Anal itching

Causes of anal itching

Itching is often a symptom of the following diseases:

• anal fissure

• hemorrhoids

• constipation, diarrhea (diarrhea)

• inflammatory bowel diseases (proctitis, paraproctitis)

• inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

• rectal prolapse

• insufficient function of the anus sphincter (incontinence of stool) — a condition in which the contractility of the muscles of the anus decreases, and the skin around the anus is irritated by secretions from the rectum that are not associated with bowel movements.

The causes of itching can be yeast fungi, herpes virus, human papillomavirus, worms (pinworms), mite — causative agent of scabies, lice.

Skin irritation in the anus and the development of dermatitis can be caused by common hygiene products such as soap, toilet paper, shower gels and special contraceptives.

In women, itching of the anus may be associated with the onset of menopause, when a decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen disrupts the normal balance of the vaginal microflora, and also causes excessive dryness of the mucous membranes.

In the early stages of diabetes, itching of the skin may be limited to the anal area. Other endocrinological diseases can also manifest themselves with this symptom.

Anal itching may be the result of the presence of excessive amounts of substances in food that irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract - salt, spices, acids, synthetic flavor additives.

Diagnosis of anal itching

Only a coloproctologist can determine the cause of itching in the anus after an examination and a thorough conversation with the patient. It may be necessary to conduct a number of laboratory tests to exclude diabetes mellitus, helminth infestations, and fungal infections; women may need to consult a gynecologist. If a skin disease is suspected, a dermatologist should be consulted.

Colonoscopy is performed to diagnose diseases of the colon. A flexible elastic probe with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the anus into the lumen of the rectum and colon, which allows you to visually assess the condition of the colon mucosa almost the entire length of the colon (about 2 meters). Colonoscopy allows you to quickly and accurately diagnose the initial stages of hemorrhoids, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, detect polyps of the intestinal mucosa, as well as malignant neoplasms, the symptom of which may be anal itching. Based on the results of the colonoscopy, the doctor will determine further tactics in relation to the identified coloproctological disease. In the EMC Coloproctology Clinic, colonoscopy is performed under medical sleep, so the patient does not feel any discomfort during the examination.

A full range of studies will allow the doctor to determine the cause of anal itching and prescribe the right treatment.

Treatment of anal itching

Treatment should be accompanied by the implementation of hygiene and lifestyle recommendations, which should become a good habit in the future and methods of preventing anal itching.:

The skin in the anus should be kept clean and dry, and only cotton underwear should be worn.

Exclude from the diet spicy, salty and smoked foods, alcohol, as well as foods and medications that could cause loose stools.

In case of constipation, if possible, normalize the stool with a diet.

Take laxatives only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Use soap without odor and additives or special means for intimate hygiene; replace traditional toilet paper with wet, or with a hygienic shower after each bowel movement.

You should also consult a coloproctologist if:

• anal itching is accompanied by pain, a feeling of a foreign body in the anus;

• you find an admixture of blood in the stool or on toilet paper;

• you are already 50 years old or if there is a relative in your family who suffered from colorectal cancer (at this age it is recommended to undergo colorectal cancer screening).