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Hello, I Have Been Experiencing Itching Around The Anus Area
Question: Hello, I have been experiencing itching around the anus area since a few months now. It was much more prominent during the summer months but is still continuing as a result of which I end up scratching anus and area around. It bothers me in sleep even sometimes. Further, I have observed that the area around anus has become darker relative to the surrounding skin and even a bit whitish. Please suggest what is the root cause of itching, how to get rid of the same and if there is any way to restore the color of the skin back to normal? Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Lichen simplex chronicus or Neurodermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.
You seem to have a lichen simplex chronicus (LSC or Neurodermatitis) which is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy skin that becomes hyperpigmented on repeated scratching, sometimes with areas depigmentation ad well. I suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g either fluticasone propionate 0.05% or mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, twice daily. In addition I suggest you to take an oral antihistamine e.g Cetrizine 10mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching. These are prescription medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Lichen simplex chronicus or Neurodermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and noted your concern.
You seem to have a lichen simplex chronicus (LSC or Neurodermatitis) which is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy skin that becomes hyperpigmented on repeated scratching, sometimes with areas depigmentation ad well. I suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid cream e.g either fluticasone propionate 0.05% or mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, twice daily. In addition I suggest you to take an oral antihistamine e.g Cetrizine 10mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching. These are prescription medications.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thanks for your response. Would you also be sharing a prescription or can i just go and ask for these drugs as you mention these are prescription drugs?
Secondly, are you sure that this is not 'tinea corporis' as another doctor diagnosed this. Please let me know.
Secondly, are you sure that this is not 'tinea corporis' as another doctor diagnosed this. Please let me know.
Brief Answer:
Kindly upload Images
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
You need to take a written prescription from your local doctor. It could be tinea which is usually scaly and involves the skin of buttocks rather than the anal area where intertrigo or LSC is more common. Darkening of skin can occur in both LSC and Tinea. I cannot be 100% sure about the diagnosis without having a look at the affected skin therefore I would like to request you for a few images of the affected area so that I am able to have a look and guide you accordingly.
Take care
Kindly upload Images
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
You need to take a written prescription from your local doctor. It could be tinea which is usually scaly and involves the skin of buttocks rather than the anal area where intertrigo or LSC is more common. Darkening of skin can occur in both LSC and Tinea. I cannot be 100% sure about the diagnosis without having a look at the affected skin therefore I would like to request you for a few images of the affected area so that I am able to have a look and guide you accordingly.
Take care
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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