Cholestyramine ointment to treat buttocks rash and anal excoriation in an infant

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel treatment for perianal excoriation in an infant receiving a promotility agent. CASE SUMMARY: A 2-month-old boy with reflux, and regurgitation was treated with cisapride. Shortly after cisapride therapy he developed a rash on his buttocks and anal irritation that progressed in severity despite the use of numerous topical products and extended diaper-free periods. A topical cholestyramine ointment compound was prepared and administered, resulting in complete resolution within 3 days. DISCUSSION: Cisapride can decrease the gastrointestinal transit time, which can lead to less time for bile acid reabsorption in the distal ileum. If high concentrations of bile acids are contained in the stool, they can irritate the anus and buttocks in a manner similar to the skin irritation experienced by patients with ostomies. Cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant, can irreversibly bind the bile when applied topically and bring relief to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Topical cholestyramine ointment may be a safe and efficacious treatment option for perianal irritation due to bile acids.