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Hello, I Have Had Bad Itching And Rawness Around My
Posted on
Tue, 16 Jun 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 15 Jun 2020
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello, I have had bad itching and rawness around my anus, above and below. It seems to have crusty sores. This has been happening for 2 weeks. I have been extra careful and washed after bowl movements for days and it’s gotten worse. Not sure what to do
Brief Answer:
Try Sitz baths, hydrocortisone
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. It's hard to say exactly what is causing the rash without being able to see it, but there's a few things that you can try to relieve the irritation, and hopefully that will help clear it up. I would continue to keep the area clean after bowel movements, and possibly bathe after any bowel movement to prevent further irritation and to keep the area clean. Also, sitting in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day (also called a Sitz bath) can help. I would also suggest using a barrier cream such as zinc oxide or vaseline, as well as use hydrocortisone twice a day for up to a week.
Also, your stools should be soft, and well formed. If you are having any hard stools or constipation, I would recommend a stool softener, but if you are having more loose, partially formed stools, extra fiber may help.
If after a week you don't see any improvement, I would recommend getting it checked out in person to confirm what the rash is and to get more specific treatment.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Try Sitz baths, hydrocortisone
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask a Doctor'. It's hard to say exactly what is causing the rash without being able to see it, but there's a few things that you can try to relieve the irritation, and hopefully that will help clear it up. I would continue to keep the area clean after bowel movements, and possibly bathe after any bowel movement to prevent further irritation and to keep the area clean. Also, sitting in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day (also called a Sitz bath) can help. I would also suggest using a barrier cream such as zinc oxide or vaseline, as well as use hydrocortisone twice a day for up to a week.
Also, your stools should be soft, and well formed. If you are having any hard stools or constipation, I would recommend a stool softener, but if you are having more loose, partially formed stools, extra fiber may help.
If after a week you don't see any improvement, I would recommend getting it checked out in person to confirm what the rash is and to get more specific treatment.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you Dr, I can’t find hydrocortisone cream sold in pharmacy’s in city, is there another name or a different cream that would be similar?
Brief Answer:
Cortizone
Detailed Answer:
It may be called Cortizone as well. Are you in the United States? Any pharmacy should have it. Also, I did see the picture you sent now, and it does look like there may be a bacterial infection as well. I would recommend using a topical antibiotic, you should be able to get one over the counter as well. If it is not improving in 2-3 days, I would see a doctor for a prescription, you may need antibiotic pills.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Cortizone
Detailed Answer:
It may be called Cortizone as well. Are you in the United States? Any pharmacy should have it. Also, I did see the picture you sent now, and it does look like there may be a bacterial infection as well. I would recommend using a topical antibiotic, you should be able to get one over the counter as well. If it is not improving in 2-3 days, I would see a doctor for a prescription, you may need antibiotic pills.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thank you again, I am in South XXXXXXX and can’t seem to find cortisone or hydrocortisone cream
Brief Answer:
Steroid cream
Detailed Answer:
I see. I'm surprised they wouldn't have hydrocortisone. Maybe you can ask for a steroid cream, hopefully they would have that. Are you able to get antibiotic pills without a prescription? If so, I would take cephalexin 500mg 4 times a day for 7 days. Otherwise, if you can get an antibiotic ointment, such as mupirocin, I would use that. Again, if it is not getting better or getting worse in a few days, I would see a doctor in person.
Steroid cream
Detailed Answer:
I see. I'm surprised they wouldn't have hydrocortisone. Maybe you can ask for a steroid cream, hopefully they would have that. Are you able to get antibiotic pills without a prescription? If so, I would take cephalexin 500mg 4 times a day for 7 days. Otherwise, if you can get an antibiotic ointment, such as mupirocin, I would use that. Again, if it is not getting better or getting worse in a few days, I would see a doctor in person.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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