Description

Anal itching is a common condition. The itching in or around the anus, is often intense, and it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Anal itching, also called pruritus ani (proo-RIE-tus A-nie), has several possible causes. They include infections, hemorrhoids, diarrhea continued. Inflammation of the skin, also called dermatitis, is another cause.

If the symptoms do not go away with self-care, talk to your health care provider. With treatment, most people get complete relief.

Symptoms

The symptoms of anal itching can include intense itching, inflammation, burning, and pain. The itching and irritation may be of short duration or more persistent, depending on the cause. Anal itching is often worse at bedtime or in hot, humid weather.

When to see a doctor

The medical care is not necessary for the majority of anal itching. But seeing your health care provider if:

  • Anal itching is severe or ongoing
  • You have bleeding in the anus or stool leakage
  • The anal area appears to be infected
  • You can't figure out what's causing a constant itch

Causes

Possible causes of anal itching include:

  • Irritating. The Fecal incontinence and prolonged diarrhea can cause irritation of the skin. Or your skin care routine can include products or behaviors that irritate the skin. Examples include the use of strong soaps or with a rag too hard and too often.
  • Infections. These include sexually transmitted infections, parasitic infections, and yeast infections.
  • Conditions of the skin. Sometimes anal itching is the result of a specific condition of the skin, such as dryness of the skin, psoriasis or contact dermatitis.
  • Other medical conditions. These include diabetes, thyroid disease, and hemorrhoids.

Often, the cause of anal itching is not known.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of the itching by asking questions about your symptoms, medical history and personal habits. You may need a physical exam, including a rectal examination. You could have a test for pinworms if infection is suspected.

If the cause of the itching is not obvious or the itching does not respond to treatment, your doctor may refer you to a specialist in diseases of the skin. This type of doctor is called a dermatologist. In many cases, the cause of the itching is not known, but the symptoms can be treated.

Treatment

The treatment of anal itching depends on the cause of the problem. You can include taking self-care measures, such as the use of an anti-itch cream or treatment of an infection or fecal incontinence.

If the symptoms are worse in the evening, oral antihistamines may be prescribed. This is a medication that you take by mouth. You can help to give relief to an anti-itch cream takes effect.

With the proper care of the majority of people get relief from anal itching. Consult your health care provider if the itching lasts.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Prevention of anal itching mainly involves a careful washing routine that keeps the area clean, cool and dry place, avoiding irritation of the skin.

If you already have anal itching, try these self-care measures to relieve your symptoms:

  • Gently clean. Clean the area around the anus when soiled or after each bowel movement when possible. This can involve either a quick shower, a bidet, a bath seat or a squeeze bottle. Moist toilet tissue can help. Avoid rubbing or rough washcloths. Dry it with a cloth or dry the area with a hair dryer into the fan only. Using the heat setting may further irritate this sensitive area.
  • Do not scratch. Scratching only provides short-term relief of itching on the skin. This further irritates your skin. You can find a bit of relief by the application of a moist soil, the temperature of the room to compress the area, or taking a warm bath of oatmeal. Trim your nails short and wear cotton gloves to bed to prevent scratching while you're sleeping.
  • Wear cotton underwear white that did not bind. This helps keep the area dry. Avoid wearing pantyhose and other tight-fitting garments, as these can trap moisture.
  • Avoid irritants. Avoid bubble baths, genital deodorants, scented toilet tissue, personal cleansing wipes and harsh or perfumed soaps. Cleaning with a mild soap and water and not to use other products is usually the best.
  • Change your diet. Reduce or avoid the following until your symptoms clear up: tea, coffee, cola drinks, alcohol, citrus fruits, pepper, dairy products, spicy foods, tomato sauce, and tomatoes. Avoid the excessive use of laxatives.
  • Apply ointments, creams or gels. Protect the affected skin from moisture by applying a thin layer of ointment of zinc oxide (Desitin, Balmex) or petroleum jelly (Vaseline). If it is necessary to relieve the inflammation and itching, apply hydrocortisone 1% cream 2 to 3 times a day for a week or two.
  • Eat more vegetables, whole grains, and noncitrus fruits. This will help to maintain regular bowel movements. Other sources of fiber are beans, nuts, and seeds. Fiber supplements such as psyllium (Metamucil) and methylcellulose (Citrucel) can help.

Preparing for your appointment

Most of the people do not need to see a health care provider about anal itching. But if the itching does not stop even after taking measures of self-care, seek help. Your health care provider may refer you to a skin doctor called to a dermatologist or a doctor who specializes in the treatment of rectal and anal problems. This type of doctor is called a proctologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms you have, including those that may seem unrelated to the anal itching
  • How long you have had your symptoms
  • All the drugs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including dose
  • Questions to ask your care provider

For anal itching, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is this temporary problem?
  • What treatments are available? Which would I recommend?
  • Do you think that I need to see a specialist?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions, such as:

  • The symptoms been continuous or come and go?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Has had recent changes in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea?
  • What type of soap or other products that you use on your body?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • What, in any case, makes their symptoms worse?
  • Have you noticed any other changes in your health in general?
  • Are others in the household experiencing a similar itch?

What you can do in the meantime

Clean the anal area gently immediately after defecation and dry well. Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. Try not to scratch.

Symptoms and treatment of Anal itching