WHAT IS ANAL ITCHING?
It is a symptom, not a disease. It is a condition in which the patient experiences the need to scratch the anal and perianal skin.
WHAT CAN IT BE CAUSED BY?
The most common cause is poor local hygiene: small amounts of feces in the skin folds around the anus can lead to irritation and the development of itching. Proctological conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and mucosal rectal prolapse can also manifest with anal itching. Additionally, some medications, if taken for extended periods or applied in the form of anal creams, can cause itching. Certain parasites (e.g., pinworms) can deposit their eggs in the skin folds around the anus, leading to intense itching, especially in the morning. This condition is more common in children. Anal itching can also be caused by skin inflammation (dermatitis): contact dermatitis is relatively common (e.g., allergies to detergents used to wash underwear), as well as exposure to smoke, alcohol abuse, and certain foods like tea, coffee, dairy products, tomatoes and tomato sauces, cheese, chocolate, and hazelnuts. In rare cases, anal itching may be caused by anal neoplasms and can be the first symptom of diabetes or psoriasis.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ELIMINATE ANAL ITCHING?
The underlying cause should be addressed. A visit to a specialist colon proctologist is always recommended. Treatment for anal itching includes keeping the anal skin dry and avoiding scented, perfumed, or medicated powders. Avoid using any type of soap and minimize anal trauma (do not use toilet paper and refrain from scratching the anus). Handwash underwear with Marseille soap while avoiding any detergents. Apply creams or medications only if prescribed by a specialist. Many creams, oils, or ointments can sensitize the anal skin, leading to lesions that cause intense itching.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE THERAPY LAST?
If symptoms do not resolve within 6 weeks, it is advisable to have a follow-up visit with a specialist colon proctologist.
It is a symptom, not a disease. It is a condition in which the patient experiences the need to scratch the anal and perianal skin.
WHAT CAN IT BE CAUSED BY?
The most common cause is poor local hygiene: small amounts of feces in the skin folds around the anus can lead to irritation and the development of itching. Proctological conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and mucosal rectal prolapse can also manifest with anal itching. Additionally, some medications, if taken for extended periods or applied in the form of anal creams, can cause itching. Certain parasites (e.g., pinworms) can deposit their eggs in the skin folds around the anus, leading to intense itching, especially in the morning. This condition is more common in children. Anal itching can also be caused by skin inflammation (dermatitis): contact dermatitis is relatively common (e.g., allergies to detergents used to wash underwear), as well as exposure to smoke, alcohol abuse, and certain foods like tea, coffee, dairy products, tomatoes and tomato sauces, cheese, chocolate, and hazelnuts. In rare cases, anal itching may be caused by anal neoplasms and can be the first symptom of diabetes or psoriasis.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ELIMINATE ANAL ITCHING?
The underlying cause should be addressed. A visit to a specialist colon proctologist is always recommended. Treatment for anal itching includes keeping the anal skin dry and avoiding scented, perfumed, or medicated powders. Avoid using any type of soap and minimize anal trauma (do not use toilet paper and refrain from scratching the anus). Handwash underwear with Marseille soap while avoiding any detergents. Apply creams or medications only if prescribed by a specialist. Many creams, oils, or ointments can sensitize the anal skin, leading to lesions that cause intense itching.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE THERAPY LAST?
If symptoms do not resolve within 6 weeks, it is advisable to have a follow-up visit with a specialist colon proctologist.