Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani)


When one begins to experience anal itching , and it persists, it becomes a distracting, annoying pain in the rear end !
Yes, hemorrhoids can cause this kind of itching , but the following list is presented to inform you of other causes of "Pruritus Ani."
It is not a comprehensive list, and I refer you to medical textbooks and articles, and physician consultation if you do not find your answer here.


Some causes of anal itching:


Over-vigorous cleansing
(In our attempts to keep the area clean, we can actually CREATE the problem)

Mechanical factors
(direct physical irritation, e.g. prolonged sitting)

Poor personal hygiene (poorly cleansed anal area)
Chronic diarrhea
Chronic constipation
Fecal Incontinence
Soaps, deodorants, perfumes
Hemorrhoids
Chronic liver disease
Use of Alcohol-based anal wipes
Allergy to dyes in toilet paper
Intolerance to fabric softener
Skin sensitivity from foods ( e.g. Tomatoes , Caffeinated beverages, Beer, Citrus products , Milk products ).
Anal Warts
Anal fissure (typically painful)
Leukemia

Dermatologic conditions:
Various forms of Dermatitis
(there are many varieties)
Psoriasis

Infections:
Pinworms (Enterobius)
Yeast Infection (Candida)
Herpes simplex virus
Scabies
Abscess in anal area (typically painful)
Gonorrhea (Rectal)
Syphilis

Medications:
Colchicine (an oral gout medication)
Quinidine (an oral heart medication)
Acquired sensitivity to TOPICAL MEDICATION, e.g. Neosporin Ointment, Etc, Etc.
Over use of TOPICAL STEROID CREAMS/OINTMENTS !
(Excessive use of potent topical steroid cream/ointment causes skin atrophy over time , that is, loss of skin strength, thinning of skin )
Other meds ?


If you have a personal experience with Pruritus Ani caused by something not on this list, please E-mail us so we can make the list as comprehensive as possible.


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Joseph R. Duba, MD
8 West Main St
Shortsville, N.Y. 14548

md_duba@yahoo.com