Itching in the anus in a child

The fact that something is bothering the child cannot be overlooked even without verbal complaints, his hand constantly reaches for the ass, for the anus, to scratch. It is impossible to ignore the itching in the anus, since this or that problem clearly lies behind it. It is not worth diagnosing and treating yourself, first of all you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.

Causes of the anal itching in a child

The first thing that comes to the mind of parents is worms. Indeed, helminthic infestations are the most common cause of anal itching in a child, but not the only one. Among others are possible:

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

Risk factors

Non-compliance with basic hygiene can contribute to the development of the appearance of discomfort in the anus. Other risk factors include using 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 is extremely unpleasant, brings discomfort to life, and can also be associated with dangerous diseases. Only a doctor is able, based on complaints expressed by parents, laboratory and other studies - pathogenesis, to conduct a correct diagnosis.

Epidemiology

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

Symptoms

The first signs of itching in the anus of the child, if he still cannot tell about it himself, are his actions. Severe itching in the evening and at night is possibly 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, it also itches in the anus. Sometimes redness around it, peeling are visible.

In addition, there are problems with sleep, nocturnal awakenings, crying, gnashing 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 disturbance.

Symptoms of dysbacteriosis are expressed in violation of the stool, lack of appetite, flatulence, nausea and even vomiting, ailments. [2]

With such diseases of the rectum as polyps, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, there are difficulties in emptying, pain is present, irritability and capriciousness appear, especially in the evening. Blood is often found in the feces.

Diagnostics of the anal itching in a child

First of all, the diagnosis of itching of the anus is to examine the feces for worms. Other laboratory tests include a general analysis of urine and blood, for glucose, sowing a skin scraping. More modern and accurate is enzyme immunoassay, which determines antibodies to worms. External signs reveal allergies and diaper rash.

A visual examination by a proctologist will establish the presence of hemorrhoids, cracks, polyps. Perhaps a rectal examination to determine the functionality of the anal sphincter. Of the methods of instrumental diagnostics, anoscopy is used, less often rectomanoscopy (special devices for examining the inner lining of the rectum).

The success of treatment depends on the correct differential diagnosis, which makes it possible to establish the true one from all possible causes.

Treatment of the anal itching in a child

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

The scheme of further treatment depends on the established diagnosis.

Medications

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

• Decaris - aimed at getting rid of parasitic roundworms. For children, 50 mg tablets are used, starting from three years. They are taken once in the evening at 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 old (20-30kg) - 1-1.5 pieces; 11-18 years old (30-60kg) - 1.5-3pcs. If necessary, repeat after 1-2 weeks.

Side effects include palpitations, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sleep disturbance.

With dysbacteriosis, agents such as smecta, linex are used.

• Linex - is available in powders, enclosed in capsules. Normalizes the intestinal microflora. Children under 2 years old are recommended 1 capsule, from 2 to 12 years old - 1-2, over 12 - 2 pieces three times a day. Take it after meals with a small amount of water. The drug does not cause side effects, but at high temperature, the presence of blood fragments in the feces, 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. It can be bepanthen, panthenol, triderm. With their help, diaper rash is also eliminated.

• Panthenol - ointment is applied to the damaged surface with a thin layer once or several times a day. It is non-toxic and well tolerated. An allergic reaction has very rarely been observed.

If necessary, take the medicine inside appoint cetrin, tavigil, fenistil.

• Cetrine - has an antipruritic effect, eliminates skin reactions. Children can be given half a tablet twice a day, starting at age 6. Over 12 years old - a tablet per day. In case of impaired renal function, the doctor adjusts the dose on an individual basis.

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

Cracks in the anus are most often formed with constipation. In this case, both suppositories (natalside, methyluracil, hepatrombin), microclysters for their healing, and a laxative (microlax) are appropriate.

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

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

Alternative Treatment

Parents can help their children get rid of itching with a soda solution (this does not exclude the treatment of an established pathology). Soda is dissolved in a basin of warm water and the child is placed in it. Baths or compresses can be done with herbs such as string, 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 by 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, small ones will not eat this. The juice of red and green vegetables, such as pumpkins, carrots, is also effective.

Wormwood can be brewed and given on an empty stomach at night and in the morning. They also put enemas using milk and garlic juice.

Homeopathy

In the arsenal of homeopaths there are remedies that can save children from itching in the pope. One of them is APIS COMP IOB-PLUS - oral drops for the treatment of dermatitis, eczema. 8-10 drops of the drug are dripped into a quarter glass of water. Drink in small sips between meals once a day. With increased manifestations, the drug is stopped for a while to take (1-2 weeks), then resumed.

Bioline-candida - antifungal tablets. Do not use in children under 2 years of age. After this age and up to 12 years, half is prescribed every 2 hours, after relief - every 4. With pain in the abdomen, fever, treatment is contraindicated.

Venza - homeopathic drops, used for hemorrhoids. For children 5-12 years old, 5-7 drops are dripped into a spoonful of water, for older 12 years old - 8-10 drops. At the beginning of treatment, you can drink 3-5 drops every hour, then switch to a three-time intake, 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. 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, i.e. Caused by the diseases listed above, then without their 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 emptying, 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 time.

Forecast

Timely identification of the causes leading to itching of the child's anus gives a favorable prognosis for getting rid of it. Some diagnoses may even require surgical intervention that does not pose a threat to life.