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How To Get Rid Of Foul Smell Coming From Anus?

Posted on Fri, 17 Oct 2014

Question: A friend who is slightly autistic hasnt washed his butt for 9 yrs. How does he rid the smell, regular soap wont do. He now has good hygiene, has been washin the area with antibacterial soap/regular soap for 7 yrs. But it isnt working, lysol, fels-naptha(these 2 by the way which are desperate attempts). what would you suggest??!!!

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Surgical spirit and povidone iodine

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Welcome and thanks for posting the query on HCM.

I were to clean the area(surrounding the anus) with surgical spirit, a couple of times if required followed by povidone iodine(anal opening) which is a disinfectant/anti-bacterial .It is also important to check whether the local area is infected.

Suggest to avoid agents such as dettol/naptha and other strong agents since anal opening is lined by mucosal lining.

Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (41 hours later)

Are you sure this would even work, please explain while you feel it would as well.

Answered by Dr. Praveen (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
First spirit then Povidone iodine

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.

I am pretty sure that this is the right method.I were to:
Scrub the area(surrounding the anus) with a gauze dipped in spirit.Repeat 2-3 times till the surface is clean.Spirit kills the local bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Now you may take a fresh gauze piece, dip it in povidone iodine solution and then clean the anus as well as the surrounding area in a similar fashion.

Thus both act as antiseptic and disinfectant help prevent infection(if there are minor injuries/cuts locally).

This technique of scrubbing is one of the best technique that I would recommend.

Hope this works.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (20 hours later)

What should he do if this fails?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It should work else consult a surgeon.

Detailed Answer:
Hi. I believe that this would definitely work. In case if it doesn't I would recommend to consult a surgeon.

Hope this answers your query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (15 hours later)

Nevermind, I found out it's true. I had never heard of surgical spirit. But thank you for all your help. I really hope this works, as I paid for a response. I dont know how long money back guarantee is for. Have a good day Dr. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
All the best

Detailed Answer:
Oh that's really great.Thanks for the appreciation.
Hope it works for you.
All of us on this forum extend support to the maximum extent to satisfy the needs of our clients.Feel to reach me for any further queries you may have.
Good day & all the best.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar