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What Causes Redness And Irritation In The Anus?

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Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2017
Question: After I defecate, or sometimes independently of, the inside of my butt cheeks gets very uncomfortable. The area becomes red and raw and when I work out, the rubbing causes extreme irritation. I make sure I wipe well, but the issue does not remedy itself. I've used Desitin in the past and Prep H wipes, in the past. Is there an ointment that I can apply daily? I do have sensitive skin and use an unscented/gentle wash. I enjoy being active and this issue can be prohibitive. :(
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Some practical advises on what you can do.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

From what you are describing, the first thing I would recommend is that you wipe the area but first wash it with water (cold or warm doesn't matter). The stool has components that may irritate the skin, and it has proven that this problem may be improved if water is used.
Dry it well after every wash.

If the red color and irritation persist, using barrier creams with vit ADE plus zync will help it heal faster.
If still not better, or if it is very irritated, then ointments with antifungal (eg Clotrimazole 2% twice/day) and steroid (Hydrocortisone 1% once/day very thin payer) will heal it. Once the irritation has gone away after using these ones, continue with the ADE cream long term.

If you are overweight, losing some weight may drastically help.
Also, use cotton underwear.

If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 hours later)
Do I need to be concerned about getting any of those creams near the rectum? At times, especially when I had to go multiple times, that area will be irritated.

It is not as though I would be trying to insert but I can be irrational in concerns. :/

Ugh.. questions you hate to even ask a doctor. Thank you for being XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You can apply those creams without a problem in that area.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow up question.
You can feel free to ask me any question or concern you have. I am here to help you and answer all of those questions.

You don't need to be concerned about those creams, because they are used for babies too, when their rectal/inguinal area gets irritated from the diaper.

As I stated before, the steroid cream should be a thin layer only, and only if the other creams are not working. That is because it sometimes can damage the skin if used in large amounts and for longer times.

Hope this reassures you.
Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako.
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. Remy Koshy
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1803 Questions

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What Causes Redness And Irritation In The Anus?

Brief Answer: Some practical advises on what you can do. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. From what you are describing, the first thing I would recommend is that you wipe the area but first wash it with water (cold or warm doesn't matter). The stool has components that may irritate the skin, and it has proven that this problem may be improved if water is used. Dry it well after every wash. If the red color and irritation persist, using barrier creams with vit ADE plus zync will help it heal faster. If still not better, or if it is very irritated, then ointments with antifungal (eg Clotrimazole 2% twice/day) and steroid (Hydrocortisone 1% once/day very thin payer) will heal it. Once the irritation has gone away after using these ones, continue with the ADE cream long term. If you are overweight, losing some weight may drastically help. Also, use cotton underwear. If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Otherwise please close and rate the answer. Regards, Dr. Papaqako