Definition
Itching of the anus
Occurs on a repeated basis
Health Information
Causes
There are many causes of itching around the anus.
The most common cause is stool that has been left on the skin. Stool contains chemicals and germs that can cause itchy skin rashes.
A bubble bath and other soaps can also cause an itchy bottom.
Pinworms are tiny, harmless worms that live in the colon (large bowel).
They are a less common cause than irritation from soap or stool.
Care Advice
Overview:
There are many causes of itching around the anus. Some are more common than pinworms.
The most common cause is stool that has been left on the skin.
Treat the common causes.
If the changes don’t get rid of the anal itching, get a pinworm test.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Anal Cleansing:
Try to keep stool off the skin around the anus
After wiping off stool with toilet tissue, cleanse the skin with warm water. Do not use soap.
A bubble bath can also cause an itchy bottom. Children with dry skin are at special risk. Avoid bubble bath or sitting in any soapy bath water.
Steroid Cream:
For itching, wash the skin around the anus with warm water.
For severe itch, use 1% hydrocortisone cream 2 times per day.
Use for 1 or 2 days. No prescription is needed.
Look for Pinworms:
Examine the area around your child’s anus, using a flashlight.
Look for a ¼-inch (6 mm), white, threadlike worm that moves. (If it doesn’t wiggle, it’s probably lint or a thread.)
The worm may be seen around the anus or on the child’s bottom.
Rarely, the pinworm is seen on the surface of a stool.
Do this a few hours after your child goes to bed. Check him 2 nights in a row.
Also, check him first thing in the morning for 2 days.
Pinworm Paddle Test
If you don’t see any worms at home, your child’s CPCMG health care provider can collect a sample in the office.
Schedule an office appointment with your child’s CPCMG health care provider.
The provider uses a small sticky paddle to collect samples around the child’s bottom.
This paddle is sent to the lab to examine under a microscope for pinworms and eggs.
Over the Counter Treatment for Pinworms
What to Expect:
Anal itching should be better in 2 days.
Itching should be gone by 1 week or less.
Call Your Doctor If
Pinworm is seen
The skin around the anus gets red or tender (could be Strep)
Anal itching lasts more than 1 week
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.
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