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What Causes Anal Itching?

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Posted on Wed, 2 Nov 2016
Question: lately I have a itchy rectum , what might be the cause. the area has been washed thoroughly.
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Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pruritus ani......

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM.

I read history you provided in short. I think you suffer from pruritus ani.

Pruritus ani is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, causing the desire to scratch. The intensity of anal itching increases from moisture, pressure, and rubbing caused by clothing and sitting.

There may be some cause...
1) stress,tension and anxiety
2)Dermatitis
3)Psoriasis
4)Bacterial infection ....,,streptococci (streptococcal dermatitis) or Corynebacteria minutissimum (erythrasma)
5)Yeast infection especially Candida albicans
6)Pinworms

Certain factors might precipitate or exacerbate pruritus ani like...Frequent stools (diarrhoea),Straining at stool (constipation),Scratching,Vigorous use of toilet paper,Scrubbing with soap and water,spicy food...etc

You consult the dermatologist and have proper examination and investigations to find out proper disease.

I would suggest...

- Sitz bath in dettol water
- application of moisturising cream,mild steroid cream or antifungal cream as needed
- treatment of the disease
- avoid spicy food
- take high fibre food, cleaner drinking water
- avoid constipation
- take treatment for diarrhoea if it is there
- avoid stress and anxiety
- take antihistaminics like levocetirizine

I hope this would improve your problem. But take treatment under observation of dermatologist.

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilyas Patel

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1982

Answered : 4527 Questions

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What Causes Anal Itching?

Brief Answer: Pruritus ani...... Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM. I read history you provided in short. I think you suffer from pruritus ani. Pruritus ani is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, causing the desire to scratch. The intensity of anal itching increases from moisture, pressure, and rubbing caused by clothing and sitting. There may be some cause... 1) stress,tension and anxiety 2)Dermatitis 3)Psoriasis 4)Bacterial infection ....,,streptococci (streptococcal dermatitis) or Corynebacteria minutissimum (erythrasma) 5)Yeast infection especially Candida albicans 6)Pinworms Certain factors might precipitate or exacerbate pruritus ani like...Frequent stools (diarrhoea),Straining at stool (constipation),Scratching,Vigorous use of toilet paper,Scrubbing with soap and water,spicy food...etc You consult the dermatologist and have proper examination and investigations to find out proper disease. I would suggest... - Sitz bath in dettol water - application of moisturising cream,mild steroid cream or antifungal cream as needed - treatment of the disease - avoid spicy food - take high fibre food, cleaner drinking water - avoid constipation - take treatment for diarrhoea if it is there - avoid stress and anxiety - take antihistaminics like levocetirizine I hope this would improve your problem. But take treatment under observation of dermatologist. Thanks. Dr.Ilyas Patel MD