ANAL ITCHING
Anal itching (pruritus ani) is a common symptom that can stem from many causes. Most anal itching can be treated at home without the need for further intervention.
Q. What is anal itching?
Anal itching (known medically as pruritis ani) is an irritation of the skin around the anus. Itching is accompanied by a desire to scratch. Although itching can be a reaction to the stool components, it often implies that there is inflammation of the anal area. The degree of anal itching and inflammation is increased due to direct trauma from scratching and moisture in the anal area. Anal itching causes unbearable discomfort often described as burning and soreness.
Q. What Are the Symptoms of an Itchy Anus?
In addition to an itchy anus, you may also experience:
• burning
• soreness
• visible redness
• swelling
• ulcers
• rash
Q. When to Seek Medical Help
Itchy anus symptoms are rarely a medical emergency. An exception is when you experience bleeding from your rectum. Bleeding may signal recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if your itchy anus disrupts your daily life and worsens even after self-care treatments.
Q. What Causes an Itchy Anus?
The causes of the itchy anus are often related to skin or internal medical issues. Skin-related causes of itchy anus include:
• atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema
• excess friction to the anal area, such as rough wiping after a bowel movement
• exposure to perfumes and dyes present in toilet tissue, soaps, or clothing detergents
• improper wiping after having a bowel movement
• psoriasis
Medical conditions that can cause an itchy anus to include:
• anal fissures
• anal tumors
• diarrhea
• fecal incontinence (leaking stool)
• fungal infections
• hemorrhoids
• parasite infections
• sexually transmitted infections
• skin tags
• streptococcal infections
• yeast infections
Other causes include taking laxatives or other medications that cause diarrhea. Certain foods are also linked with an itchy anus. These include alcohol, caffeinated beverages, peanuts, and tomatoes.
Q. How Is an Itchy Anus Treated?
If an itchy anus is due to an infection, a doctor can prescribe an antifungal or antiparasitic treatment to eradicate the infectious organisms. Prescription ointments that have higher steroid doses can also lessen itching and reduce inflammation.
Hemorrhoids that cause an itchy anus may require more invasive treatments, such as banding to shrink hemorrhoids or surgical removal of hemorrhoids.
Avoiding foods and medications known to cause an itchy anus can also reduce symptoms.
Q. How Do I Care for an Itchy Anus?
You can take several steps at home to treat an itchy anus. These include:
• applying petroleum jelly or Vaseline to the affected area
• cleaning the area with water and a soft washcloth when bathing
• drying the anal area thoroughly after using the restroom and bathing
• refraining from scratching the anal area
• refraining from using bath products that contain perfumes or dyes, which can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction
• using toilet paper that doesn’t contain harsh dyes or bleaches
• wearing breathable cotton underwear that is not too tight
• wiping with moistened wipes or toilet paper moistened with water to prevent stool material from staying on the anal skin
You can also purchase several over-the-counter topical creams to treat anal itching. These include zinc oxide, hydrocortisone cream, or topical capsaicin cream.
Q. How Can I Prevent An Itchy Anus?
Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent anal itching. This includes eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising, promoting regular digestion to avoid diarrhea and hemorrhoids.
Practicing good hygiene can help prevent itching. Good practices include avoiding scratching and keeping your anal area clean and dry.
Wearing loose, natural-fiber clothing can minimize irritation and moisture. Not using soaps and detergents with dyes and perfumes can prevent skin irritation that leads to anal itching.
Feb 28, 2021
HUNG M. DO, MD, Ph.D