Posts Tagged ‘Anal Sphincter’
Anal Itching
This is one of the symptoms of hemorrhoids and yet is often made worse by the ointments and creams that are liberally put around the area to improve them! More is not always better.
Causes of Anal Itching
The area around your anus is very sensitive and the inflammation can be due to a variety of reasons such as not having cleaned the anus after passing a stool (faeces/poo).
Sometimes mucous from the anal canal can cause the irritation as the anal sphincter is not as effective and the leakage causes irritation on the skin surface.
It can also be made worse by constant washing with perfumed soaps, washing after having your bowels open is a good idea if you have hemorrhoids; but just be aware it may be the soap which is causing the irritation. If you would like another option baby wipes are very gently and do not contain any harsh cleansers so may well be gentler on your bottom.
The irritation may also be due to a fungal infection called Candida Albicans / thrush which can be easily treated with an anti fungal cream.
Your bottom may be sore and itchy due to excess perspiration; this can be due to the climate or your work environment. A doctor will be able to determine which is the cause of your discomfort and may well be able to offer a more appropriate form of treatment.
Internal Rectal Examination
This will involve the doctor doing what’s called a rectal examination, you will be asked to remove your underwear in privacy and lie on your side on the doctor’s couch. The doctor will ask you to lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest with your bottom towards the doctor. The doctor will gentle part your buttocks and look at your external anus to see if you have external hemorrhoids or any rash or skin tags. You may be asked to push gently as if you were going to have a bowel motion. The doctor will then lubricate the gloved finger which will be gently inserted into your anus. The doctor will be able to feel around inside the rectum to feel how your anal sphincter functions (which is the tight band around your anus which relaxes when you excrete your stool). The doctor will feel to check if you have internal hemorrhoids.
Occasionally your Doctor may wish to examine your rectum with a proctoscope this is a usually a disposable plastic conical shaped instrument with a rounded end which can be removed so that the doctor can see into the rectum they may have a separate light which they will place in position to help with the visibility. Once the procedure is complete they will either wipe off the excess lubricant or offer you tissues to do this yourself in privacy with the curtains around you. You will then be able to get dressed the doctor will then discuss their findings with you. This is not usually done during the procedure as you will have you mind on other thoughts.
If the doctor is completely satisfied that you have hemorrhoids they will offer you advice on how to treat them. If they feel that a surgeon should take a look and /or an endoscopy is appropriate for further investigations this will be arranged and you will be sent an appointment.
External Hemorrhoids
These hemorrhoids are fortunately not so common and are usually found on the outer rim of the anal sphincter (the tight band of tissue). These can become irritated by mucus, creams, fungal infections and occasionally they can become thrombosed – which means a clot has formed inside them.
These are very painful and require urgent treatment, you will need to seek help from your doctor or if the pain is very severe your A&E department if necessary.If you are extremely unfortunate you may suffer from both external and internal hemorrhoids
Internal Hemorrhoids
These use the grading system from 1-4 or First to Fourth degree
- Grade 1: First Degree –These are relatively small up inside the anal canal and are more like bulges in the mucosal layer of the rectum. They can be felt on examination by a doctor.
- Grade 2: Second Degree – These are larger and will remain inside your rectum, occasionally protruding when a stool is passed but returning inside once you have finished evacuating your bowels.
- Grade 3: Third Degree – These begin inside the rectum but actually hang out and you may be able to feel these. They can be gently pushed back inside the anal canal with your fingers.
- Grade 4: Fourth Degree – These become large protrude outside the anal sphincter. They are not able to be pushed back inside. You will need to see your doctor about these as you will require treatment.
