My heart went out to your Birmingham correspondent (WDDTY, vol 8 no 2) who had scratched his anus and testicles red raw. I have suffered from a similar problem twice in my life though not nearly so badly or for so long. The last time, I had one marv

From my own experience, I agree with WDDTY that candida seems the most likely cause. But I would ask whether threadworms have been definitely excluded. These, too, are a possible cause of abdominal pain and that sort of sore itch especially if the itchy anus is worse at night.

The traditional remedy for these is the herb tansy. A herbalist would advise on quantities, but my husband got rid of his infestation very successfully by cautiously chewing a couple of leaves from the garden, then day by day, gradually increasing the amount. AP, Ludlow, Shropshire.........