I was just wondering if it is normal to see tomato skin like material in your poop, even when you have not been eating tomatoes? Also sometimes I feel a bit raw or itchy down there, and there is some blood on the toilet paper.

Dear David,

Sorry to hear about your run of bad luck with the UTIs and virus.

I am going to ASSume that while you suffered from these infections you were given antibiotics to get rid of them.

Medication can cause a change in one's poop for sure. Not only do antibiotics kiil the bacteria that cause the infections you had in your urinary tract, they also kill off the good bacteria in your digestive tract. This is most likely the cause of your recent pooping problems. Saying that you suddenly developed IBS from a couple of urinary tract infections and a virus sounds like somewhat of a copout by your doc.

When the good bacteria in the digestive system get killed off, this gives rise to a takeover on occasion by yeast. They have themselves a good old time. Yeast can cause itching and skin irritaion. The skin around the anus is very thin and sensitive, and if irritated can bleed a bit.

Seeing tomato-like skin in your poop is not uncommon either. With today's processed foods, and all of the restaurant choices and other convenience items out there, it is not always possible to be sure exactly what you have consumed unless you make it yourself.

Eat some yogurt (Activia is a good one to choose). This can restore a normal balance of bacteria in your system, and a mild anti-itch cream applied to your itchy ass might help as well.

Thanks for asking Motherload!

Motherload is a Certified Nurse Assistant as well as an IBS sufferer, which means she knows a lot about poop. Got a question for her? Ask it here. [1]