Anal Itching Topic Guide

Anal fissures are small tears in the skin overlying the anus. Anal fissures are generally caused by constipation, or straining with a bowel movement. Symptoms of an anal fissure include severe pain during a bowel movement, drops of blood in the toilet, and pain while sitting. Anal fissure treatment includes home remedies such as Sitz baths and a high fiber diet and medical treatment of such as medication, botox injections, or surgery.

Most symptoms and signs of cancer may also be explained by harmless conditions, so it's important to limit one's risk factors and undergo appropriate cancer screening. Common cancer symptoms and signs are a change in bowel habits or urination, persistent cough, blood in the stool, urine, or saliva, lump in the breast or testicle, hoarseness, swollen glands, a change in a wart or mole, unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and headaches.

Candida albicans is a common cause of diaper rash. Diaper rash is red, elevated, and fluid may be visible under the skin. The rash may be found in the creases of the skin. Treatment involves antifungal topical treatment and decreasing moisture in the diaper area.

Genital warts (HPV) are growths in the genital area of both men and women. Genital warts are contagious and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms of genital warts may be none, to painless bumps, itching, and/or a discharge. There is no single effective cure for genital warts. Treatments and medication may decrease the size of the warts or temporarily remove them.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death.

Hemorrhoids are large veins in the rectum that cause pain. Causes of hemorrhoids include constipation, straining during a bowel movement, low-fiber diet, and liver disease. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids are usually painless. External or prolapsed internal hemorrhoid symptoms and signs may include: Pain A lump outside the anus Anal itching Constant urge to have a bowel movement Blood with a bowel movement There are a variety of over-the-counter treatments for hemorrhoids. Some do not resolve on their own so surgery is necessary.

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) are the most common human worm infection in the United States. Both children and adults are at risk for getting pinworms. An itchy rectal area is the most common symptom of pinworms. Pinworms are visible to the naked eye, but their eggs are not. Pinworms are ingested via person-to-person contamination. The female pinworms lays eggs around the anal, urethra, or vagina. The tape test is an easy way to diagnose pinworms. Medication to treat both children and adults include albendazole (Albenza) and mebendazole (Vermox). Washing bedding, clothing, toys, and other items the infected person has used or touches also is recommended.

Proctitis is an inflammation of the anus rectal lining. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, spasms during bowel movements, a feeling of being unable to empty the bowels completely. Treatment includes safe sex practices and antibiotics.

Rectal bleeding can be mild or seriouis, evern life-threatening. Causes of rectal bleeding include trauma, inflammation of the bowel, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, polyps, and tumors. Treatment of rectal bleeding depends on the cause and may include medication or surgery.

Rectal pain is a common problem. Some common causes of rectal pain include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fleeting anal spasms (proctalgia fugax), and levator ani syndrome. Diagnosis of rectal pain generally require no procedures. Treatment of rectal pain depends on the cause of the pain.

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when normal fungi in the vagina experience an overgrowth. Yeast infections can be caused by use of antibiotics, hormonal changes, diabetes, use of douches, and a compromised immune system, among other causes. Treatments are typically simple and can include oral and vaginal medications.

Vaginal yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a fungal or yeast infection. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, painful or burning urination, and painful intercourse. There are a variety of causes of a vaginal yeast infection. Treatment is generally OTC vaginal yeast infection medication.

Candidiasis is type of yeast infection, and is the most common type of yeast infection. Candidiasis yeast infections are caused by a fungus. Areas where candidiasis yeast infection can occur are vaginal, thrush (mouth), skin, diaper rash, nailbed, penile, and other genital organs. Treatment for candidiasis yeast infections are OTC and prescription medication. Rarely a candidiasis yeast infection can infect the internal organs and cause serious complications, even death.

Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infections in human skin. Candidiasis is infection with Candida species. More than 20 species of Candida exist. Signs and symptoms of a candidal infection can vary depending on the location of the infection. Most candidal infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter or prescription medication and can clear up within a week.