How is Anal Itching Treated?
The burning, itching and soreness need relief.
Clean the area, make sure to dry the anus.
This should include taking a shower with no direct rubbing of the area at all.
Use moist pads after a bowel movement and for the acute stage do not use toilet paper.
Use an over the counter product to relieve itching.
Products containing cortisone or antihistamine are helpful but should not be used for more than a week.
You need to control the itching.
Try the following: Stop the itching/scratching cycle.
Nighttime scratching when your sleeping needs control.
Take an oral antihistamine at bedtime.
Either take a warm bath or squirt warm water over the anus three times a day and if possible after a bowel movement.
Make sure to dry off carefully but thoroughly.
You can use a low setting hair dryer to dry with.
If a food may be the cause, then cut out known causes, such as coffee, tea, cola, alcoholic beverages, chocolate, tomatoes, spicy foods, and excessive amounts of vitamin C, for a minimum of 2 weeks.
The slowly add the items back to your diet, one item at a time, until you determine which food is the cause of the itching.
Trim your fingernails short if you find yourself scratching irritated skin at night.
Wear cotton gloves or socks on your hands at night to help stop the unconscious scratching that can occur while you sleep.
Control your stress.
If Over the counter aids have not helped then it is time to get the opinion of your doctor.
Your doctor can check to see whether you have any conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissure, warts, psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections or other infections that need treatment.
Then he will prescribe what is needed to cure it.
Prevention There are some simple things you can do to help prevent most anal itching.
Avoid the foods you know will irritate you.
Wear loose fitting underwear that allows your sweat to evaporate and not get clothed in and no pantyhose.
Use a plain, soft or unscented toilet paper If toilet paper feels to abrasive use baby wipes moistened with mineral oil.
Dry with cotton afterward to remove moisture.
Dry anal area after excessive sweating.
Do not apply creams or ointment without consulting a doctor.
Eat a high-fiber diet.
You may use talcum powder to absorb moisture, but do not use cornstarch.
Cornstarch may cause a skin infection.
Dry your rectal area with a hair dryer set on the low setting before applying talcum powder.