Hello. I have a rather embarrassing problem. I am newly diagnosed and have had constant discomfort in my anus and around my genital head (glans). It feels like they are both extremely dry and uncomfortable (scratchy against clothes). I have resorted to wearing tight underwear to keep anything from moving. Does anyone have experience with this and how best to treat this symptom?
Thanks y'all!
name here is Ami (like tommy without the t)
Hello Ami, welcome to Sjogren's World.
Skin irritation isn't uncommon in SjS, and it's often the result of dryness. In some cases, "personal irritation" can result from one of the yeast or fungal infections, because the areas are kept warm, enclosed and possibly prone to perspiration, which causes moisture but not skin lubrication. There are OTC ointments and powders available (anti-fungals) and if your doctor has no objection or other suggestions, they might be worth a try. Another helpful change, (if you haven't already done so) is 100% cotton underwear, as the ones with Lycra or polyester can aggravate the problem.
I hope you find lots of helpful information here, as well as support and hints for coping with this "interesting" (for want of a polite word that says what I really mean) disease.
Hi Ami,
I just want to welcome you to Sjogrens World!! If you have any other questions...feel free to ask...there is no question to embarrassing in here....we all understand!
The nurse at work swears by Baza Creme which is an anti fungal...I recently bought some but haven't tried it yet! When I do, I'll post here as to how it works for me...good luck to you in getting some answers and treatment!
Sometimes washing your underwear in fragrance free detergent really can make a difference for some people.Irish ;D
Do you have a rash or just discomfort? It seems like any part of your body can become dry and the rubbing of clothes can become very irritating, pants, shirts, socks or underwear.
If you have a rash, I would see a dermatologist for some relief.
Welcome to Sjogren's World, brother!
Thats a new one to me Ami but we all experience very different things. I'm going to pm to you my own experience.
Steve
Quote from: amiamiami on May 26, 2009, 02:47:47 PM
Hello. I have a rather embarrassing problem. I am newly diagnosed and have had constant discomfort in my anus and around my genital head (glans). It feels like they are both extremely dry and uncomfortable (scratchy against clothes). I have resorted to wearing tight underwear to keep anything from moving. Does anyone have experience with this and how best to treat this symptom?
Thanks y'all!
name here is Ami (like tommy without the t)
Well I went to the Doc with sore bum and back..and it simply was dry skin.....now I wash with plain sorbolene and pretty much rub extra in the feet and wherever is dry everyday.
not had a painful peni though..
comfortable clothing can make a big difference with this.
All me best
Wow! First off I want to thank you all for the quick and warm responses. I have spent a few years in the "pelvic pain" boards, b/c I thought this was just a urological problem. Over that time, I realized (after 47 doctors) that the dryness was getting worse and worse and that was a major piece of this! I will try some of your suggestions!
Thank you!
Ami
Hi ami,
Let me also welcome you to the SJS World! Please do peruse the board as there are just tons of information and oodles of information to be had. Shoot, I spend more time reading here than asking questions from the rheumy - as he's the quiet type and it's like pulling teeth out of chickens!
The members here are just amazing! I'm glad to see that several of them have given you some really good information and there's not much I can add.
Again, welcome, come often and I hope to chat with you soon.
Take care -
Patze
Hi Ami
Welcome to the family. I have just been watching a programme called Embarrassing Bodies (UK), and there was a caes study of a chap with extreme dryness in the genital area - to the extent that he was bleeding. After various tests, a dermatologist diagnosed him with atopic dermatitis and advised the stuff other people have suggested. In particular, he was advised to make sure that no shampoo/soap etc dripped on his genital area while showering or bathing, and now he is absolutley fine.
From my experience of very dry genitals (female), I was advised to use E45 cream mixed with water as a wash. It works really well, and costs very little. Might be worth trying.
Kathyx
Thanks again everyone! I've also been noticing that a lot of people have troubles with yeast. I'm beginning to wonder if the anal/penile problem is one relating to yeast. I've been tested for everything under the sun but not yeast...anyone dealt with anal yeast? Again, sorry for slightly off-color topic :).
Hi :)
I don't think I've said welcome - so welcome first!!
Several years ago I had a lot of trouble with thrush, which is basically a yeast infection. Eventually cottoned on to the fact that treating me alone was no good. My husband had to be treated as well. Only once did he actually show symptoms and that was an itchy rash on his penis - but that was only once.
I think its really a question for your doctor. I'm sure they could prescribe something that could help but the cause needs to be identified.
For example - if you tried something for yeast infections and it was actually caused by some kind of eczema - you would make it a whole lot worse - and vice versa. Check it with a medic!!
Take care - Scottie :)