Fact Checked
Anal itching or pruritus is irritation of the skin at the opening of the anal canal. Itching in the anal can be due to the reaction to chemicals in the stool. Anal itching can become severe due to the inflammation and direct trauma of scratching of the areas and the presence of moisture.
Anal itching feels similar to a burning sensation and soreness. Itching in the anal area can be due to hemorrhoids, problems of the skin and excessive washing or not properly washing the area.
Causes of anal itching
- Anal itching can be due to chemicals found in the foods such as spices, peppers and hot sauces.
- It can be caused by irritation in the anus due to continuous moisture in the area and frequently suffering from diarrhea or a bowel movement with large amounts of stool or incontinence. Yeast is usually the cause of infection in the anus especially with diabetics or those with HIV.
It can be due to irritation in the anus due to continuous moisture in the area and frequently suffering from diarrhea or a bowel movement with large amounts of stool or incontinence. - Taking medications such as antibiotics can result to yeast infection and irritation of the area.
- Psoriasis can cause irritation of the anus
- An abnormal passageway or fistula from the small intestines to the surrounding skin around the anus can develop due to the diseases such as Crohn’s disease which causes irritation of the fluids in the affected anal area.
- Pinworm infestations which causes persisting itchiness
- Fissures of the anal area or tears
- Hemorrhoids
- Development of abnormal local growth of the anal skin or skin tags can cause anal itching.
Treatment
- After bowel movements, clean the area using plain water and mild soap or a moist cotton ball or a small squeeze bottle of water. Avoid scrubbing the area and keep the area clean without further irritation on the skin.
- When traveling, bring an empty squeeze bottle that you can easily refill with water in the bathroom.
- After cleaning the affected area, pat it dry using a toilet paper or a towel. Another option is using a hair dryer at low setting. Use un-medicated talcum in order to keep the area dry. Avoid using powder with cornstarch which can cause growth of bacteria. Another method is to place a moist or dry cotton ball on the area to absorb moisture and replace if needed.
- Avoid scratching the affected area. Apply a cold compress on the affected area or take a lukewarm bath. Trim the nails short and wear cotton gloves while sleeping in order to help prevent scratching the area.
- Avoid irritants such as taking bubble baths, deodorants for the genitals, moist wipes, perfumed soaps, spicy foods, tomatoes and foods that causes diarrhea, and avoid overusing of laxatives.
FACT CHECK
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anal-itching/symptoms-causes/syc-20369345
https://www.medicinenet.com/anal_itching/article.htm
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-anal-itching