Questions in The Dermatology Forum
are being answered by Dr. A. Rockoff, a board certified dermatologist, affiliated
with Tufts University School of Medicine.
Subject: Anal Irritation Topic Area: Psoriasis
Forum: The Dermatology Forum
Question Posted By: Dick on Thursday, January 20, 2000
Here's one you probably haven't heard before but for the past
4 1/2 years I've been suffering from this condition. I'll be blunt.
The area around my anus is inflamed and the skin is thinned out. As
a result I am always uncomfortable and 50% of the time I have a bowel
movement it bleeds. In addition to my regular dermatologist I've seen
at least six others. My personal dermatologist thinks it likely is psoriasis
but can't say for sure. We've tried everything including diflucan, anti-depressants,
as well as just about every medicine you can think of. I haven't used
a cortisone for 4 years so you can rule that out as a contributing factor.
Currently I'm using just Aquaphor. This problem might not sound like
a big deal to someone else but it prevents me from exercising so it
impacts my physical health. In addition because I'm always sore it makes
me cranky most of the time and I'm not my normal self. In the past doctors
simply put some Gentian Violet on it and it would clear up in a few
days. Not so anymore. Incidentally I've seen a proctologist and everything
is normal as far as my bowels go except that this irritation extends
about 1/2 to 1 inch inward. My diet consists of lots of fiber and plenty
of water. I would appreciate any suggestions regardless of how unconventional
they may sound. Or at least point me in a direction where I might look
for some answers. ANYTHING. I am a 50 year old heterosexual male. Help.
Thanks.
Answer Posted By: Derm M.D. ASR
on Thursday, January 20, 2000
Dick:
What you describe is actually very common. It's
hard to expalain why, but the perianal tissue is very sensitive, and
intermittent or continual itch is very widepsread. Scartching and
itching often produce blood on toilet tissue or bowel movements
themselves.
Nothing cures this condition, but there is good
treatment to suppress it. My personal favorite is vioform-hydrocortisone
cream, applied 4-6 times a day, and then sealed in with Aquaphor. As
symptoms remit, applications can be lessened.
Try it. You'll like
it. If not, there are other choices. The key is to look for comfort, not
cure.
