Why does the skin around the anus become inflamed?
This area is constantly moist, folded and subject to friction, and the intestinal contents contain enzymes that corrode the skin. If stools are frequent and loose, or there is leakage, the skin's protective barrier quickly breaks down. Paradoxically, excessive hygiene brings no less harm: soap, antiseptics, alcohol-based and scented wet wipes wash away the fat layer and add allergens. A fungal or bacterial infection easily attaches to damaged skin, and a vicious circle is formed: itching - scratching - new damage.
- Moisture and friction in the fold
- Irritant effect of intestinal contents
- Washing off the protective fat layer with soap
- Allergy to components of wipes and hygiene products
- Scratching and infection
Common reasons
In adults, proctological diseases come first: hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fistula, mucosal prolapse - they cause discharge and leakage that irritate the skin. Next come intestinal disorders with frequent loose stools. Fungal infections play a significant role, especially in diabetes and after antibiotics, as well as contact allergies to hygiene products. In children, enterobiasis is a common cause, as well as streptococcal infection, which causes a bright red ring around the anus. Less common are psoriasis and eczema affecting this area.
- Hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fistula
- Frequent loose stools and fecal leakage
- Fungal skin infection
- Streptococcal dermatitis in children
- Pinworms (enterobiasis)
- Contact allergy to wipes and soap
- Psoriasis, eczema, diabetes
Symptoms
The main complaint is itching, which intensifies in the evening, at night and after bowel movements, sometimes becoming unbearable. The skin turns red, swells, may become wet, then peeling and painful cracks appear that bleed when straining. Over a long period of time, the skin thickens, its pattern becomes rough, and its color becomes whitish or, conversely, dark. If a fungus is attached, the redness acquires a clear border with a fringed edge. Streptococcal infection in children appears as a bright, moist, painful ring that causes the child to hold stool.
- Itching that gets worse at night
- Redness and swelling of the skin
- Weeping then peeling
- Painful cracks
- Thickening and discoloration of the skin over a long period of time
- Burning after bowel movement
What examinations are needed
They begin with an examination by a proctologist, who assesses the condition of the skin and necessarily excludes hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas, since without their treatment the skin will not heal. If an infection is suspected, a scraping and culture for fungi and bacteria are taken to determine sensitivity. For children and adults with night itching, a test for enterobiasis is recommended, and it needs to be taken several times. Check your blood glucose because persistent itching is the first sign of diabetes. If psoriasis or eczema is suspected, a dermatologist is consulted.
- Examination by a proctologist with anoscopy
- Scraping and culture for fungi and bacteria
- Test for enterobiasis, repeat if necessary
- Blood glucose
- Examination by a dermatologist for suspected psoriasis
- Sigmoidoscopy for blood in stool
Treatment and care
The first thing that gives results is to change your care. Wash yourself with warm water without soap after defecation, pat your skin dry with a soft towel, do not rub; Avoid wet wipes with fragrances and alcohol. Wear loose cotton underwear. A barrier product is applied to clean, dry skin to protect against moisture. At the same time, they treat the cause: hemorrhoids, fissure, diarrhea, helminthic infestation, fungus. The doctor prescribes external hormonal drugs in a short course for severe inflammation; long-term independent use in this area thins the skin and maintains infection.
- Washing with warm water without soap
- Refusal of wet wipes and antiseptics
- Gently blotting instead of rubbing
- Barrier creams for dry skin
- Cotton loose underwear
- Treatment of hemorrhoids, fissures, diarrhea, worms
- External medications only as prescribed by a doctor, for a short course