Anal Itching: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Anal itching

Hello doctor, I am a high school girl.
I often have difficulty passing stool, and once when I visited a doctor, they suggested that I could massage my abdomen and the area around the anus.
I have been consistently doing this during bowel movements.
However, I am currently facing a problem where the massage causes pain and there is some blood.
I am very scared that it might be hemorrhoids or even colorectal cancer.
My family is not in a good financial situation, and I don't want to worry my parents, so I haven't told them.
Additionally, as a girl, my parents believe that these private matters shouldn't be discussed frequently.
I checked with my finger, and the bleeding is near the anal wall, with no lumps or anything present, but sometimes it itches.
I have read that most of the time it is nothing to worry about, but I am still very concerned.
Should I save money to buy hemorrhoid medication, or should I wait until I can work in college and have the ability to take care of myself before going to the hospital for treatment?

Xiao Lu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/06

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

Anal pain and bleeding may likely be caused by hemorrhoids; however, other serious gastrointestinal diseases are also possible.
If symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to visit a hospital's surgical or gastroenterology department for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2018/10/06

More Info

Anal itching and discomfort can be distressing, especially for a high school student navigating these sensitive health issues. It’s important to address your concerns with accurate information and guidance on when to seek medical help.

Understanding Anal Itching and Discomfort
Anal itching, or pruritus ani, can arise from various causes, including:
1. Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectal area can lead to pain, itching, and bleeding, especially during bowel movements. They can be internal or external and may cause discomfort when sitting or during bowel movements.

2. Fissures: Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, often caused by passing hard stools. They can lead to sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

3. Skin Irritation: This can result from excessive moisture, poor hygiene, or irritation from soaps and wipes.
4. Infections: Fungal infections, pinworms, or sexually transmitted infections can also cause anal itching.

5. Dietary Factors: Certain foods, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, can irritate the anal area.

When to Seek Help
Given your symptoms—pain during massage, blood, and itching—it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Here are some reasons why you should seek medical attention:
- Persistent Symptoms: If the pain and bleeding continue, it’s essential to have a healthcare provider evaluate your condition.
- Blood in Stool: While it can be due to hemorrhoids or fissures, any rectal bleeding should be assessed to rule out more serious conditions.

- Severe Pain or Discomfort: If the pain is significant or worsening, this warrants a medical evaluation.

- Changes in Bowel Habits: If you experience changes in your bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, it’s important to discuss these with a doctor.

Addressing Your Concerns
1. Communication with Parents: It’s understandable to feel hesitant about discussing these issues with your parents. However, your health is paramount. Consider expressing your discomfort and the need for medical attention in a way that emphasizes your well-being rather than the specifics of the issue.

2. Financial Concerns: If finances are a concern, look for community health clinics or school health services that may offer low-cost or sliding scale services. Many schools have counselors or nurses who can help you navigate these issues.

3. Self-Care: While waiting for a medical appointment, you can practice good hygiene, avoid irritants, and consider dietary adjustments. Over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids may provide temporary relief, but they do not replace the need for a medical evaluation.

4. Mental Health: It’s also important to address the emotional aspect of dealing with health concerns. Anxiety about your symptoms can exacerbate discomfort. Consider talking to a trusted friend or counselor about your feelings.

Conclusion
While it may be tempting to wait until you have more independence to seek help, it’s crucial to prioritize your health now. The symptoms you describe warrant a professional evaluation to ensure that you receive appropriate care and treatment. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to support you in this process. Your health and well-being are worth the investment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Anal and Genital Itching: When to Seek Medical Help

Doctor: Hello! I have been experiencing anal itching for quite some time. I have been hesitant to seek medical attention due to embarrassment, but I have researched various methods to alleviate the itching and possible causes online. I have initially ruled out causes such as pinw...

Dr. Wu Fangcan reply Family Medicine
There are many causes of anal itching, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, scabies, pubic lice, lichen planus, xerosis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Some are associated with systemic diseases such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, chronic renal failure, ir...

Understanding Anal Itching: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

I have been experiencing itching around my anal area for some time. I thought that maintaining cleanliness and hygiene would help it improve, but it has been over a month now. The location makes it uncomfortable for me to seek medical attention. The symptoms include itching and s...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
This issue still requires an in-person consultation for diagnosis. You can visit a dermatologist, and there will definitely be a private examination area in the clinic, so you can feel comfortable seeking care.

Understanding Anal Itching: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Dear Dr. Chen, Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions. For about a year now, I have been experiencing intense itching around my anal area. Sometimes, I can't help but scratch, which often leads to skin breakdown and pain during bowel movements. My an...

Dr. Chen Yiying reply Dermatology
Hello: In response to your question, your condition may be a case of simple anal pruritus, but it could also be due to other inflammatory skin reactions. Additionally, it is important to consider the possibility of hemorrhoids. I recommend that you first consult a colorectal surg...

Understanding Anal Itching: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing severe itching around the anus for the past week. I often find myself scratching, and I'm unsure if it's hemorrhoids or an allergic reaction. Due to my busy work schedule, I currently don't have time to see a doct...

Dr. Yu Mingchang reply Surgery
Hello: It is recommended to use less toilet paper and to clean with water instead. The Ministry of Health and Welfare Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.