Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Itching, Redness And External Bleeding At Anal Area?
Question: My husband, 70 years old, has itching, redness, and external bleeding at the anal area. He has a history of anal spincter tightness, and it has been surgically released. The spincter is very tight, and he has a history of extensive cortisone cream use, which has extensively thinned the skin around the anus. He refuses to see a proctologist, due to the previous surgery. He is currently using Mycolog cream prescribed sometime in the past. Any ideas of what to try next?
Brief Answer:
Can send a photo of anal area to me for a more specific opinion.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the situation your husband is going through.
1. Your husband has a past history of anal sphincter tightness which was surgically released.
2. Now, he is suffering of itching, redness and external bleeding at the anal area. At this point, I want to know if he is also suffering of any changes in the bowel movements (constipation? or diarrhea?).
3. Apart relapse of tightness of the anal sphincter; external hemorrhoids are also to be considered especially if he is also having constipation.
4. Taking into account his past medical history and current symptoms, he really needs to see a proctologist. If bleeding will persist, anemia or other complications will be set too.
If I was his caring doctor would determine the right cause first, before deciding for appropriate treatment. Consulting a proctologist is the next step he should follow.
You can send a photo of his anal area to me hoping that a more specific opinion will be given.
5. If he refuses (and I am sorry to hear that); then, please take note that Mycolog is containing an antifungal medication (nystatin) mixed with a cortisonic medication.
Itching is due to laceration of the anal mucosa, and not to fungal infection. That's why it is necessary to understand what is really happening to him.
Keep a good anal hygiene, and apply prep H everytime he has a bowel movement. Avoid constipation and increase fluids and fiber intake.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
Can send a photo of anal area to me for a more specific opinion.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am sorry for the situation your husband is going through.
1. Your husband has a past history of anal sphincter tightness which was surgically released.
2. Now, he is suffering of itching, redness and external bleeding at the anal area. At this point, I want to know if he is also suffering of any changes in the bowel movements (constipation? or diarrhea?).
3. Apart relapse of tightness of the anal sphincter; external hemorrhoids are also to be considered especially if he is also having constipation.
4. Taking into account his past medical history and current symptoms, he really needs to see a proctologist. If bleeding will persist, anemia or other complications will be set too.
If I was his caring doctor would determine the right cause first, before deciding for appropriate treatment. Consulting a proctologist is the next step he should follow.
You can send a photo of his anal area to me hoping that a more specific opinion will be given.
5. If he refuses (and I am sorry to hear that); then, please take note that Mycolog is containing an antifungal medication (nystatin) mixed with a cortisonic medication.
Itching is due to laceration of the anal mucosa, and not to fungal infection. That's why it is necessary to understand what is really happening to him.
Keep a good anal hygiene, and apply prep H everytime he has a bowel movement. Avoid constipation and increase fluids and fiber intake.
Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
