Anus itching (pruritus ani): symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is anal itching (pruritus ani)?

Anus itching (also known as pruritus ani) is an itching sensation around the anus or the opening where stool leaves the body. Anal itching is a symptom, not a disease, and has many causes.

Quoted from Harvard Health Publishing, most people with anus itching do not have anal disease. Conversely, an itchy sensation is a sign that one or more conditions are irritating the skin.

How common is this condition?

This condition is common among people. Everyone can experience anal itching, both women and men, young and old.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of anal itching?

Some of the symptoms of pruritus ani are:

reddish skin around the anus,
skin blisters, if you scratch too hard,
the itching becomes more frequent and gets worse at night, as well
thickening of the skin.

In some cases, inflammation such as swelling of the skin around the anus can also occur. If so, you have to be careful about the risk of getting a bacterial infection.

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you are concerned about the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should you see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience:

high fever,
itching has been felt for more than two months, or
there is bleeding in the anus.

In addition, everyone's body reacts differently to an illness. It is always better to discuss with your doctor the best solution for your situation.

Cause

What causes anal itching?

Often times, the cause is unknown and indeed the possible causes of anal itching are numerous. Some of them are as follows.

Yeast infections, herpes viruses, human papillomavirus (HPV, which causes genital warts), pinworms, mites (which cause scabies), and fleas.
Skin diseases such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Contact with nearby materials such as soap, contraceptive jelly and foam, scented toilet paper, deodorant spray, or water spray.
Have chronic diarrhea.
Have rectal diseases such as hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, and rectal prolapse.
Women, before or after menopause, are triggered by vaginal discharge or low estrogen levels.
Not cleaning the anus thoroughly after defecating.
Wiping or rubbing the anal area is too hard and rough.

What increases the risk of developing this condition?

You are at risk for itching if your skin is sensitive to rough surfaces or some of the chemicals found in soaps, perfumes, and wipes.

In addition, some diseases such as chronic diarrhea, hemorrhoids, skin problems such as psoriasis and contact dermatitis, or other chronic diseases such as diabetes and anal cancer can also increase the risk of itching.

Diagnosis and treatment

How is it tested for this condition?

To help find the cause of anal itching, the doctor will perform a physical examination by looking at the condition of the skin around the itchy area.

Your doctor will also ask you to explain the foods and medicines you take, your bowel habits, and how you can clean your anal area.

You may be asked for a medical history, for example if you've had anal problems, such as hemorrhoids and fissures, or skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, or seborrhea.

Lab studies sometimes require identification of the fungus. Microscopy may be needed to check for pinworm eggs or mites on the skin.

If necessary, the doctor will refer you for further tests such as a stool sample test to detect worm or parasitic infections.

In rare cases, your doctor may need to examine the area by inserting a special viewing device into your anus. Because, itching can also be caused by problems in the rectum.

What are the treatment options for anal itching?

The key to this treatment is self-care and avoiding the things that cause itching. Keep the itchy area clean, cool, and dry.

Hydrocortisone ointments and creams can control itching in non-infectious cases. Apply three times a day, scrub gently until it disappears. Hydrocortisone should not be used for more than 5 days, as it can irritate and damage the skin.

If medication doesn't help, your doctor can prescribe oral cortisone or other stronger medication.

It's different if it turns out that the cause is fungi, herpes viruses, genital warts, and pinworm infections with fleas. You must immediately see a doctor to get the right medicine.

How long anal itching lasts depends on the cause. If the itching is caused by a simple skin irritation, the problem usually goes away quickly once you have identified the source of the irritation and avoided it.

In most cases, simple medication measures can reduce discomfort within one week and completely cure the problem within one month.

Home remedies

What are the home remedies for anal itching?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with pruritus ani.

Keep the itchy area clean, cool, and dry. Adopting good cleaning habits can help prevent itching. This includes refraining from scratching.
Use plain, unscented soap. Avoid using soaps and detergents with dyes and perfumes to prevent skin irritation.
Clean the area with an unscented, moistened tissue or 1 wad of cotton after defecating.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Wear loose fitting clothes and cotton underwear. This method can reduce the risk of irritation and moisture.
Call your doctor if your area feels infected.

If you have any questions, please consult your doctor to find out the best solution for you.