Suggest Treatment For Itching Sensation Around The Anal Area

Posted on Wed, 28 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there! I am on vacation and had an upset stomach/diarrhea. Since then the anal area has been itchy and after a bowl there is some discharge that looks like a red tint. What could be the cause of it and any remedies till i can get home? Thank yoj.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

It seems that the skin around the anal area maybe a little raw. The red tinted discharge could be an oozing from broken skin

Would you please clarify a few things for me?
* are your stools normal now? Are you constipated? Does it hurt to pass stools?
*do you have any other medical issues or take any medications?

I recommend :
-avoid itching. Wash the area with cool water after every bowel movement. If you use toilet paper, wet a thick wad of tissues in tap water and use this to clean.

-diaper rash cream (the ones that we use for babies) contains zinc oxide. This provides a soothing coating over the affected area and prevents itching.
Apply a thin film over the affected area. Do this after every bowel movement.
You can get this at most baby stores or even a pharmacy.
-take a probiotic every day. Either in the form of a capsule or a drink or yogurt with active cultures.

These measures should provide relief in two days. If not, you may need to see a doctor for a physical exam (to check for hemorrhoids or fissures) and a tape test, stool test to check for any parasitic infection.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Hi there-

Stools seem to be normal now, but im more constipated and yes it does hurt to pass stools. I dont take any other medications, but my dr thinks i may have mild IBS.

Are there any big red flags or cause of concern?

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dont worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

No red flags, don't worry. Just try my earlier recommendations. In addition to that I recommend :

-plenty of water (3 litres) a day. Don't increase all at once, do it gradually over a week.
-increase fiber in your diet. Natural sources will be better. Moderation would be best as too much of fiber can worsen the symptoms of IBS.
-avoid fruit intake close to meal times (give a gap of an hour at the least)
-avoid refined grains and processed foods. Stick to whole grains,homemade foods.
-chew food thoroughly before swallowing.

Please try these and the suggestions in my earlier reply and let me know how you feel in 2 days.

I'd be happy to help you with any further queries you may have.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D