Does anyone with a j-pouch suffer from chronic rectal itch? I've had this problem for several years and have not found any adequate answers from my doctors. I've tried all the barrier creams, including zinc oxide, and nothing helps. Any advice/solutions out there?
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If it's fungal then the barrier creams might make it worse by keeping the area moist. Some folks have reported good results with Zeasorb powder.
You can also use any of those ointments/creams for athlete's foot or jock itch or vaginal fungal infection (miconazole, chlortimazole, etc.). Give them a few weeks, then call your doc for prescription strength if they do not work.
Jan 
I use prep H ointment and rubber glove to apply. Dr Shen at Cleveland clinic has two compound formulas that work Very well too.
One other suggestion - don't wipe w toilet paper. Use a baby wipe then pat dry w paper. After that apply ointment. You can also try prep H wipes ilo baby wipes. I have the same problem and find tolerable relief using the above. If no relief..persue other option w Dr Bo Shen - head of GI at cleveland clinic.
I hope this helps?
I hope this helps?
Originally Posted by JanetRose3:
Does anyone with a j-pouch suffer from chronic rectal itch?
Look, I'm 364 days after takedown so I profess not to be an expert, but I know itching for me is a precursor to butt burn and a result of overly acidic output. Unlike a 'normal' itch which goes when scratched, it seems to be the initial signs of irritation. If I've had something (even mildly) spicy to eat I get the itch followed by burning. So it is followed directly by some blood (usually the delicate tissue just inside the anus) and a night of frequent BMs.
The latest issue I had was with rolled oats (or for the geriatrically inclined, porridge), low in cholesterol, little or no fat and some protein. Great I thought, little did I know also produces copious quantities of gas and increases bile acid. Not so great. Intense itching followed by burning and a really bad night. So, like the guy who stops banging his head against the wall and the pain stops, I stopped the oats and back to normal, minimal gas, acidity seems normal and no butt burn.
My guess (and it is only a guess) is that your itching is diet related and is (probably) the precursor to increase in acid and followed by butt burn. In OZ we had a brilliant hydro-cortizone cream called hydrozol. Actual butt burn relief within 15 minutes after application, I kid you not. The maker no longer produces it. There are others with supposedly the same ingredients, but they do not work - go figure.
Originally Posted by Scott F:
If it's fungal then the barrier creams might make it worse by keeping the area moist. Some folks have reported good results with Zeasorb powder.
I find that powder does help help me as well in certain cases. I do it all, ointments,Desitin cream (zinc oxide), Talcum powder and PrepH ointment or suppository.
Like, Zman, I use Prep H most of the time but I have had success with zinc oxide creams and also powder, depending on the situation. I do have a small hemorrhoid that flares up and that is when I have the most leakage, itching and a tiny bit of bleeding. I then go to a Prep H suppository. In other words I have an arsenal of remedies that I used and change up.
I, also, have come to taking baths. That helps me all around, mentally and physically.