Sometimes, diarrhea can inflame and burn the skin. This is especially true if the stool is very loose and acidic.
Some surgeries can result in acidic, burning stools. This includes J-pouch surgery, which is also called ileoanal anastomosis. During this surgery, the colon is either altered or removed.
This article will look at how to avoid and treat skin irritation caused by frequent or long-term diarrhea.
Wipes with ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera can be helpful. These ingredients are said to soothe inflamed skin.
If gentle wiping is still painful, try sitting in a sitz bath. A sitz bath is a shallow, warm-water bath.
You can also use a handheld shower head to clean your anus. Let your skin air dry or use a blow dryer set on the coolest temperature.
Look for diaper rash cream containing zinc oxide. This works well when applied to clean, dry skin. Petroleum jelly or vitamin A or vitamin D cream can also be effective.
Reapply a thin layer of cream after each bowel movement. If the inflammation is severe, you may want to apply a layer right before a bowel movement, if possible.
Ask your gastroenterologist about prescription medications like topical nitroglycerin. This medicine can ease spasms and help you heal.
An occasional soak in a lukewarm bath can be helpful. If you don’t have fissures, you can add Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal, which is a finely ground oatmeal used for medicinal purposes. These may be soothing.
Avoid bubble baths or fragranced bath oils or salts. These can irritate the skin.
After bathing or showering, apply some barrier cream to the anus and surrounding tissues. This will help lock in moisture.
Sitting for long periods stresses tissues and creates moisture. This can make infection more likely.
Even if you have a desk job, you should avoid sitting for long stretches. Try alternating between sitting and standing every 30 minutes or so.
Specially designed cushions can also help. These cushions help ease pressure and prevent moisture build-up. An inflatable, donut-shaped hemorrhoid cushion is a good choice.
Gel or grid foam cushions that are not designed specifically for hemorrhoids can work just as well. Look for any cushion that reduces pressure on your bottom.
Drink lots of water and other hydrating fluids. Being well-hydrated can also keep your skin from drying out.
You should always drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. If you have diarrhea, you will need to drink more.
In addition to water, you can sip electrolyte-rich sports drinks. This can help replace lost sodium, potassium, and other important minerals. Don’t drink too much of these, though. Sports drinks are often high in sugar.
Alcohol Artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol and mannitol Coffee and other caffeinated drinks Citrus fruits and juices Dairy products, especially if you have trouble digesting dairy Fatty foods, including red meat, cream sauces, and chicken skin Fried foods High-FODMAP foods like garlic, onions, and artichokes Spicy foods
Supplements and herbal remedies may also cause watery or acidic stools. Some examples include:
Cayenne Ginseng Glucosamine Milk thistle Saw palmetto
Imodium doesn’t cause constipation, so you may be able to use it long-term.
If you have moderate to severe IBS, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger drugs. Examples include:
Lotronex (alosetron) Viberzi (eluxadoline) Xifaxan (rifaximin)
Some foods can help stop diarrhea. These include bland, binding foods, like:
ApplesauceBananasBoiled or steamed potatoesBread or toastHot cereal, such as oatmeal or cream of wheatSoda crackersWhite rice
If your diarrhea doesn’t go away, seek help. See your healthcare provider or ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist.
Keep the area clean and apply a barrier cream. Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Don’t take hot baths or showers.
What you eat and drink can also make a difference. Drink plenty of liquids. Avoid foods and supplements that may trigger diarrhea.
Finally, see a healthcare provider. The best way to avoid burning and irritation is to treat the cause of your diarrhea.
