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Itching in the rectum

Dr Subash Gupta
Surgical Gastroenterologist,
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

Q: I suffer from itching in the rectum/anus (where we pass stool from). The itching is so strong sometimes I cant control and have to keep making trips to the bathroom to satisfy the urge. I have this problem on and off now for over 8 years ? It lasts for 3-8 days and goes away. My question is are there any specific causes for this ? Somebody told me that it is called travellers dysentry, others feel that it may be piles ?

A:You should have a stool examination. A course of deworming medicine may help. An internal examination is essential with biopsy from the iner lining of anus. Itching is a common symptom but usually is due to worms.