Phlegm in the anus: causes, photos

Causes

• Failure to maintain personal hygiene, improper washing of the external genitalia and anus, inability to take a shower or bath for several days;
• Anal sex;
• Irritation (synthetic underwear, scented toilet paper);
• Skin diseases (urticaria, psoriasis);
• Sweating or dryness of the anal area;
• Sexually transmitted infections;
• Thrush (candidiasis, a disease caused by fungi);
• Overweight;
• Neurosis, obsessive states;
• Depression, stressful situation;
• Poor nutrition (excessive consumption of spicy foods, alcohol);
• Work in hot, dusty rooms;
• Increased sweating;
• Use of panty liners;
• Metabolic disorders;
• Toxicosis of pregnant women;
• Constipation;
• Diabetes;
• Wearing tight clothing;
• Worm infestation;
• In children, insect bites, contact with certain plants (nettle), diaper rash, loose stools.

Causes of itching in the anus

Such discomfort can be temporary or present constantly, develop as a primary sign of the disease and be its secondary manifestation.

Primary anal itching is a separate pathological condition, and secondary itching is a symptom of a more complex disease.

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract

According to official statistics, in most clinical cases the cause of itching in the anus is pathological processes affecting the organs of the digestive tract.

Skin diseases and allergies

An allergic reaction in the anal area can be triggered by tissue contact with potential allergens such as food, chemicals, synthetic fabrics (underwear), body care products, medications (rectal and vaginal suppositories, laxatives).

Diseases of the genitourinary system

Anal itching, the causes of which are hidden behind the pathology of the genitourinary organs, develops as a result of irritation of the anal tissues by acidic urine. It is also possible that such symptoms may appear due to the activity of microorganisms contained in it. Itching in the anus in men often occurs against the background of prostatitis and urethritis, as well as sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, candidiasis).

Itching in the anus in women often develops with advanced thrush. With this disease, the infection spreads to the tissues of the perineum, and not only exists in the intimate area. Itchy sensations in this area in girls can be a manifestation of other gynecological ailments, for example, bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, etc.

Diabetes mellitus, pathologies of internal organs

This symptom is often observed in patients suffering from hyperglycemia, pancreatitis, biliary dyskinesia, inflammatory processes of the mucous membranes of the stomach and small intestine, gout, and infectious hepatitis. Itching of the anus in men and women, the causes of which are vitamin deficiencies, is permanent and is accompanied by dry skin, thinning with loss of elasticity.

Neurogenic abnormalities, obsessive-compulsive neurosis

Disorders of the nervous system often lead to the appearance of itching in the anal area. This is due to the fact that patients with depressive conditions who are constantly exposed to stress have a very sensitive nervous system. Due to such mental changes, many somatic disorders develop, in particular, dry skin, loss of water, and with it, skin elasticity. All these factors are the direct causes of itching sensations in different parts of the body, including the anus.

Overweight

People who are obese have increased sweating. As a result, diaper rash occurs in the natural folds of the body and in the perineal area. The patient's anus itches, there is a burning sensation and discomfort.

Associated symptoms

Itching in the anal area may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Insomnia;
• Intestinal disorders (diarrhea, constipation);
• Dyspepsia (nausea, vomiting);
• Abdominal pain;
• Rumbling, bloating;
• Rash on the body;
• Frequent use of salt-based laxatives;
• Bleeding from the anus;
• Decreased appetite or complete absence;
• Burning;
• Discharge of mucous or purulent contents from the anus;
• Irritability, nervousness.

Therapeutic measures

In order for treatment to give good results, it is first necessary to identify the disease, the symptom of which is itching in the anus. If it is hemorrhoids and anal fissures, then special ointments and suppositories for itching in the anus will help. They will relieve inflammation and reduce itching and burning in this area. Frequently used drugs include Proctoglivenol, Anuzol, Proctosan.

Treatment will be ineffective if you do not adhere to proper nutrition to avoid constipation. In addition, it is worth maintaining body hygiene, washing yourself after each act of defecation, and changing your underwear often.

If helminthiasis is diagnosed, the doctor selects antibacterial therapy depending on the causative agent of the disease. It also takes into account the patient’s age and concomitant diseases, so it is prohibited to select medications on your own.

Do not self-medicate for itching in the anus, as this is just a symptom of an underlying disease, the cause of which should be identified and eliminated with the help of a competent specialist. Otherwise, only the symptom will be removed, but the disease will remain and develop.

What gastrointestinal diseases may this indicate?

Anal itching may indicate the following gastrointestinal pathologies:

• Anorectal fistulas (pathological course in the large intestine);
• Hemorrhoids: external, internal (prolapse or swelling of the hemorrhoidal veins of the rectum);
• Worm infestations;
• Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis);
• Pancreatitis (infection of the pancreas);
• Malignant neoplasms;
• Polyps in the rectum (benign tumor);
• Intestinal dysbiosis;
• Rectal fissures;
• Biliary dyskinesia (impaired motility);
• Chronic proctosigmoiditis (infection of the rectum).

Manifestations of pathology

Itching in the rectum can be expressed in different degrees: from minor to unbearably painful. Severe anal burning is a painful condition that can last forever. With complications, swelling and compaction appear in the anal area. A person can suffer from a disease for years and go untreated, constantly scratching the painful area until it bleeds. However, it is impossible to get rid of the burning sensation in this way. We need to find the root cause and eliminate it. By constantly traumatizing your skin, you can make the situation worse, creating an ideal place for infections to occur.

This disease develops in acute or chronic form. If a patient complains of burning and pain near the anus, upon palpation the patient feels severe pain, and on examination the doctor notices damage, scratches, redness - these are signs of an acute form.

The chronic form is characterized by a lower level of burning, but the skin around the anus thins, becomes fragile and is more easily injured. As a rule, the course of the disease occurs cyclically, with the repetition of the main processes: remission and exacerbation. People suffering from this form lose the desire to work, their resistance to stress decreases, their general well-being worsens, and they experience frequent sleep problems.

Patients who are overweight often suffer from increased sweating, resulting in diaper rash and irritation in the perineal area

Diagnostics

The cause of itching in the anus is identified by questioning the patient, collecting anamnesis (past history, concomitant diseases, daily routine), upon examination (swelling, tissue compaction, scratching, pain) based on the results of laboratory examinations.

Diagnostic tests:

• Complete blood count (leukocytes, ESR, C-reactive protein);
• Feces on worm eggs;
• Feces for intestinal dysbiosis;
• Colonoscopy, endoscopic examination of the walls of the rectum for the presence of pathological changes;
• FGDS, examine the walls of the stomach, identify structural changes;
• Ultrasound of the peritoneal organs evaluates the motor activity of the organs and their size.

If itching constantly torments you, consult a doctor!

Treatment

How to treat irritation depends primarily on the cause of it. The doctor may recommend a special ointment to initially relieve symptoms and eliminate pain. Such ointments have a cooling and disinfecting effect. If the detected disease requires long-term treatment, ointments such as heparin ointment, Troxevasin, and Proctosan are used. They quickly relieve irritation and inflammation, heal cracks and kill harmful bacteria. Remember that once you get rid of the burning sensation, you do not get a guarantee that it will not return. For a complete cure, the root cause must be identified and eliminated.

When an allergy is detected, a course of antihistamines is prescribed. In case of dysbacteriosis, additional research is prescribed to identify the problem that caused it. The priority is always to cure a more serious disease.

For diseases of the rectum, hemorrhoids or fissures, several medical measures are always prescribed, the so-called complex treatment. It includes taking medications and changing your usual way of life. Sometimes exercise therapy is added and a ban is imposed on the consumption of certain categories of products, which is decided by the doctor in each individual case. If helminths are found in the body, the use of antiparasitic drugs is mandatory. It is also necessary to kill all the eggs they lay; for this, a whole range of medications is prescribed, as well as gels and ointments to restore the integrity of the anus.

Sexually transmitted infections are treated with special therapy. During this time, for maximum effect, doctors advise abstaining from sexual intercourse, providing the genitals with the necessary care, not wearing tight underwear and not using irritating personal hygiene products. In the early stages, sexually transmitted infections can be treated quite simply, but in advanced cases, complications become irreparable for the body.

The treatment tactics for anal itching will depend on the cause of this symptom.

Neurogenic itching can be treated with sedatives. The doctor prescribes the necessary sedatives and, if necessary, prescribes an additional examination of the central nervous system or an appointment with a neurologist.

If the irritation is caused by your body type, your doctor will select medications for you that will help you avoid diaper rash in the future. Always keep your genitals clean and pay attention to discharge and pain. If something bothers the body, it always tells us about it. Always remember about intimate hygiene and diseases that can be caused by improper care of the genitals.

Treatment methods

Treatment tactics for anal itching depend on the cause of its occurrence. In order to alleviate the symptoms, agents are used that block nerve receptors and act as a local anesthetic.

Remedies for itching:

• Angioprotectors, improve blood circulation (troxeturin, troxevasin, heparin)

Heparin, a thin layer of ointment is rubbed into the affected areas of the skin 2 times throughout the day;

• Rectal suppositories (suppositories) have an anti-inflammatory, regenerating effect on the mucous membrane (relief, natalsid, proctosan)

Relief, 1 candle once a day;

• Protectors, create a protective barrier, soothe the mucous membranes (lanolin, calamine, petroleum jelly)

Vaseline, applied in a thin layer 3-4 times throughout the day;

• Microclysters for cleansing the rectum (with herbal infusions - chamomile, calendula, birch buds, 2 tablespoons per mug of boiling water, with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, microlax)

Microlax, adults and children over 3 years old, 5 ml, once a day.

Symptomatic treatment:

• Probiotics for dysbiosis, bifidumbacterin, linex, lactobacterin

Bifidumbacterin, rectally (into the anus) 1-2 suppositories 3 times a day;

• Antihistamines, in the presence of rashes, suprastin, prednisone, claritin

Claritin, 1 tablet (10 mg) once a day;

• Antiparasitic drugs, in the presence of helminths (azinox, vermox)

Vermox, adults and children over 10 years old, 1 tablet once, children 2–10 years old, ¼ - ½ tablet once;

• Sedatives (calming), for nervousness, stress (leonwort tincture, valocordin, validol)

Valocordin, 15–20 drops three times a day, for children 1 drop for 1 year of life (for example, a child 12 years old, 12 drops).

Causes of irritation in men and women

In women, anal irritation often appears due to candidiasis. Violation of the secretion of reproductive organs is fraught with negative consequences. Once developed, thrush affects the entire perineum. This is a fairly harmless infection that is easy to get rid of with appropriate treatment.

It is much worse when the cause of the itching is syphilis or HIV. Unprotected sexual contact with strangers often results in just such consequences. Blood and itching in the anus are the first signal to make an appointment with a gynecologist and conduct an examination.

An irritant that causes anal burning can be synthetic underwear, creams and gels for intimate hygiene made from harmful materials or containing allergenic components. It is much better to wear underwear made from natural fabrics, use products with the most gentle effect, without a strong odor. It is advisable to first consult with a gynecologist to determine whether this particular soap or gel is right for you.

In men, there are two main causes - prostatitis and urethritis. Prostatitis can be infectious or non-infectious. It is its infectious form that affects the anus, anal burning appears, the infection develops and enters the rectum. Urethritis occurs due to the appearance of bacteria and viruses. They inflame the walls of the urethra, and complications often even affect the body’s fertility. Therefore, you should not hesitate to go to the doctor. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are the key to success. Itching in the rectum or anus is a sure sign that it is worth making an appointment. And if there is severe pain and bloody discharge, hurry up before the disease develops.

Allergic reactions may occur to personal hygiene products

Quick relief from itching

You can quickly get rid of itching with:

• Lotions, 100 gr. pour ½ liter of olive oil over fresh marigold flowers and place in a warm, sunny place. Moisten a gauze pad, bandage and apply to the anus for 30 minutes;
• After each bowel movement, rinse the anus thoroughly with cool water;
• Sitz baths with herbal infusions - chamomile, oak bark, calendula, birch buds. The duration of the manipulation is 30 minutes, the water temperature should be 37 degrees;
• Ointment, oats 200 gr. fry and pass through a coffee grinder, mix the finished powder with butter in a ratio of 1:2. rub the prepared ointment 2 times a day, applying a thin layer to the affected areas.

Diet

Nutrition for itching of the anus should be mechanically gentle; foods that irritate the mucous membrane and cause gas formation should be excluded from the diet.

Prohibited products:

• In the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, nutrition plays an important role!

  Sour berries, citrus fruits;

• Legumes;
• Cabbage;
• Spicy, smoked, marinated dishes;
• Whole milk, some types of cheese;
• Carbonated, alcoholic drinks;
• Products that contain coarse fiber (nuts, bread, bran);
• Herbs, spices, sauces.

Worm infestations

One of the main reasons for itching in a woman’s anus is helminthic infestation. The main types of parasites that cause anal itching:

1. pinworms (more typical for childhood and adolescence);
2. roundworms;
3. bovine tapeworm;
4. pork tapeworm;
5. Giardia.

Infection occurs when eating undercooked meat. Itching usually occurs at night. Additional symptoms are cramping abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, and causeless weight loss.