Itching (Pruritus) in the Anus: The Most Important Causes
Itching in the anus is a very common complaint, with about one in 20 people reporting anal pruritus at some point. The itching is very often due to lack of cleanliness but also to excessive hygiene. Feces, if they remain on the perianal skin, even in minimal amounts, are highly irritating. However, perfect cleanliness with excessive use of soap and toilet paper after defecation is also destructive. Excessive wiping injures the sensitive skin around the anus and destroys its protective covering.
As a result, it becomes infected and much more sensitive to any harmful substance that comes into contact with it. The presence of feces is particularly irritating. Even wet wipes are not harmless, as they also contain substances that cause allergy and inflammation.
What are the less common causes?
Other less common causes of itching include the consumption of spicy substances and seasonings, excessive hair, abundant sweating, parasites (pinworms—in younger age), and fungal infections. The leakage of fluids from hemorrhoids or anal fistulas can cause significant irritation. Infection with the HPV virus and warts typically cause severe itching. Rarely, systemic conditions such as diabetes, renal failure, and even hyperthyroidism can lead to anal itching. Sometimes certain substances in the diet trigger a reaction of the body and cause an allergic response in the skin around the anus. Often, however, no specific cause is found. Even psychological factors have been implicated in anal pruritus.
Itching in the anus: What is the treatment?
For the treatment of pruritus, it is essential to avoid excessive cleanliness with soap and rubbing with toilet paper. Cleansing with plenty of lukewarm water is more than sufficient. Wiping should be gentle and performed (by dabbing) with a soft towel.
In difficult situations, when it is necessary to use a foreign toilet, cleansing can be done with a wet cloth or gauze. Disinfectant solutions or alcohol must never be applied to the area. Nighttime itching may be due to a very small amount of feces.
Once this is noticed, immediate washing with plain water and wiping with a towel eliminates the sensation of itching.
It is essential to avoid scratching, and sometimes nails should be kept short. If other conditions such as hemorrhoids or fistulas are present, they should be treated. Various healing creams exist that significantly help relieve this important problem.
