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OverviewThis factsheet is about perianal diseaseThese are a group of conditions that affect the rectum and anus (the end of the bowel where it meets the skin at the bottom) and the skin surrounding the anus. They can be broadly grouped into four different categories based on symptoms:
Causes & TreatmentCauses and treatment of itchingAlthough sometimes socially embarrassing, itchy bottom (also known as pruritus ani) is very common and usually has a simple cause and remedy which can be self-managed. However, if the measures outlined below do not work your doctor should be consulted as antifungal or other creams may be indicated or other diagnoses considered. Itchy bottom is usually related to too much moisture such as sweat, irritation through scratching or chemical soaps (which leads to further scratching) or infection (such as worms). In some women who have candida (thrush) in the vagina, the infection can extend to cause itching of the bottom. Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels found inside or around the bottom (the rectum and anus) can be a common cause of itch. Washing the area with warm water, using moisturising creams and avoiding harsh soaps is helpful. If moisture is a problem, a tissue pad between the buttocks may help and if the skin is dry, certain moisturising creams could be tried. Carrying a pack of moisturised wipes to clean the anus to avoid scrubbing with dry tissue may be useful. Avoid rubbing too hard when using a towel and consider cautiously using a hair dryer on a low setting to dry yourself after washing. Itchy bottom can be socially embarrassing but usually these simple measures are effective. Haemorrhoids can be treated with over the counter remedies or your doctor can advise if you need further treatment. Causes and treatment of painPain around the anus is often associated with the passage of stools either during or afterward. It is often related to being constipated or passing frequent liquid stools over a prolonged period. Conditions that can cause this pain are varied but some of the most common causes are:
Causes and treatment of bright red bleedingThere are many causes of bleeding from the bottom, most of which are harmless. However, in some cases, bleeding can be due to tumours or inflammation in the bowel, and the earlier these are reported and acted upon, the better the long-term outcome of the disease. Therefore all bleeding from the bottom should be reported to a doctor.
Causes and treatment of lumps around the bottomA doctor should examine all lumps of this kind as rarely they may prove to be tumours. However most lumps are harmless and require little or no treatment.
> Watch Dr Laith Al Rubaiy explain the colonoscopy procedure DiagnosisHow is perianal disease diagnosed?Most conditions can be easily diagnosed by a GP after asking about the problem and carrying out an examination or other tests. Examination: this usually involves lying on the left hand side of the examining couch to expose the anal area. This can be embarrassing for some patients, but doctors are used to dealing with such problems and it is essential for ensuring the correct diagnosis and treatment. A chaperone can be provided for patients if requested. A visual examination and a digital rectal examination (a gloved finger inserted into the rectum) will be carried out and the entire rectal wall will be examined to feel for lumps and check for blood. This may be a bit uncomfortable but is usually not painful. Proctoscopy or rigid sigmoidoscopy: this can be carried out by the GP and involves inserting an illuminated hollow plastic tube into the rectum through which air can be blown to distend the bowel and increase the amount of bowel lining which is visible. Assessment can then be made of the lining of the bowel and a search for lumps and haemorrhoids can be carried out. However, many GPs will need to make a referral to hospital for these procedures to be carried out. Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy: if an explanation for the symptoms is not found by your GP or nurse practitioner, they may refer you to hospital or a specialist centre for these investigations which can examine a much larger area of the bowel. Normally performed as a day case in hospital, they usually involve light sedation and then the insertion of a fibre-optic camera, in the form of a long tube into the rectum which is then passed into the large bowel and allows for biopsies to be taken. Special X-rays such as Barium enema or CT scans may also be requested. SupportHow can Perianal Disease affect you?It is often impossible to determine the nature of the problem from the symptoms alone so all cases of bleeding from the bottom, new pain and lumps should be notified to your doctor for assessment. In most cases it is possible for the GP to provide reassurance that the problem is harmless, and easily treatable (as above) but in a small minority of patients in whom the symptoms or signs could represent a more serious problem, an urgent referral to a bowel specialist will be required. What to ask your doctor?
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Potty”. It is basically a box that you put your feet on to raise the knees above the... 4th December 2018 What causes itchy vulva and anus?Itchiness between the anus and vagina can also be caused by: irritation from disposable wipes, panty liners, thong underwear, tight fitting pants or soaps or detergents as well as skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus or yeast infections. Try to avoid anything that could be irritating to the area.
Why does my vulva feel like its burning?Vaginal burning may have many different causes, including irritation, yeast infection, and chlamydia. Certain things can irritate the skin of the vagina when they come into direct contact with it. This is known as contact dermatitis. Irritants that can cause contact dermatitis include soaps, fabrics, and perfumes.
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