people on them. 
    I do hope you found some relief and good luick in what you decide to do. 

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  • Anonymous

    also I forgot to mentioned another product it is called Iberogast it is a herbl medication that you can get from chemist or health food shops it is presribed for people with IBS you can always try this as well if you life. 

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  • 3

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    Therese Mortlock

    Counselling Psychologist, Psychologist

    As others have suggested their could be many causes.  Also ensure your Ph level is correct if your eliminations are too acidic that can be a cause.  You can buy test strips from chemists, health food shops or your naturopath.  I've had clients with persistent worms and an endocrinologist was very helpful to them.  With worms your naturopath can help as they may need a month or Parex then another dose.

    All the best

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  • 5

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    Dr Darren Gold

    Colorectal Surgeon (Bowel)

    Dr Gold is a specialist in proctology . This includes haemorrhoids, anal pain, anal fissure, pilonidal sinus, anal fistula, faecal incontinence and constipation. In addition … View Profile

    There are numerous causes of anal itching: haemorrhoids, fissures, fistula, fungal infections, exessive scratching with abrasions and excoriation, etc. etc.

    The best way forward is to see a proctologist and be assessed and examined properly to make the correct diagnosis and get the right treatment. Self diagnosis and trial and error use of creams and lotions can be ineffective and at times make the situation worse. It can be expensive and prolong the problem.

    There is no substitute for a proper specialist opinion.

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  • 1

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    Kathy Howson

    HealthShare Member

    I agree with Dr Gold you should get your GP to refer you to someone specialising in the field.

    I do sympathise with you as I know how it feels (but I know what causes mine). The things that will help the itching are warm salt baths or even a bath with a few drops of lavender oil, stop using 2 or 3 ply loo paper and go back to a basic 1 ply - it will not lint as much and does help in no bits being left behind to irritate the area more.  The other thing that helps is using nappy wipes to wipe after the loo or the new flushable toilet wipes - they also leave no lint but soothe the area.

    But get it checked out and the pain - there is a few things that can cause these problems and some can be easily fixed.

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  • 1

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    Tom Sanderson

    HealthShare Member

    DJ! Thanks so much for recommending Pranicure! My pruritus ani was starting to take over my life and especially interfered with my sleep. I've been using Pranicure for 2 weeks and can happily say that it's the only product I've tried (trust me, I've tried several) over the course of 5 years that actually works!  Feeling good now thanks to you DJ!

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  • 1

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    David Stanley

    HealthShare Member

    The most common cause of anal itch (Pruritus Ani) is the continual rubbing and irritation of the sensitive skin with toilet paper. Wet Wipes with their chemicals can also cause it because they remove the bodies natural oils that it needs. It's NOT because people are not clean, in fact it's more like the opposite, they are too clean from too much rubbing. The simple solution is to clean with water, not soap, and the most efficient way to do that is with a Hand Bidet Sprayer. It will go away and stay away. See bathroomsprayers.com.

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