Too embarrased...

[ciaraciara]

My little sister is too embarrassed to go to the doctor about this problem .. basically she gets a cutting scratching sensation when passing faeces, she's fifteen and eats pretty well for a teenager.. she gets enough fibre so it can't be constipation. Any ideas to put her mind at ease?

[yogasun]

Perhaps she has a small fissure making it painful?
I'm sure sqad will advise or offer a suggestion.

[boxtops]

She might have very dry skin around the anus which is tearing each time she goes to the toilet. Please persuade her to see the doc (or at least the practice nurse) - this might be something which can be very easily treated. They have seen it all before - it's daft to suffer, and it could get worse. (If it helps, tell her I was suffering from bad itching in that area once - I had to show the area to my GP who I knew outside work... but he gave me some cream and it did the trick.)

[Bobbisox]

yoga beat me to that

[netibiza]

Sounds like it could be piles, they can be very painful!

Where's sqad when you need him!

[boxtops]

PS ciaracaira, you would do better posting this in Health under Body & Soul - but please do be aware that - as the disclaimer on Health says - nothing beats seeking medical guidance. Advice on here is very well-meaning but we don't all have formal clinical training. We could be wrong.

[netibiza]

Yes, we may be wrong, but we are not offering medical treatment, these are just some ideas. Always go to the doctor!

[ciaraciara]

Thanks everyone,, I was thinking it could be something like that. I've told her I'll drive her to the doctors tomorrow and make her go in if she doesn't go herself..I feel like such a nagging sister but you know what teens can be like! :-)

[Sqad]

100% with yogasun......fissure in ano.

See your GP........no big deal.......cream will settle it.

[boxtops]

Agree neti - there was some serious discussion on here a few days back about medical advice that might or might not have been appropriate for an individual.

Ciara, do tell her - that's what the doctor is for, nobody should be too embarrassed if it could save them lots of problems in the future.