god this is embarrassing - anus pain

[Embarrassingquestion1]

There, I said it.

I get bouts of mild constipation/mild IBS and have done since DS2(11) was born - no big deal.

But I go through periods where the anus itches and feels stung and hurts at night.

Last night I had a pre-bed bubble-bath as advised on the NHS site for "itchy bottom" applied anusol and hoped the itch would fade. It didn't. paracetamol didn't touch it (I suppose that isn't really for itch-type discomfort anyway). At 1.30 I put a bag of frozen peas in my pyjamas which helped a bit. It didn't really get better till about 6am at which point the alarm went off.

I suppose the slightly messed up bowel habits that come with constipation don't help.

Do I need sudocream or a doctor? any advice?

Threadworms?

Sudocrem is always helpful for anything!
When I was pregnant and had similar () I put baby wipes in the freezer and stuck them on!!

Piles?

I'll buy some Sudocream and call the doctor too....

Does sound like threadworms

Have you had a look? Any blood? Skin tear? Lumps? Rash? White threads? Discolouration? Blood on wiping? Have you had any diarrhoea or constipation lately? Any spicy food?

I wouldn't suggest 'bubble bath' for irritation . More likely to bother it than calm.

no blood, can't feel any lumps etc.
haven't looked.
yes constipation

ok no more bubble bath!

The night time itching makes me think threadworms too. I'd buy the Ovex stuff (enough for while household) and treat according to box instructions. Treat everyone in the house at the same time and then hot wash all towels & bedding. If no relief in a couple of days, see your GP.

Anal fissure?

Can happen with constipation and in my experience can cause itching.

Constipation can cause fissures which can be painful and itchy. If it's a fissure you'll need a cream with a special applicator from the GP. I'd try the Ovex worm stuff first and then go down the GP route.

I thought fissure but that's much more painful.

it's not painful or itchy now (thank goodness).

Pharmacist first do you think? God that will be embarrassing.....

If it is ok now, it is likely to be threadworms as they are active at night so is when symptoms are worse. Pharmacist can give you over the counter medication. Whole family need to be treated.

thank you :(

Sounds like fissures to me. Have you been to your gp? Don't suffer on, that sounds awful

Definitely could be a fissure as they itch horribly. Threadworms definitely possible.

I'm a chronic constipation sufferer too and really sympathise. I've accepted that my bowels will always be sluggish and in need of mess. Movicol (or Laxido - same stuff) has been life changing for me. You can get it on prescription or buy OTC. Laxido is about £7 a box from Boots and Movicol about £12, so Laxido is cheaper than a prescription.

I really recommend it. Chronic constipation can cause all sorts of damage to your bowel and pelvic floor (from straining, etc) so it's important that you treat it and don't just put up with it.

MEDS not mess!

@Embarrassingquestion1 Pharmacist first do you think? God that will be embarrassing.....

More for you than them, honestly. And loads of pharmacies have a side room you can ask to speak to them in if the shopfloor is busy. They will understand if you mention it is a "personal" issue.

for you. Actually, no need to be embarrassed at all. I have Crohn's and am constantly at the hospital discussing intimate bowel issues. A consultation will frequently come with a physical examination. Then there are the endoscopies too (camera through the throat down to stomach or through anus up to bowel). Repeated exposure to these experiences makes them become normal for patients and doctors in the same way that midwives view their job as normal. I would recommend you just go to your doctor. Good luck.

right, managed to say "personal issue" and get into the side room.

E45 and sudocream and a brief to look out for the little wormies.... no more anusol (apparently that's for something else) or bubble bath or straining....

thanks all! must remember to name-change back now!

Anusol is for piles

(Or reducing model's under eye bags)

I just saw the word "anus" and thought "that must be the one!"

Update: you were right. It most definitely and horribly is threadworm.

Yuck!

All of us have taken the tablet and my bedding is in the washing machine.

Might get the bathroom to myself for a week or so it seems....

thank you.