Itchy errrr.....you know what

[Igor73]

Started back into cycling last year, mainly commuting to work 12 - 16 miles per day and a longer ride with the wife at weekends. A few weeks in and I began to get a very noticeable itch around my anus. Never had this before and it's literally a right pain in the arse!
I consider myself to be very hygiene conscious, have tried creams, powder etc............no joy. Thought it may have been piles and treated accordingly but it's still persisting, next step is Canestan. Don't particularly want to go to the docs so any advice etc would be gratefully received.

 

[ayceejay]

Moisture probably. Wash your shorts regularly and yourself after every ride use an anti fungal powder, not cream and if you get the chance go bare bummed around the house.

 

[mjr]

Try changing underwear, saddle or riding position? But it might be something better to go visit the medical centre sooner rather than later as it could get worse if left too long.

 

[classic33]

Change of washing powder?

 

[vickster]

Thrush...try the canesten and avoid soap and shower gels. Use cetraben for cleaning and moisturising (can get from the pharmacy in a small tub, only need a little)

This is the advice the GP gave me when I had a similar issue (much more common in women)

If no joy see the Dr

I assume you've ruled out threadworms (itchy at night too normally), easily treated with stuff from chemist

 

[Pikey]

I have an itchy belly button at the moment. Dunno if that helps... could be the time of year?

 

[kiwifruit]

I had the same problem for over a year. I try all sort of creams ( canestan, pile cream, moisturising, use different washing powder and soap) but no joy. Went to the doc twice he couldn't see anything there so he gave me a very mild steroid cream the second time to put on for over a week. Great stop itching carried on a further week and stop. No itch for 4 weeks, then the nightmare started again itching all the time. Last resort I used my wife strong eczema steroid ointment just a little bit in the morning and night for a week been roughly 6 months now and no itch.

 

[mjr]

Be very cautious about applying steroid creams to sensitive areas. Prolonged use of some can thin skin and lead to bleeding. I had problems near my nose: I would be very reluctant to put it near the other end. Read the leaflet of any you're considering.

Also, if you ride competitively (including Gran Fondos - but probably not sportives), check whether the steroids are permitted. Be an embarrassing way to get disqualified IMO.

 

[Turdus philomelos]

Could be a wee thread worm or two.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Could be a wee thread worm or two.

This^^^^ if particularly bad at night. Ovex tablets are the treatment.

 

[furball]

Make sure your kit is washed in non biological detergent.

 

[ayceejay]

Yeah I second or is turd the worms idea.