Great News:
There is Now a Cure for Anal Itch From HerbaLabs
Anal itch
Anal itch is an intense itching around your anus - the 1 1/2-inch-long
canal that's the outlet for your rectum. It can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable
situation. The itch, located in your anus or on the skin just around your
anus, may be accompanied by a strong urge to scratch.
Also called pruritus ani, anal itch has many causes. Numerous factors may
cause anal itch to be more intense - including moisture, the abrasion caused
by your clothing, and the pressure of sitting. Anal itch is usually most
noticeable and bothersome at night or right after a bowel movement.
Anal itch is a common problem that most people have experienced. Don't be
afraid to talk with your doctor about this condition. With proper treatment and
self-care measures, most people can achieve complete relief.
Anal itch is associated with other similar symptoms in and around the anus,
includin
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The itching and irritation in and around your anus may be a temporary
condition, or it may be a more persistent and bothersome problem. For some
people, the irritation is so intense that the urge to scratch is irresistible
- and a source of embarrassment.
Some of the many possible causes of anal itching are minor. Others involve
more serious medical problems. Possible causes include:
- Dry skin. As you age, skin in and around your anus
is more prone to dryness. Dry skin can cause a persistent, intense anal
itch.
- Too much moisture. Moisture around your anus from
excessive sweating or from moist, sticky stools can be irritating. Anal
itch especially can be caused by frequent diarrhea or the escape of small
amounts of stool (fecal incontinence), particularly if you don't practice
good anal hygiene.
- Excessive washing. Excessive wiping with dry, harsh
toilet paper or excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps and a washcloth can
cause or aggravate anal itch. Failure to rinse soap completely may also
cause irritation.
- Chemical irritants. Certain laundry soaps, colognes,
douches and birth control products contain chemicals that can irritate skin
in and around your anus. Scented or colored toilet paper can be irritating
to people with sensitive skin.
- Food irritants. Anal itch may be due to irritating
chemicals in some foods, such as are found in spices and hot sauces. Similarly,
some foods may directly or indirectly irritate your anus as they exit your
digestive system. Common culprits include chocolate, fruits, tomatoes, nuts
and popcorn. Consuming certain beverages - possibly milk or caffeinated
drinks - may cause some people to experience diarrhea followed by anal itch.
- Medications. Anal itch may be a side effect of certain
medications, such as some antibiotics, that can cause frequent diarrhea.
- Overuse of laxatives. Excessive or improper use of
laxatives can lead to chronic diarrhea and the risk of anal irritation and
itch.
- Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are clusters
of veins located just under the membrane that lines the lowest part of your
rectum and anus. Sometimes, often as a result of straining during a bowel
movement, these veins may become swollen and form hemorrhoids. Anal itch
can be a symptom of hemorrhoids. However, most hemorrhoids don't itch.
- Pinworms. In children, a common cause of persistent
anal itching is infestation with the parasite that causes pinworms. Other
parasites may cause similar itching.
- Skin disorders. Common skin problems - such as psoriasis,
seborrhea and eczema - can involve and irritate the area in and around your
anus.
- Yeast infections. Certain diseases, such as diabetes
or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, as well as treatment with
antibiotics can lead to a yeast infection that irritates your genital and
anal areas.
- Anal abrasions and fissures. An anal abrasion is a
small tear in your anus, usually caused by forced bowel movements though
a tight anus. An anal fissure is a deeper tear. Both conditions can cause
anal itch, as well as painful bowel movements and bleeding.
- Anal tumors. Rarely, benign or cancerous tumors in
or around the anus may be a cause of anal itch.
- Other causes. Anal itch may be related to anxiety
or stress. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.
Your own actions may be to blame, in part, for anal itch. Whatever the cause
of anal itch, your natural reaction is to scratch the area. But scratching
compounds the problem by removing superficial layers of skin. In addition, the
natural tendency in response to an irritation is to wash the area frequently
with soap and a washcloth. However, excessive washing almost always makes the
problem worse by further damaging your skin and removing protective oils.
Most itching doesn't require medical care. However, if anal itching is severe
or prolonged or if it can't be easily explained, see your doctor. Persistent
anal itching may be related to a skin condition or other health problem that
requires medical treatment.
Your doctor may be able to pinpoint the cause of your itching simply by
asking you questions about your symptoms.
If the cause of your itch isn't obvious, your doctor may refer you to a
doctor who specializes in treating rectal and anal problems (proctologist) or a
dermatologist for further evaluation. A rectal exam may be all that's required
for you to get an answer - and a solution - to a very uncomfortable problem.
Sometimes other tests, such as a colonoscopy to view more of the digestive
tract, are needed in addition to a physical exam to identify an underlying cause
of anal itch. It may be that the precise cause of the itch is never identified.
Treatment of anal itch may include self-care measures, changes to your diet,
treatment of infections or, rarely, surgery to correct an underlying problem.
Your doctor can recommend the best treatment to eliminate your specific problem.
Your doctor may also recommend medications to treat anal itch. An
over-the-counter (OTC) cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid,
Hytone), applied sparingly to the affected area once or twice a day, for up to 2
to 3 weeks, may reduce inflammation and itching. Doctors treat pinworm infection
and other parasitic infections with prescription oral medications to relieve
anal itch.
With proper treatment, most people experience complete relief from anal itch.
Prevention of anal itch mainly involves washing properly and avoiding
irritants. If you already have anal itch, try these self-care measures:
- Cleanse gently. Wash the area in the morning, at
night and immediately after bowel movements. But don't scrub and avoid using
soap. Instead, use a wet washcloth, wet bathroom tissue, cotton balls
moistened with water, unscented baby wipes or a small squeeze bottle of water
to cleanse the area.
- Dry thoroughly. After cleansing, pat the area dry
with toilet paper or a towel. Or dry thoroughly with a hair dryer. Once dry,
place a dry cotton ball or a piece of cotton gauze against the anus. Replace
the cotton as necessary.
- Use over-the-counter treatments sparingly. An OTC
cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Hytone) applied
sparingly to the affected area once or twice a day may reduce inflammation and
itching. However, don't use these treatments unless directed by your doctor.
For some people, the creams or ointments may cause more irritation, and they
may mask a persistent problem.
- Don't scratch. Scratching further irritates your
skin and leads to persistent inflammation. If you can't tolerate the itch,
apply a cold compress to the area or take a lukewarm bath to find some
immediate relief. Keep busy to distract yourself from scratching.
- Switch tissue. The skin around your anus may be
sensitive to bathroom tissue that contains dyes or perfumes. Use unbleached,
unscented tissue. You may want to use tissue that's moistened or made extra
soft for comfort.
- Wear cotton underwear. This helps keep the area
dry. Avoid wearing pantyhose, which can trap moisture. Change your underwear
daily and whenever it's soiled.
- Avoid irritants. Avoid bubble baths and genital
deodorants. Cut back or avoid beverages or foods that you know irritate your
anal area. Avoid overuse of laxatives that increase diarrhea and the risk of
anal irritation and itch.
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