Does Anovate cream cause skin thinning?
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Around 1 year ago, I was diagnosed with anal fissure. My doctor has prescribed me a topical steroid cream, Anovate and I used it for about eight months. My fissure was healed, but I was left with constant pain, itching and pricking sensation around the anus while walking. I was not able to walk normally.
Every time, when I walk for around 5 minutes, I am developing pricking, itching and burning sensation around the anus. I do not have any fissure now, but my bowel movements are painful. I have even developed stretch marks around the anus. Since, it is a steroid cream, my doctor advised that it will take some time to recover. But, I am really scared and do not know what to do.
My main point of concern is whether the skin will recover to normal or not. I just stopped using the steroid cream 1 year ago and now I am using only coconut oil. But, the itching and stinging still persists. Is there any possibility of skin thinning? How long will it take to recover?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Anal fissure develops due to erosion of anal mucosa during hard straining particularly in constipated person. This is the main cause for it. So, prevention or treatment of constipation is very important. Once the anal mucosa get eroded due to straining, then the normal healing process starts which is similar to healing after any wound on the skin. Continuous pricking sensation and itching is because of this healing process.
During this natural process, the eroded mucosa is replaced by a fibrosed tissue. If this fibrous tissue goes little deep up to the muscle layer, which work during defecation, then it affects its function also. This is the reason for the feeling of continuous spasm like pain during sitting or walking.
Anal fissure is an irreversible process because once fibrous tissue is developed then it cannot be returned to normal tissue. Anovate cream (combination of Phenylephrine, Lidocaine and Betamethasone) will help during active fissure (early stage of the fissure) and on healing (inflammation) to reduce symptoms.
No, Anovate cream does not cause thinning of skin. You must stop using it as you do not have active fissure now. Even stop using coconut oil as it has only soothing effect. You can use only topical anesthetic agent like Lidocaine to get relief from the symptoms.
Again, fissure can never be replaced by normal skin or mucosa. If the fissure is so severe and it affects daily routine life, then consider for surgery. I like to know more about your bowel habit and any other associated rectal condition like piles, which may also cause a fissure.
The Probable causes
Differential diagnosis
Treatment plan
Preventive measures
Regarding follow up
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
My surgeon has examined me and confirmed that there is no fissure. He said everything is fine there. But, I always feel a pricking sensation in anal and perianal area while walking and my symptoms are less when I sit idle. Are there any creams available to reduce my symptoms while walking?
Regarding thinning of skin, I have browsed and found there will be a skin thinning if topical steroids are used for a long time. I got stretch marks around the perianal area even though they do not cause any symptoms. My main problem is anal itching and pricking especially while walking.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You can use topical anesthetic ointment for symptoms. Also, I suggest antihistamine oral tablets for itching. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent. If there is no narrowing of the anal canal due to a fissure, then the surgery can be avoided.
For further information consult a medical gastroenterologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/medical-gastroenterologist
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