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Anal Discomfort and How to Deal with it

Symptoms and Causes of Anal Discomfort

Symptoms related to this sensitive area can be very troubling, yet many people are reluctant to discuss them. Itching (pruritis ani), painful defecation, stained underwear, spotting of blood, and odor add up to embarrassment, distress, social restrictions, and anguish.

These problems of anal discomfort are very common. Symptoms may coexist with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), accidental leakage (bowel incontinence), or other functional bowel disorders. Diarrhea and constipation may worsen them. Anal discomfort symptoms are not part of these conditions as they may occur independently.

They may be due to or associated with many local diseases. Crohn’s disease may attack the anus. Other diseases can occur there as well. If defecation is painful, there may be a tiny tear in the anal skin called an anal fissure. The surrounding skin is prone to many diseases and infections.

anal discomfort
 

Whatever the association, irritation around the anal area (perianal) can be treated.

How can you get help for these troublesome symptoms? First, you should frankly describe them to your doctor. Analysis of the symptoms and inspection of the area should permit him or her to recognize any underlying disease.

Whatever the cause, many of the following suggestions may be helpful.

Tips on What to do About Anal Discomfort

Consider what you are doing now. It is natural to believe that cleanliness is a vital objective; and so it is – to a point. Overzealous cleansing after a bowel movement may do more harm than good. The skin around the anal area is tender, and very sensitive.

Intense wiping with dry toilet paper may damage the skin, thus continuing the problem. It feels good to scratch the area, but this can damage the sensitive local nerve endings and relief is achieved only temporarily. Once the delicate pain detectors recover, the symptoms return.

Moreover, some toilet papers are rough, and others are easily crumbled. Tiny bits of paper trapped in the anal skin can be irritating. Worse still are decorative colored papers whose dyes may cause a local contact dermatitis (allergy).

Some soaps are also allergenic, especially the perfumed varieties. Soap itself is an alkaline irritant and may take away the natural lubricants designed to protect the area.

If local trauma is a possibility, consider changing the way you clean yourself. If you are fortunate enough to normally defecate at home, wash rather than scrub your bottom.  A bidet is useful for this purpose.

For those of us who lack this plumbing, another means of washing must be found. If convenient, a post-defecation shower will do. Washing is enhanced if your shower is equipped with a hose extension, so a direct flow of lukewarm water can be applied to the anal region.

A sitz bath is second best, but avoid soap, and limit exposure to a minute or two so that the skin does not become puckered (as does the skin on your hands if immersed for long periods).

Ideally, you should permit the area to dry in the air, perhaps assisted by a fan. Most schedules do not allow for this, and an alternative is to gently pat the area dry using a white, lint-free cloth. If you are not at home, use wet toilet paper and wash, rather than rub.

There are many anal ointments, creams, and suppositories sold for anal complaints. These “kill pain,” “shrink hemorrhoids,” and “heal fissures.” Try using none of them. Some, especially those containing local anesthetics, may set up a local allergic reaction and worsen the problem. Others contain irritants such as witch hazel or alcohol.

Ointments may interfere with the anal seal, promoting incontinence and fecal staining. Gobs of ointment can trap bacteria and further damage the skin. If you must use them, apply only a thin veneer after washing.

Non-medicated talcum powder or cornstarch may help some. Apply medicated preparations only after discussing them with your doctor. He or she may recommend an acid-based cortisone cream for a short period to interrupt the itch and scratch response.

Sweat may irritate as well. If there is excessive sweating in the area around the anus, non-scented antiperspirant may be helpful, but apply gently and lightly.

Healthy skin everywhere needs air.

  • Avoid tight clothing.
  • Wear light, white cotton underwear.
  • Check that the detergent used in cleaning your clothes is not irritating or allergenic.
  • After exercise, wash as above to avoid the irritating effect of sweat.
  • Avoid sitting for long periods, and consider using a rubber ring (available in medical supply shops) to remove pressure on the anus.

Healthy bowel action can minimize fecal contact and help the anal distress. Hard stools may be prevented by fiber, thus minimizing straining and local trauma. If diarrhea can be controlled, so may fecal staining and incontinence. Avoid foods and drugs that may irritate or that are associated with itching.

Summary

These simple measures can help many persons with these common, but sadly, unspoken complaints. They can be useful, along with more specific treatments, even if there is coexisting local skin or anal disease.

Think of three principles:

  • Avoid damaging your anal skin.
  • Permit air to circulate as much as nature and circumstances allow.
  • Take care what materials come in contact with the surrounding skin.
 

Source
Adapted from, “Anal Discomfort and How to Deal With It”– IFFGD publication #137 by W. Grant Thompson, MD, FRCPC Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

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IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

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