Definition of Anal itching

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Anal itching: Irritation of the skin around the anus accompanied by a desire to scratch. The intensity of itching increases with moisture, pressure, and sitting. At its most intense, anal itching causes intolerable discomfort described as burning and soreness. Treatment is to shower gently without directly rubbing or irritating the skin, clean and dry the anus thoroughly, and use moist pads rather than toilet paper after bowel movements. Local application of cortisone cream may help.

Anal itching can be caused by irritating chemicals in food (as in spices, hot sauces, and peppers); irritation of frequent liquid stools in diarrhea; diseases such as diabetes mellitus or HIV infection that increase the possibility of yeast infections; psoriasis; and pinworm infection (enterobiasis). Abnormal passageways (fistulas) from the intestine to the skin around the anus can form as a result, for example, of Crohn's disease and these fistulas bring irritating fluids to the anal area. Other causes of anal itching include hemorrhoids, tears of the anal skin (fissures), abnormal local growth of anal skin (anal papillae), and skin tags.

If anal itching persists, an examination by a doctor can rapidly identify most causes of anal itching. Anal itching is medically referred to as pruritus ani. For more information, see: Anal itching.