How to deal with the issue of not being able to completely clean stool from the anus, which sometimes causes skin breakdown

Jul 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have a fleshy lump on my own buttocks. Sometimes when I wipe after a bowel movement, it gets scraped and bleeds. The anus cannot be cleaned properly after defecation, and sometimes it breaks open. What should I do?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
When encountering the issue of being unable to completely clean the anus after bowel movements, along with occasional skin breakdown, one should first consider the possibility of perianal diseases such as anal fissures, mixed hemorrhoids, or perianal abscesses, which may cause such symptoms. To address this issue, the following measures can be taken: 1. Seek timely medical attention: Visit the colorectal surgery department at a hospital for systematic examination and treatment to avoid delaying the condition. 2. Improve lifestyle habits: Avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to improve intestinal health and reduce the occurrence of constipation and diarrhea. 3. Maintain cleanliness: Rinse the anus with lukewarm water after each bowel movement to prevent irritation from residual feces. Sitz baths with potassium permanganate solution may also be used to help reduce inflammation and promote wound healing. 4. Medication treatment: Under a doctor's guidance, topical medications such as Ma Yinglong hemorrhoid ointment can be applied locally to relieve symptoms. 5. Prevent recurrence: Keep the perianal skin dry and clean, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, engage in appropriate physical activity to promote blood circulation, and reduce pressure on rectal veins.