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 (-4 hours 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