Diarrhea is defined as watery, loose stools that typically occur three or more times a day.
Burning diarrhea is usually because of skin irritation, spicy foods, or an underlying medical condition.
Burning diarrhea may be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, such as abdominal pain and rectal itching.
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To treat burning diarrhea, it’s important to first learn the cause.
This article will discuss burning diarrhea symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
It will also cover complications associated with burning diarrhea and when to contact a healthcare provider.
Causes of Burning Diarrhea
There are several reasons someone might have burning diarrhea.
Here are potential causes of burning diarrhea:
What Medications Can Cause Burning Diarrhea?
One jot down of medication that could lead to burning diarrhea isantibiotics.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
When healthy bacteria are killed in the intestine, it can allow unhealthy bacteria to multiply.
One “bad” bacteria that can take over is calledClostridioidesdifficile(C. difficile or C. diff).
This bacteria can lead to diarrhea and other symptoms, such as stomach pain and fever.
How to Treat Burning Diarrhea
Treating burning diarrhea is aimed at managing the underlying cause.
In many cases, stopping the diarrhea altogether can also stop the burning sensation associated with it.
These work in different ways to slow or stop diarrhea.
Pepto-Bismol can also help treat other symptoms you may be experiencing, such as upset stomach or nausea.
If diarrhea is because of spicy foods, avoid these foods in the future.
For anal fissures, topical medications can be used, such as nitrates or calcium blockers.
For skin irritation, a skin barrier cream (such as zinc oxide) can be used.
Avoid wiping or rubbing the skin aggressively, as this can irritate the skin further.
Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve.
IBS is diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on symptoms and medical history.
IBS treatment is individualized based on symptoms.
No matter the cause of diarrhea, it’s important to replace any lost fluids to prevent dehydration.
Drink plenty of water or sports drinks to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes.
Complications Associated With Diarrhea
Untreated diarrheawhether it’s burning or notcan lead todehydration.
During bouts of diarrhea, the body loses more fluids than usual.
If these fluids are not replaced, there is a risk of dehydration.
Severe dehydration can cause organ damage or evenshock.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Burning Diarrhea?
When the cause is identified, treatment is focused on managing the underlying condition and alleviating symptoms.
They’ll be able to offer treatment options to help you find relief from burning diarrhea.
A Word From Verywell
Burning diarrhea can be an embarrassing topic to discuss with your healthcare provider.
However, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
If someone has burning diarrhea, the first step is to determine the cause.
The next step is to stop the diarrhea with OTC medications and heal the skin around the anus.
Preventing burning diarrhea starts with understanding the triggers andcauses of diarrhea.
From there, you’re free to take steps to avoid triggers, if possible.
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