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Itchy anus, dry and metallic tasting lips. Help!?

(2 posts)

  1. paula =)
    Member

    For the past week or so, my 22 year old boyfriend has been suffering from what he describes as a painfully itchy anus, and dry lips which have a strong metallic taste to them. He does not have health insurance so a doctor's visit isn't exactly what we want to do just yet.

    He's 5'11", male (obviously!), 230lbs, is hygienic, eats well, isn't allergic to any foods (has been tested before). It has happened before, and at the time we thought that it could be pin worms, but we don't think that this is the case now.

    Any light that can be shed on this would be great, thank you!

    Posted 2 years ago #

  2. imsety
    Member

    Since you've already seen several doctors, they've probably ruled out the most common causes of anal itching: worms, hemorrhoids, fungal infections, skin fissures, sweating, irritants in food, and poor anal hygiene.
    One possibility that's sometimes overlooked is neurodematitis. This is not an actual nerve disorder but rather a lengthy cycle of itching and repeated scratching. It leads to gradual thickening of the skin around the anus, which than itches more than ever.
    If neurodermatitis is indeed the cause of your condition, it may gradually abate if you force yourself not to scratch the thickened skin. When you're at home, applying an ice-cold compress to the irritated area can ease the urge to scratch. Since many sufferers scratch when they're asleep, you should keep your fingernails short and even wear soft mittens to bed. A hypnotist or psychotherapist might help you stop scratching.
    I hope this helps you. And good luck.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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