1. Take the Hemorrhoids Quiz
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Slideshow Pictures
3. Psoriasis Slideshow Pictures

When a cause can be found, the itching is usually due to irritation of the skin around the anus.

Some of the most common irritants include the following:

• Perfumes, chemicals, or dye on toilet paper can cause an allergic reaction.
  
  
• Moisture from sweat or diarrhea may cause itching. If the anal skin stays wet, the skin begins to break down.
  
  
• Some foods irritate the anus when they are expelled during a bowel movement. The most common culprits are caffeine, chocolate, beer, nuts, dairy products, and spicy food.
  
  
• Infections such as pinworms, yeast, and genital warts can cause itching.
  
  
• Hemorrhoids, which cause painful swelling of blood vessels in the anal area, can cause itching.
  
  
• Cancer, in rare instances, may be a cause of anal itching.

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