Intended for healthcare professionals

Rapid response to:

Practice 10-Minute Consultation

Anal itching

BMJ 2016; 355 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i4931 (Published 04 November 2016) Cite this as: BMJ 2016;355:i4931

Rapid Response:

Re: Anal itching

May I add advice to your article on 5th November by Sahnan et al?
For itching of unknown cause, often in the elderly, scrupulous hygiene is essential, so if necessary the anal area should also be cleaned with plain water after every micturition, especially after exercise. In the absence of a bidet, this requires some toilet paper soaked in preferably warm water, which may have to be taken into the cubicle, followed by gentle drying. When at home sometimes a hair dryer can be carefully used to dry the area thoroughly.
The only emollient should be simple aqueous cream or ointment, none with added chemical or fragrances, and should be applied especially at night.

Competing interests: No competing interests

18 December 2016
richard p h thompson thompson
retired gastroenterologist
none
36 dealtry road SW15 6NL