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Surgeon, colorectal surgeon

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Anal itching

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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Anal itching is a pathology characterized by itching in the anal and perianal regions.

Perianal skin itch may be a consequence of various causes.

trusted-source [1], [2]

Causes of anal itching

Category	Examples
Dermatological diseases	Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis
Local irritation	Local anesthetics, soaps, ointments
Food irritation	Spices, citrus, drinks with caffeine
Fungal infection	Candida
Bacterial infection	Secondary infection caused by scratching
Parasites	Pinworms, scabies
Local Diseases	Bowen's disease, Paget's extramammary disease, cryptitis, functioning fistula
Systemic diseases	Diabetes mellitus, liver disease
Hygiene-related bodies	Inadequate body hygiene, dense underwear
Psychogenic factor	-

trusted-source [3],

Where does it hurt?

Pain in the anus

Diagnosis of anal itching

The diagnosis of "anal itching" is established when examining the anal region, and anamnestic information is important. Skin is usually matte and thickened, although the underlying pathology is often obscured by excoriations caused by scratching and secondary infection. Scraping of the skin for microscopy can reveal a fungal infection, and the analysis of feces reveals parasites. From visible lesions, you can take a biopsy.

trusted-source [4], [5]

What do need to examine?

Rectum

How to examine?

Anoscopy

Who to contact?

Proctologist

Treatment of anal itching

Treatment of anal itching consists in the exclusion of food from food, which can be the cause of anal itching. Clothes should be free, and night wear is easy. After defecation, the patient should treat the anal area with hygroscopic cotton wool or simply a soft cloth moistened with water. With high humidity in the anal region, talc powder that does not contain medicines is effective. Symptoms of irritation are effective economical applications of 1% hydrocortisone acetate ointment 4 times a day. Separate consideration deserves the causes of anal itching associated with systemic diseases, parasitic or fungal infection.

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