Itchy Anus
Itchy anus or medically known as pruritus ani is a skin condition (dermatological) that causes itching in the anal area. It can be a common symptom of a variety of conditions.
Itching located in or around the anus is often intense and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as burning, redness, or pain.
This condition can usually also get worse at night or after a bowel movement.
However, with proper treatment and self-care, most people can recover from this health problem.
Symptoms of Itchy Anus
In addition to itching in the anus, this health problem can also cause the following symptoms:
- Burning sensation.
- Pain.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Wines.
- Stupid.
Itching and irritation can be temporary or more persistent, depending on the cause.
Causes of Itchy Anus
Sometimes the cause of this condition is unknown. However, there are several possible causes that are most common, including:
- Irritation. Chronic incontinence and diarrhea can irritate the skin. In addition, the products you use to care for your anal skin can also cause irritation. For example, harsh soaps or wet wipes. Washing your buttocks too roughly can also cause irritation.
- Infections. These include sexually transmitted infections, pinworms, and yeast infections.
- Skin conditions. Sometimes pruritus anis is the result of certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis. To be clearer, know the Causes of Eczema That Can Trigger Itchy Anus.
- Other medical conditions. These include diabetes, thyroid disease, hemorrhoids, and anal tumors.
Risk Factors for Itchy Anus
Pruritus ani can be experienced by anyone. However, there are several factors that can make someone more at risk of experiencing it, namely:
- Aged between 40-70 years.
- Man.
In addition, Rarely Maintaining Cleanliness, Natural Risk Factors for Itchy Anus. So, it is important to maintain good hygiene of the intimate area so that you can avoid this skin disease.
Diagnosis
A doctor may be able to diagnose the cause simply by asking questions about the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and personal care habits.
If a pinworm infection is a possible cause, your doctor will recommend a pinworm test.
The patient may also require a physical examination, including a digital rectal examination.
If the cause is unclear or does not respond to initial treatment, the doctor may refer the patient to a skin specialist (dermatologist).
Treatment for Itchy Anus
Treatment for this condition usually first focuses on good anal hygiene.
Sufferers need to thoroughly clean the anus after defecation, then dry the area, and apply unmedicated powder.
In addition, doctors can also prescribe treatment according to the underlying cause.
Here are some medicines to treat this disease:
- Creams and ointments
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone is a combination of a corticosteroid medication with an anesthetic pain reliever, which can effectively treat this condition.
How to use it is by applying the medicine to the affected area 2-3 times daily.
In addition, studies also show that topical capsaicin cream is a good alternative to corticosteroids when pruritus ani persists for a long time (chronic).
- Antibiotic and antifungal drugs
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications if he or she suspects an anal infection is causing the itching.
- Methylene blue injection
If the sufferer’s body does not respond to the above treatment, the doctor may treat it with methylene blue injections.
Doctors provide this treatment by injecting it under the skin in the perianal area.
Methylene blue can reduce pain and itching by numbing the nerve endings in the area where the injection was given.
Complications
Itching in the anus usually causes a strong urge to scratch the area.
This can cause further irritation and may make the itching worse instead of relieving it.
Because, the skin in the anal area is sensitive, while nails are usually strong and sharp. Scratching with nails can cause skin damage or infection.
If the itch-scratch cycle continues, it can cause extreme discomfort, pain, and a burning sensation.
Prevention of Itching in the Anus
Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent pruritus ani.
Here are some healthy lifestyle habits that you can adopt to prevent these skin conditions:
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly
Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can help maintain digestive health, thereby preventing diarrhea and hemorrhoids which can cause these conditions.
- Practicing good hygiene habits
This can also help prevent itching. Practice good personal hygiene, including refraining from scratching your buttocks and keeping the anal area clean and dry.
- Wear loose clothing
Wearing loose clothing made of cotton that absorbs sweat can minimize irritation and moisture.
- Use mild soaps and detergents
It is best to avoid using soaps and detergents with dyes and perfumes to prevent skin irritation that causes pruritus ani.
When to See a Doctor?
Most cases of this disease do not require medical treatment. However, you should see a doctor if you experience things like:
- Severe or persistent anal itching.
- Experiencing bleeding from the anus or fecal incontinence.
- The anal area appears to be infected.
- You don’t know what causes persistent pruritus ani.
- Itching in the anus that doesn’t go away may be related to a skin condition or other health problem that requires medical treatment.