itchy perineum/anus for 8 years

[8yritch]

I have had an itchy perineum/anus for the past 8 years.  It all started after the birth of my second child. (c-section)  It started in the perineum area and then became a general perineum/anal itch.  I've tried everything and I can't make it go away.  I know 8 years seems ridiculously long without finding an answer, but that's not for a lack of trying!  I've had a biopsy done on the perineum area, a scope put up my butt, tried literally every cream I can think of.... tried no creams at all, just keeping the area clean, dry and powdered, I've tried pin worm medication numerous times, cotton underwear, no detergent, changed my diet numerous times, to every unconventional thing I could think of.... and eventually I just gave up on wasting my time seeing another doctor, who usually comes to the conclusion that it's all in my head.  If that is the case, get it out of my head!  I can't take it anymore!
  I don't know what to do.  The itch is severe.  I find myself losing sleep... in fact I can't remember the last time I slept through the night without waking up because of it.  It happens all day, all night.  Not constantly, but quite often.  I've tried the common sense approach of don't scratch and it will go away, but after this long... I can tell you that doesn't work.
  It gets very irritated, and right now I've developed a lump... I'm assuming it's associated with a little pimple that came this week, that has probably gotten infected because of my scratching.  I wash my hands excessively and keep my fingernails short... because I scratch so much and I know that I'm not helping the situation by scratching, but all I have to say is... 8 years!  The lump thing has happened before, only the lump was was a boil before... way more painful- this time it just seems to spread the itch more into the cheek and get red and swollen.  I dread the idea of the embarrassment of seeing another doctor.  In fact I've been avoiding my pap test for years because I don't want to bring that area up again.  Please cure me.... I would give anything to just make it stop!

[mystyk475]

Just wanted to let you know I suffered with this for over a year....I found your post when I was researching it.  I found others saying they stopped using their cottonelle wet wipes and it went away-I used Scott wipes, but thought I would give it a try.  Within one week the itching almost stopped-I am on week 2 now with NO more itching!  You may have already tried this, or not even use them, but I had to pass it on to you.  Can't believe I suffered for over a year all because of the wipes.  Hope this helps.

[Sympathiser]

you probably have dermatitis - and it is treatable. Don't be embarrassed - see a woman doctor and please have a pap test. Being embarrassed will be the least of your problems if you risk cervical cancer.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
A few possibilities that are coming to my mind are skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, internal diseases like diabetes, liver or thyroid diseases, lichen simplex chronicus and neurological causes. Neuropathy can cause intense itching which can be relieved by cooling lotions like those containing camphor or menthol, capsacain or local anesthetic creams, amitriptyline and gabapentin tablets and electrical cutaneous nerve field stimulation.

Please discuss this possibility and these options of treatment with your dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.