“I have a persistent anal itch?”
What should I do for a persistent anal itch? It's been off and on over the past couple of months. The symptom mostly occurs at night or after a bowel movement. I have used vaseline to try to soothe it, which sometimes helps stop the itching.
Female | 22 years old
Complaint duration: 2 Months
Medications: Birth Control and Migraine Prescription
2 Answers
This might be an anal fissure or an internal hemorrhoid. Infection is another possibility. You should get evaluated because the different causes require different prescription treatments.
Hi,
Sometimes a persistent itch can be something as simple as hemorrhoidal prolapse, fecal residue, or soilage, to anal warts or more. Perianal itching may occur due to overaggressive cleansing in the perianal region. The best thing to do for something that has been consistent and not responsive to simple remedies is to have a full examination. If you go to your primary care surgeon or dermatologist, they may refer you to a colorectal surgeon who specializes in the anorectal area.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
Sometimes a persistent itch can be something as simple as hemorrhoidal prolapse, fecal residue, or soilage, to anal warts or more. Perianal itching may occur due to overaggressive cleansing in the perianal region. The best thing to do for something that has been consistent and not responsive to simple remedies is to have a full examination. If you go to your primary care surgeon or dermatologist, they may refer you to a colorectal surgeon who specializes in the anorectal area.
Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS
