Suggest Treatment For Rectal Itching

Posted on Sun, 31 May 2015

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

Sun, 31 May 2015 Answered on

Sat, 27 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My twenty year old daughter suffers from a very embarrassing problem of an itching rectem.she has a very healthy plant based diet which she started about a month ago.she is a division one althete and otherwise is in excellent health. If you can give us any info or help it would be greatly appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thicker cream should help

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.

I have read your query and your daughter is in good health except for this small but embarrassing issue of pruritis ani.

My suggestions are as follows:
- Firstly try non-medicated formulations like vaseline or thick creams like penaten
- Should watch out for ovas and parasites by getting stool test done.
- There may be fungal infection in which case cream like monistat cream can be very effective. Local application of hydrocortisone cream can also be useful if there is redness.
- Take hygienic food and cleaner drinking water to avoid water borne infections that can cause similar symptoms
- Taking enough fiber diet to avoid hard stools. This diet can include more fruits and salad. Avoid sugary foods.
- Avoid antibiotics.

Hope it helps.

Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj