Anal Itching: Symtoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

Anal itching is a common condition. The itch, situated in or around your anus, is often intense and may be accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. You may find anal itching to be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Also called pruritus ani (proo-RIE-tus A-nie), anal itching has many possible causes, such as skin problems, hemorrhoids, and washing too much or not enough.

About five percent  of us have suffered from some form of anal itching .

Interestingly, all those who have at one point experienced this had  offered the same solution, ; rushing to a quite and secluded area to give it that good old fashion scratch.  Don’t forget too, thar this pattern of treatment usually came with  a huge level but short term pleasure

The anus is the opening at the end of the gut or digestive system, allowing us to expel solid waste from the body. Pruritus ani refers to itching around the anus.

Anal itching is a symptom, not a disease in itself; it is a surprisingly common problem, which many people are too embarrassed to see their doctor about.

Pruritus ani can happen to anyone but is said to be more common in men than women and more common in adults than children or the elderly.

The point is that persistent scratching of anal region goes with implications which sometimes,  leads  to  bleeding and severe pain.

Symptoms Of Anal Itching.

Anal itching may be associated with redness, burning and soreness. The itching and irritation may be temporary or more persistent, depending on the cause.

Causes Of Anal Itching

Irritants. Fecal incontinence and long-term (chronic) diarrhea can irritate the skin. Or your skin care routine may include products or behaviors that irritate the skin, such as using harsh soaps or moist wipes and washing too aggressively.

Infections. These include sexually transmitted infections, pinworms, and yeast infections.

Skin conditions. Sometimes anal itching is the result of a specific skin condition, such as psoriasis or contact dermatitis. Fungal infections, psoriasis,eczema or contact dermatitis may cause itching anywhere on the body,including the skin around the anus.Antifungal medicines can help relieve the symptoms and kill the infection. Hydrocortisone cream can help relieve the itching.

Other medical conditions. These include diabetes, thyroid disease, hemorrhoids, anal tumors.

Hygiene problems:-Not wiping after a bowel movement may allow faeces to remain on the skin and lead to irritation. Too much wiping and cleansing of the anal area can also dry or irritate the skin. Wipe your anal area completely but gently. When you bathe or shower,don’t scrub the anal area too hard and don’t use a rough washcloth.

Infestations:- A pinworm infestation can cause anal  itching at night, when the adult worm comes to the surface of to lay eggs

(4) Other problems:- Haemorrhoids or loose muscles around the anus can result in fluid leakage from the anal canal,which irritates and chaps the skin. The skin irritation usually causes itching and pain in the rectal area. Treatment of the problem usually relieves the itching.

When To See A Doctor

Persistent anal itching may be related to a skin condition or other health problem that requires medical treatment.

it’s important to note that while most anal itching doesn’t require medical care it is important to see your doctor if:

Anal itching is severe or persistent

You have anal bleeding or stool leakage

The anal area seems to be infected

You can’t figure out what’s causing a persistent itch

Often the condition can be cured by a strict no-scratching period, which allows the skin to heal and breaks the cycle. However, a physician should examine the skin and lower bowel to make sure there are no medical problems.

Diagnosis

The first time someone presents the problem of anal itching to their doctor, the consultation will start with a number of questions. This will help to see if the itching is due to local skin problems, or a more general problem with the whole body. This may include but not limited to the following:

Ask about the duration and pattern of the itch

Explore dietary intake and hygiene practices to see if there is inadequate or excessive washing, or use of creams, perfumes, or soaps

Evaluate how severe the itch is, and work out its impact on life