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Tickling And Itching In Anus, Sleeplessness. What Can I Do?

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Posted on Sat, 8 Sep 2012
Question: Every night around 8 or 9 when I sit still I have a terrible tickle/itchy feeling in my anus. It also wakes me up during the night. I haven't had a good night sleep in over a month.

What can I do? What could it be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Itching in the rectal opening can be caused by many reasons like-
1.Chemicals in the foods we eat, such as are found in spices, hot sauces, and peppers.
2.Irritation of continuous moisture in the anus caused by frequent liquid stools, diarrhea, or escape of small amounts of stool (incontinence).
3.Treatment with antibiotics also can lead to a yeast infection and irritation of the rectum.
4. Psoriasis.
5. pinworm infestation.
6. hemorrhoid or anal fissures
7. skin tags (abnormal local growth of anal skin).
Direct clinical examination is the only way to diagnose the problem.
Please visit your physician to undergo physical check up and also to undergo relevant investigations required in your case.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (3 hours later)
I don't have a dr to consult about this, nor do I have health insurance. I read all of the above possible causes on the Internet myself. I am hoping you can provide just a bit more insight to my problem.

If it were pinworm, which is my real fear.....when I inspect my anus what do the worms look like? I just now looked. I see white fibers (not moving) that flake off. I thought it was toilet paper.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (7 hours later)
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Pin worms do look like small threads and their eggs are not even visible by naked eye. An examination of stool will help in detection of worm infestation.
You can take albendazole tablet single dose for deworming after consulting your primary physician.
In case the itching is persistent even after deworming then yeast infection is likely which can by cured by using a topical ointment like Lotrimin.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (9 hours later)
So would worms look like white toilet paper fibers? Would they be moving?

If I have taken albendazole twice should I assume it isn't pinworms & try lotrimin?

If so how much for how long?

I really need some relief.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)
Worms can look like toilet tissue paper and do not necessarily move.
You can take albendazole twice and apply lotrimin at least thrice daily for a week for relief.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (3 minutes later)
Sorry for the continued questions.....

If the white things were worms & not toilet paper then does that mean the medication isn't working? I already took albendazole twice 2 weeks apart. I am also taking garlic supplements & wormwood. Could it still be worms?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (53 minutes later)
If you have already taken albendazole then the white thread like thing can be due to a fungal infection in the area.
You can apply lotrimin for relief.
It is very unlikely that the medicine you took has not worked.
In case the itching persists, then consulting a physician for a direct examination is recommended.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14041 Questions

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Tickling And Itching In Anus, Sleeplessness. What Can I Do?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Itching in the rectal opening can be caused by many reasons like-
1.Chemicals in the foods we eat, such as are found in spices, hot sauces, and peppers.
2.Irritation of continuous moisture in the anus caused by frequent liquid stools, diarrhea, or escape of small amounts of stool (incontinence).
3.Treatment with antibiotics also can lead to a yeast infection and irritation of the rectum.
4. Psoriasis.
5. pinworm infestation.
6. hemorrhoid or anal fissures
7. skin tags (abnormal local growth of anal skin).
Direct clinical examination is the only way to diagnose the problem.
Please visit your physician to undergo physical check up and also to undergo relevant investigations required in your case.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.