And yet another topic I never thought I would be posting in

[alliejp]

public. But please remember I have not been able to get an appointment with the GI yet. Still on the cancellation list but looks like I will have to wait until the 17th. Until then, this is my support.

Ok, so here it is.

My anus itches. Not a little, a lot. The only way to describe it, is that I thought I had pin worms. I actually got checked for them (not impossible, i have a young child in daycare) But no, thats not it. It itches all the time. It drives me nuts. And nothing seems to be helping it. I have tried hemorrhoid cream, itch cream and even just plain old vasiline. Nothing helps.

Anyone else have this? Is it from going to the bathroom all the time? Or the spores or something? Any advice?

Seriously, of all the times in my life to have an itchy bottom, this, is not it.

[MaryT]

Alliejp, This is so interesting. I had a couple of mild attacks of this with my two bouts(for 1 or 2 days) of cdiff. BUT....years ago (about 10) I had this exact same thing. I couldn't sleep at night; it was constant. At night in bed it did feel like something was 'crawling' on my anus. Doctors could not figure it out and like you, one doctor thought it might be pin worms and treated me for them. I used to wonder if I had a rectal yeast infection. To be honest, I never found out what it was or why it even went away....but for a long time I took benadryl every night to help the itching and help me sleep. I had it for almost a year. The one thing that has always made me wonder is that it started after a round of antibiotics; in fact it was the last time I actually took antibiotics. So since having cdiff I have wondered if it was somehow related to the bacteria even though I didn't get sick back then.

[Bobbie]

alliejp,
Try Desistan cream.

[Sheila1]

allie,
I had the same problem when cdiff was very active, I used moist wipes and thoroughly washed after every visit and it stopped. I just thought it was the bacteria on my skin...I don't know, but the 'washing' afterwards eliminated it.

~Sheila

[Lauren]

If it's yeast (and it could be) another good one to try is Lotrimin or Desenex - foot powder. Used to work like a charm on my baby son.

[cindym]

I experienced that problem on several occasions and found that monistat cream took it away. I assume it was yeast. I also changed to using moist wipes and it helped tremendously.

[cindym]

I also forgot to mention that ever since I developed cdiff I have been super sensitive to any change in my environment. Every time I have changed soaps, shampoos, washing detergents or fabric softeners I always endure severe itching until I change back to the original.

[alliejp]

cool, thank you for the advice. I will try the destin (which I actually have on hand, yay for kids) and some lotrimin if that doesnt work.

I was trying to figure out how you tell if it is yeast or not.

[Bobbie]

allejp,
Believe you need to see doc. to determine yeast infection. Try Desitan first but check with pharmacist to see if Desitan would be countraindicated if it is yeast.

If symptoms persist, see doc.

[whitepine]

Have you had your anus examined by a colo-rectal specialist? I got an anal fissure from all the diarrhea and it causes the sensation of itching, small tears in the anal skin, could be that, could be yeast, or something else. Have you had a full stool workup for ova and parasites?
You might try witch hazel. I put a bunch on a cotton ball, and put it on my anus, and sleep with it there, it helps ease the itching when its bad and this will also help hemorrhoids. I call is "becoming a bunny" and do it for a week or so. Yeast stuff may help, or even the benedryl cream or hydrocortisone. The best stuff I found is called neo-healar and its from Asaia and its got peppermint oil and other herbs in it, totally soothes hemmies and sore itchy butts, Hope that helps! :) Another friend of mine has adult diaper rash and always itching, the mediated wipes help alot. Hang in!