I Broke the cycle of Itching, please try this

Signs and symptoms
1

I have been suffering from pruritis ani for about 3-4 years now and I truly thought I would never ever get rid of it! I had tryed every cream, ointment, treatment that I could. I researched new treatments online all the time, I even tried taking an oral treatment that tasted really disgusting, but it did nothing. A doctor that been helping me with this condition the past couple of years even consulted with many other specialists for me, ones that specialized in rectal conditions and they would just come up with the same things. But one thing she did recommend was trying ice treatments which played a huge part in my recovery. So here is what I did. I decided to try an aggressive treatment of hydrocortisone ointment, which they dont really recommend long term. Now ,I used the ointment not the cream. For those of you that suffer from this, we know the worst time is at night. So the first night of treatment, when I was itching really bad, I used an ice pack , it was kind of weird but I was willing to try it, I was desperate to get rid of the itching. You will want to cover your ice pack with a wash cloth. Then do the ice for about 10 -20 minutes. Then apply the hyrocortisone ointment. You will want to do this right before you go to sleep. Don't give in to scratching. Then I took a sleep aid. Tylenol PM will work, but if you have Ambion even better.

That was the first night. It worked really good, I had to really use extreme self control though, because I was still itchy.

Then of course you will want to use wipes, I just used the Charmin ones. Use those after every bowel movement. Then I applied the hydro cortisone ointment 4 times a day for 7-10 days, that was my plan. So the second night, I did the same thing, ice treatment, sleeping aid, ointment. Also, it helps to take a warm shower or bath before going to bed, and never use soap, just water.

So I got through the second day, still feeling itchy but I was determined to not scratch. Also, get some of those finger cots when applying the ointment so you dont use your finger nails at all by accident. I get them at the drug store, in the bandaid section.

Then something amazing started happening the 3rd day. I realized I was not feeling very itchy, the 3rd night , I did not need ice or sleeping aid. I was so relieved and excited . I can't tell you the sense of relief I was feeling. This condition had been torturing me for so long, I did not remember what it felt like to not have to think about scratching and the relentless itch. It was really starting to effect me.

I kept up with the 3-4 times a day ointment for a little beyond a week. Then I started tapering off using it. What I replaced it with was just pure lanolin cream and applied that at night to help heal all the broken skin. That is working really well.You can use it during the day too if needed.

The days that followed were awesome, not itching, relief, I couldnt believe it. It was working! After 7-10 days no itching at all! Amen !

I am still being really diligent with using wipes instead of toilet paper, prob for along time. YOu have to be careful leave any fecal matter to irritate that skin down there. Only blot and dab, no rubbing. I will use the lanolin for awhile too. Because its been going on so long, I figure I need some time to heal. And I will dab a little hydrocortisone if absolutely needed.

I hope this works for alot of you out there that I have been reading about suffering from this ridiculous, relentless, torturous itch!

It has worked for me and I feel like a new person. It has been now almost 2 weeks since I have felt the urge to scratch, the longest in 3 years. And for those of you that have this, that is a big deal.

I will post updates and let you know if this a longterm cure. Its working for me! This is the most normal I have felt in a long time. Its an undescribable relief!!!!

2

did this continue to work for you?

3

Thank you so much for this post!  This absolutely worked for me, and I had about 7 years of itching under my belt!  I did the ice/sleep aid path for a while.  I even took a small water bottle with me everywhere I went and would use the ice.  My doctor prescribed an anti-itching cream, which I literally only had to use a few nights.  The whole process took FOREVER to break out of.  But don't give up!  I don't even think about how that was an issue for me any more and I feel SO NORMAL again!!!  It took about 10 months of using the ice to get the the point where I didn't use it anymore.  That sounds like a long time, and it was!  I went to my dr around the end of the 10 month period.  I don't know if I got the cream she gave me, if I would have been cured sooner.  I had tried SO MANY other creams!  This was given to me by my skin doctor.  Oh!  I also use a bidet to wipe.  I bought a portable one from Amazon.  I have one in my bathroom at home and one I have at work.  It is a great habit to get into if you have any of these issues. One more thing.  The nighttime itching was the WORST b/c I would literally be having a dream where I was itching and then would be in this half sleep state going at it! So I now wear a pair of short that are kind of thick and tough to itch in.  Anyways, best of luck to anyone dealing with this issue.  I have been itch free for a couple of months now!!!!  

4

After years of problems I was prescribed similar topical steroids, which sort of worked, but never eliminated the problem. It seemed to come back after a few months, possibly as a result of changes in bowel movements. I have adjusted how I clean down there. I use a special cleansing gel. Toilet paper is too dry and rough (even soft quilted ones), wet wipes are too astringent and should be banned for blocking sewer pipes. lt's called Angel, and is really gentle, soothes at the same time and really gets the area hygenically clean. I think it's made in Cornwall.

Good luck to anyone who has this sort of problem, it can be hell.

5

Thank you Corrina. I will try this!

6

I too resolved this seriously frustrating, irritating and annoying condition!!  I found on another patient directed site a solution. For me I think it all started when I suddenly used a patterned toilet paper - though the white version of this same toilet paper also still will cause itching.  Without realising what the problem was, I created an overcleaning and itch/scratch/itch cycle.  I also in desperation after cleaning and drying and wanting it to stay dray would sit on the toilet and strongly pull the area apart (by pulling on my cheeks) I was desperately trying NOT to scratch and to find some relief!  I am pretty sure that my efforts then resulted in one of the haemorrhoids that are naturally inside our anal cavity, coming outside (I have found medical articles to suggest that this can cause haemmorhoids to come out.).  I on one occasion only had a very small amount of blood which was either the haemmorhoid slightly ruptured from scratching (as cleanly as possible!), or from scratching and causing a small bleed on my skin.  But I definitely had a little spongy part external to my anus (= haemmorhoid).

I put up with this, trying to clean regularly, clean only with water after every toilet visit, only pat dry never rub, using moistened toilet tissues only and eventually only natural fibre/no chemical toilet paper.  It went on for more than six months!!!  interrupted my sleep at night.  Was uncomfortable often at work in front of customers, colleagues.

I had tried EVERYTHING!  Then finally I found a site with slightly different information, and together with some of my GP friend's suggestions - resolved it COMPLETELY!!!  OH MY GOODNESS I CANNOT TELL YOU MY RELIEF! (as I'm sure anyone reading this will understand!  Being told not to scratch is at times nigh on impossible!)  So here's what worked.

Now know that it took THREE to FOUR days for it to resolve - even though I was doing everything that follows, so DON'T despair!  Just stick with it!

Ok - do all of those things above - use water gently to wash, sensitive moist toilet wipes or baby wipes for sensitive skin (unscented), NEVER use patterned toilet papers and ideally get the 'natural' type - as I've noticed whenever I use the other paper (I still have about 10 rolls to use up!) I do get itchy afterwards and deal with it as described below.  Also I've noticed that cheese DEFINITELY aggravates it!  So I really limit myself to only the tiniest amount of my beloved hard goat's cheese.

First thing after the above is to use ICE to relieve the itching and to prevent yourself from scratching during those 3-4 days.  I used small lunch box ice-blocks and had 4 or 5 always in the freezer ready to use.  You can put it into a thin sock, or wrap it with gauze or a chux type wipe (PLAIN DRY TYPE no moisture) that you use for cleaning. I cut the chux wipes into smaller squares for that purpose.  Then after cleaning, use a hydrocortisone cream prescribed by your GP - you REALLY only need the tiniest amount as it says on the directions - don't be tempted to use more as I was, as it can burn.  Just be patient - it takes 3-4 days for it to completely settle and resolve.  The cream I was prescribed is called : Advantan Ointment (1g contains Methylprednisolone Aceponate 1mg).  You will only need ONE little tube.  I still have the tube more than 3/4 full and carry it with me if ever I have a tiny little flare up which happens rarely now - only when I've not wiped with wet wipes (as I'm out and I've run out), if it's a really hot day (and so sweaty) and/or if I've eaten cheese or anything yeasty or too sugary (which feeds yeast) (both of which I avoid totally now.  Coconut palm sugar or fruit sugar are fine, they seem not to have the same impact).

After each time of going to the toilet, clean gently, dry gently (NO SCRATCHING!!!!! at all!!! It's tough but stick with it for 3-4 days and you'll be done!!)  Then wrap the ice block (I sometimes didn't wrap as it was the middle of the night and I was just too exhausted but it does hurt a little as the ice is VERY cold! Worked a treat to stop the itching though) - place the ice block between your butt cheeks as close in to your anus as you can so you can really feel the relief. (The ice apparently also causes NEW haemmorhoids that have come outside, to shrink up and pull back inside.  Lifting your legs up against the wall - for haemmorhoids only, not if it's only itching - can also help my GP friend said as you're using gravity to help it pull back in to where it should be.)  If a haemmorhoid is not treated immediately (less than 24 hours), the little thing corterises itself (cuts off circulation) and will stay as a tiny little spongey cushion outside of your anus - who sees that though - so don't be worried about it.  They are tiny - nobody else will know.  If you've left it too late it won't retract back inside.  This is the case for me - and it's really no big deal at all.

The other thing is make sure you're drinking plenty of water and have fibre (fruits - especially papaya, pears, apples etc, psyllium husks added at the very last moment before drinking (otherwise it swells and goes thick and gluggy) to a shake  or on your breakfast (or bran flakes if you're not gluten intolerant).  Hard faeces/constipation can aggravate the haemmorhoids (often related to itching - at least 50% of people experience haemmorhoids at ANY age but more common after 40/50 - and everyone has them inside along the wall of the anus - they're normal, healthy and natural, They're only problematic when they're scratched, torn or come outside).

Persevere with this for 3-4 days (even at work I was using the ice packs and cream during the day!! which was a little awkward!)  BUTT (pun intended 'o) ) I now NO LONGER HAVE PRURITIS ANI!!!  and the haemmorhoids are NOT  a problem!  I do however very occasionally - maybe once every couple of weeks get a wee itch.  Now I just clean.  In the first month after resolving it I would use the cream as well, and I still carry it for any time it might get too itchy - again usually to do with heat, sweating and/or something I've eaten - usually cheese.  ??wine/alcohol might be the same?? vinegar aggravates it for me as it also has a fermenation process to create it = yeast-like) 

Good luck everyone!!  I am now 3 months relatively itch free!!! Now if only I could give up my goat's cheese!  'o)  Nahh...

7

sorry that was copied pasted from another site I posted on - it was THIS site and your post that helped - together with some other things recommended by a GP friend.  Thank you!

8

Thanks all of you for this info, im suffering at the moment, have been for years now,lbloislane whats the site you found please and is the  Advantan Ointment available without prescription in the UK ? ive been scratching so much for so long i think ive done permanent harm to myselfe, Drs prescription cream, anusol just makes me itch more. As you say worse at night too.

9

One day I didn’t have hemorrhoids and the next day I did……I wasn’t even sure what it was but then went to my localsupermarket that same day as I was in pain and got the regular creams and suppositories for hemorrhoids and this eased the pain. However, worse was to come as although I had eased the hemorrhoids I was left with a very embarrassing and itchy bum! I wasn’t sure what to do so went to the doctor who gave me Canesten hydrocortisone cream and this did work but it said to not use it for more than a week or 10 days (something like that) as it caused thinning of the skin etc and I know this can cause itchy skin. It was like a vicious cycle. I had to get off this steroid cream fast and came across a few articles that helped so I wanted to sum it up for anyone who has had this same problem, whether the anal itching was caused by haemorrhoids or something else. This is the routine I followed…..

I iced my anal passage with a lolly pop covered in kitchen roll and then applied what I can only describe as a miracle creamthat is only available in this strength in America. The cream is called ‘Desitin’ maximum strength 40% zinc oxide diaper rash cream….yes it is basically just for baby’s with nappy rash but it is a true god send. As I live in the UK, I had to get it off Amazon! It was a little dearer with shipping costs etc than normal but I would have paid anything. It has to be the 40% zinc oxide to work.

Within a few days my symptoms eased and have not returned. I think the cream helped to mend the skin and ease the itching at the same time and please make sure YOU DO NOT SCRATCH.

I have never written on a forum before but wanted to share this as I know how much it can be painful, annoying and embarrassing and make you sad. I hope this helps.

10

Thanks for your suggestion I can't agree more with you.  I was getting so stressed about my anal itch and hydrocortisone cream wasn't working and I wasn't keen about continuing putting on a steroid.  

It seemed insane when I heard someone say just don't scratch when we know how crazy itchy we get but when I did force myself not to scratch when at times it was extremely difficult but if you can stop yourself the intense itch does taper off.  I love to take Epsom salt baths as well and I put in a couple of cups of Epsom salt and soak for about 20 minutes.

i as well use desiten extra strength cream and it is wonderful and just calms things down.  When I had the itch really bad if you continue to scratch the red soreness and itch will inflame the whole area including the vagina area and at one time the anal,and labia area was inflamed it was terrible.

i have been fine now for 

a couple of months and it feels so good.  I still get the itch once and a while and I will not scratch if the urge is really bad I just put on the desiten cream.

My problem is just inside my anal area so I can't see and when I have bowel movements and if they are  to solid it can be painful just as I pass it.

i wish I could find out how that area can get healed or maybe it is something  I will always have to deal with. 

Glad things are better for you corrinacorrina

11

i have been suffering for about 2 years ,i have had 11internal hemerroids banded i am still suffering from burning just inside and around my anus,i am wondering if you only had itching or burning aswell ,i have tried anusol suppositories and cream that doesnt seem to help also have used clotrimazole 1% cream thinking i might have a yeast infection ,do you think my symptoms mean i could be suffering from puritis ani

12

did this cream help with burning after a bowel movement rebekkah34443

i would be grateful for any suggestions as this is interferring with my everyday life 

do you recommend the destin cream and did you get of the amazon uk site 

13

Hi

I have just read your story and interestingly enough, my itching is from Nodularis Prurigo, Unknown cause, and I have been using ice packs and steroid cream at night but no sleep aid.

My biggest concern has been the amount of steroid cream to use.

I am so thrilled for you; it must feel exhilarating to be free of itch and pain.

I shall follow your story 😍

Regards

Jinny

14

Hope fully this works I just got some cortiz one cream. It doesn't work. I've had this itching for over a year and I can't take it. Where did you find the cream. I want to buy it tomorrow. Can you get it at any drug store?

15

Did you ever find out about the hemoroids? I also have had a drop of blood.

16

Hi, I registered here today to share my experience. I don't know how many years I suffered with this also, specially at night unbearable itchy I used to wake up scratching, only on one side though, made tears that used to sting. I used all sort of creams, natural, hemorrhoids cream, olive oil, coconut oil, surgical spirit to desinfect. All seemed to work for 1-2 days then all back to itchy. 

A weird thing happened this week, I started to eat raw garlic with my food. Not just 1 clove, like 1 bulb every day for about 5 days and one night i had bad sweats and did not feel very well, but then since the morning after I had absolutelly no more itching in the day or at night. That started to make me think it had something to do with parasites. I actually know that little parasites like to come out at night and that is why you feel itchy at night and probably that is why most people are itchy at night and you can't see them, they can be microscopical and I don't believe in the chemical pills to get rid of them, I was always a fan of natural remedies. 

I am now convinced I had some sort of parasites and the intesive eating of raw garlic got rid of them. You will have some gargly stomach noises as raw garlic is quite strong specially a whole bulb a sitting, but I can say 100% there is no more itching. I also used Sudocream for 2 days to heal any broken skin.

Hope maybe this will help someone else, it is worth giving it a try.

P.S.: I know this is not related to itchy bum, but just to make a note about how good raw garlic is, I also had a veruca for a few months which did not go with anything and I applied raw grated garlic on it and patched it up and after a month it fell off as well, all with the raw garlic.

17

Corrinacorrina! Thank you for this post! And all of you who have replied! I thought I was alone in this terrible itch. I've tried everything you have suggested thinking there was no hope and what worked the best for me was prescription anti itch cream and LANOLIN. The lanolin is wonderful. It's been maybe a month since I started and I still have occasional itchy feelings. But so much less intense. For me I think what I needed the most was to let my skin heal as you had said. I would try so hard not to scratch but I'm sure as you have all experienced sometimes it's impossible and even with the greatest will power you still might end up scratching in your sleep!! So I would scratch and scratch until the area around my rectum was raw and red then the next day it would be all dead skin. This is where the lanolin came in. The lanolin is thick which of course healed the skin but also made me not want to scratch.

Something else I'll add that I haven't seen anyone else say (but also may not have been an issue for you all) is I used to go commando A LOT. Or I wore a lot of thongs. This past month I have worn underwear every day and haven't worn any thongs so I don't irritate anything down there.

So again I want to say thank you all for this information and taking the time to tell us your experiences. I hope that my little input might help someone else who is suffering from this embarrassing condition. I'm thanking Jesus for you guys and that God blessed you all! smile

18

Thank you! I have been reading yours and others posts. I hope to get relief after many miserable years!

19

Thanks. How do you apply the ice packs?

20

Thanks for your help. I'm dealing with anal itch and look to the internet for help. Came across ur story and decided to try it. And so far it's working for me too. Thank you so much for sharing because nothing was working for me at all.

Ps- I use Manuka honey at the health shop to repair my damage skin... so feel free to try that too. It repairs damage skin.