Rectal problems are common. Almost everyone will have some rectal itching, pain, or bleeding at some time. These problems are often minor. They may go away on their own or with home treatment.
Rectal itching (pruritus) usually isn't a sign of a serious disease. At first, the skin of the anal area may look red. Itching and scratching may make the skin become thickened and white. Common causes of rectal itching include:
Rectal pain may be caused by diarrhea, constipation, or anal itching and scratching. Rectal pain caused by these conditions usually goes away when the problem clears up.
Other less common causes of rectal pain include:
Many people have small amounts of rectal bleeding. Irritation of the rectum from diarrhea or constipation, a small hemorrhoid, or an anal fissure can cause a small amount of bright red blood. You may see the bright blood on the surface of the stool or on the toilet paper. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures usually occur after straining during a bowel movement because of constipation. This type of bleeding can cause pain during a bowel movement. It doesn't make the toilet water bloody. It isn't serious if there is only a small amount of blood and the bleeding stops when the diarrhea or constipation stops. Home treatment is usually all that you need.
Bleeding can happen anywhere in the digestive tract. The blood is digested as it moves through the digestive tract. The longer it takes the blood to move through the tract, the less it will look like blood. Often blood that is caused by bleeding in the stomach will look black and tarry. A tarry stool has a black, shiny, sticky appearance. It looks like tar on a road. Blood that has moved quickly through the digestive tract or that starts near the rectum may look red or dark red.
Certain medicines and foods can affect the color of the stool. Diarrhea medicines (such as Pepto-Bismol) and iron tablets can make the stool black. Eating lots of beets may turn the stool red. Eating foods with black or dark blue food coloring can turn the stool black.
You can take steps at home to help with rectal problems. Depending on the cause of your problems, you may not use all of these tips.
Gently clean the area with water-moistened cotton balls, a warm washcloth, or premoistened towelettes, such as Tucks or baby wipes. A mild ointment, such as A+D Ointment or Desitin, can be applied lightly. It can help soothe the skin and protect it against more irritation.
Taking a sitz bath 3 times each day and after each bowel movement will help keep the area clean and relieve itching. After the bath, dry the area carefully. You might use a hair dryer set on low.
Scented products may irritate the skin. Colored toilet paper may also irritate the skin.
If you sweat a lot, avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear. Wear cotton undergarments. You may use talcum powder to absorb moisture, but don't use cornstarch. Cornstarch may cause a skin infection. Before you put on talcum powder, dry your rectal area with a hair dryer set on low.
For at least 2 weeks, try not to eat or drink foods like coffee, tea, cola, drinks that contain alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes, and spicy foods. Also avoid taking too much vitamin C. Slowly add the items back to your diet, one at a time, to help find the cause of the itching.
Scratching leads to more itching. Taking an antihistamine at night may help reduce your nighttime itching. These medicines may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Before you use them, check the label. If you do use these medicines, always follow the directions about how much to use based on age and, in some cases, weight. You may need to check with your doctor about using these medicines.
Apply an ointment that has 1% hydrocortisone. Don't use other steroid creams on this sensitive area of your body. They can cause skin damage. Hydrocortisone cream should not be used for longer than 7 to 10 days without talking with your doctor. Don't use creams or ointments that have antihistamines, such as Benadryl cream.
Rectal bleeding can be caused by constipation, diarrhea, or hemorrhoids. Don't take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They can cause bleeding in the digestive tract. That can increase the amount of blood in your stools. These medicines can also make bleeding hemorrhoids bleed more. If you need to use something for pain, try acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.
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