Itching in a child's anus

It is impossible not to notice that something is bothering the child even without verbal complaints, his hand constantly reaches for his bottom, for his anus, to scratch. It is impossible to ignore the itching in the anus, since this definitely hides one or another problem. You should not make diagnoses and carry out treatment yourself, first of all you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.

Causes anal itching in a baby

The first thing that comes to mind for parents is worms. Indeed, helminthic invasions are the most common cause of anal itching in children, but not the only one. Other possible causes include:

• diseases of the rectum;
• diaper rash in young children;
• reaction to drug treatment (intestinal dysbacteriosis);
• pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• fungal diseases;
• dermatological problems;
• allergy.

Risk factors

Failure to maintain basic hygiene can contribute to the development of discomfort in the anus. Other risk factors include the use of wet wipes, rough or scented toilet paper, and wearing tight panties. Elevated blood sugar levels can also cause itching.

Pathogenesis

Itching of the skin of the anus does not pose a threat to life, but it is extremely unpleasant, brings discomfort to life, and can also be associated with dangerous diseases. Only a doctor can, based on complaints expressed by parents, laboratory and other studies - pathogenesis, make a correct diagnosis.

Epidemiology

According to statistics, in 90% of cases of anal itching in children, enterobiasis (pinworm infection) or ascariasis (parasitic roundworms) is the cause. [ 1 ]

Symptoms

The first signs of itching in the anus of a child, if he cannot yet tell about it himself, are his actions. Severe itching in the evening and at night may be associated with the reproduction of pinworms. Female worms lay eggs in the folds of the sphincter, and for the strength of their attachment, they release a special substance that leads to burning, irritation of the anus. Due to the movement of thread-like individuals, itching also occurs in the anal area. Sometimes redness and peeling are visible around it.

In addition, there are problems with sleep, waking up at night, crying, grinding of teeth. Against this background, pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, diarrhea or constipation may appear.

Diaper rash in a small child, allergic reactions can result in increased nervousness and excitability, sleep disturbances.

Symptoms of dysbacteriosis include bowel movements, loss of appetite, flatulence, nausea and even vomiting, and malaise. [ 2 ]

In such diseases of the rectum as polyps, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, difficulties with defecation arise, pain syndrome is present, irritability and capriciousness appear, especially in the evening. Blood is often found in feces.

Diagnostics anal itching in a baby

First of all, diagnosis of anal itching consists of a stool test for worms. Other laboratory tests include general urine and blood tests, glucose levels, and skin scraping cultures. More modern and accurate is an enzyme immunoassay that detects antibodies to worms. Allergies and diaper rash are detected by external signs.

A visual examination by a proctologist will establish the presence of hemorrhoids, cracks, and polyps. A rectal examination may be performed to determine the functionality of the anal sphincter. Anoscopy is used as an instrumental diagnostic method, and less commonly, rectoscopy (special devices for examining the inner lining of the rectum).

The success of treatment depends on a correctly performed differential diagnosis, which makes it possible to establish the true cause from all possible causes.

Treatment anal itching in a baby

Regardless of the diagnosis, parents should carry out daily hygiene procedures at home: wash, use powders and special ointments, put on clean ironed panties, change diapers on time.

The further treatment plan depends on the established diagnosis.

Medicines

If a helminthic infestation is detected, anthelmintic drugs are prescribed: decaris, nemazol, pyrantel, vermox, vermol.

• Decaris is aimed at getting rid of roundworms-parasites. For children, 50 mg tablets are used, starting from three years of age. They are taken once in the evening in a dose corresponding to age and body weight: at 3-6 years old with a weight of 10-20 it is 0.5-1 piece; 7-10 years (20-30 kg) - 1-1.5 pieces; 11-18 years (30-60 kg) - 1.5-3 pieces. If necessary, repeat after 1-2 weeks.

Side effects include increased heart rate, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sleep disturbances.

For dysbacteriosis, such remedies as smecta and linex are used.

• Linex is available in powders enclosed in capsules. Normalizes intestinal microflora. Children under 2 years of age are recommended 1 capsule, from 2 to 12 years old - 1-2, over 12 - 2 pieces three times a day. Take it after meals, washing down with a small amount of water. The drug does not cause side effects, but in case of high temperature, the presence of blood fragments in the stool, abdominal pain, dehydration, the intake should be stopped.

Allergies are treated with antihistamines. Most often, local remedies are used. They exist in various forms: ointments, creams, emulsions, pastes. This can be Bepanten, Panthenol, Triderm. They also help eliminate diaper rash.

• Panthenol - the ointment is applied to the damaged surface in a thin layer once or several times a day. It is non-toxic and well tolerated. Allergic reactions have been observed very rarely.

If it is necessary to take medication orally, Cetrin, Tavigil, and Fenistil are prescribed.

• Cetrin - has an antipruritic effect, eliminates skin reactions. Children can be given half a tablet twice a day, starting from 6 years old. Over 12 years old - a tablet per day. In case of kidney dysfunction, the doctor adjusts the dose individually.

Cetrin is generally well tolerated by patients, with occasional headaches and drowsiness.

Anal fissures are most often formed due to constipation. In this case, both suppositories (Natalside, Methyluracil, Hepatrombin), microclysters for their healing, and a laxative (Microlax) are appropriate.

• Microlax is a solution for microclysters. A single administration to children aged 3 years and older is recommended in a dose of 5 ml, for younger children - determined by a doctor. During the procedure, a burning sensation in the anus is possible.

The drug can be used orally in the form of tablets, syrups, drops.

Folk remedies

Parents can help their children get rid of itching with a soda solution (this does not exclude treatment of the established pathology). Soda is dissolved in a basin of warm water and the child is placed in it. Baths or compresses can be made with herbs such as succession, chamomile, calendula, celandine. This method will help with allergic rashes, diaper rash.

To combat pinworms, it is recommended to give children raw pumpkin seeds, they can be crushed, adding a pinch of salt and a little olive oil. Onion or garlic gruel is effective against parasites, but it is suitable for older children, little ones will not eat it. Juice of red and green vegetables, such as pumpkin, carrots, is also effective.

You can brew wormwood and give it on an empty stomach at night and in the morning. You can also give enemas using milk and garlic juice.

Homeopathy

Homeopaths have remedies in their arsenal that can relieve children from itching in the bottom. One of them is APIS COMP IOV-PLUS - oral drops for the treatment of dermatitis, eczema. 8-10 drops of the preparation are dripped into a quarter of a glass of water. Drink in small sips between meals once a day. If the symptoms intensify, stop taking the preparation for a while (1-2 weeks), then resume.

Bioline-Candida - antifungal tablets. Do not use for children under 2 years old. After this age and up to 12 years, half a tablet is prescribed every 2 hours, after relief - every 4. In case of abdominal pain, high temperature, treatment is contraindicated.

Venza - homeopathic drops, used for hemorrhoids. For children aged 5-12, 5-7 drops are dripped into a spoon of water, for older children aged 12 - 8-10 drops. At the beginning of the treatment, you can drink 3-5 drops every hour, then switch to three times a day, but increase the dose. The course of treatment lasts up to 1-2 months.

Guna-bovel - drops treat disorders of the colon, hemorrhoids. The drug can be prescribed to children from 3 years old. At the age of 3-6 years 5-7 drops, 6-12 years - 7-10 drops, after 12 years - 10 drops three times a day (the first 5 days can be 5 times). Side effects have not been established.

Complications and consequences

Anal itching is not as harmless as it seems at first glance. Infection with worms can lead to mechanical damage to organs, as well as poisoning of the body with the products of their vital activity.

If it is secondary in nature, i.e. caused by the diseases listed above, then without timely treatment, unpleasant consequences and complications associated with specific diagnoses are possible.

Prevention

Important preventive measures include personal hygiene: frequent hand washing for both the child and other family members, washing after defecation, using high-quality toilet paper, body care products that do not contain alcohol and artificial fragrances. In the presence of hereditary diseases, it is important to carry out their prevention in a timely manner.

Forecast

Timely detection of the causes that lead to an itchy anus in a child gives a favorable prognosis for getting rid of it. Some diagnoses may even require surgical intervention that does not pose a threat to life.