Itchy Anus

What causes an itchy anus?

An itchy anus, a condition known as pruritus ani, can develop due to a variety of health and environmental factors, including:

• Hemorrhoids
• Excess moisture
• Fungal infections
• Chronic health conditions

You can also develop itching in the anus by eating certain foods or drinking a lot of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

In some cases, itching can be severe and result in damage to the delicate tissues surrounding your anus. You should schedule a consultation with the medical team at Progressive Surgical Care if itching lasts for several days and isn’t relieved by home care.

How do you diagnose an itchy anus?

To determine the cause of your persistent itching, your Progressive Surgical Care physician reviews your medical history and examines the affected area. They also discuss with you your bathroom and hygiene habits to get a better idea of what might be causing your condition.

What treatments are available for an itchy anus?

Initially, the goal of treatment is to eliminate itching and allow your skin to heal. It’s important to resist scratching the area to prevent worsening your discomfort or increasing your risk of infection.

The Progressive Surgical Care team can suggest using cornstarch powder and clean gauze or cotton balls to keep the area dry and free of excess moisture. They can also provide resources to improve hygiene habits after a bowel movement.

If itching is painful and severe, the Progressive Surgical Care team can provide prescription topical creams for effective relief. Antifungal medicines can be beneficial if your condition results from a fungal infection.

Following your treatment, you need to focus on keeping your skin dry and clean. If you suffer from conditions like constipation that can irritate anal skin, you’ll probably need to improve your diet by eating more fiber-rich foods or taking a fiber supplement.

For some, sensitivities to soaps and dyes in soaps and laundry detergents can trigger anal itching. If that’s the case with you, you’ll need to use hypoallergic, dye-free products to prevent dry skin and/or allergic reactions.

The team rules out other conditions which can mimic pruritus ani (itchy anus), such as Crohn’s disease, warts, and anal cancer, to name a few. This is an extremely important part of the evaluation so that other life threatening conditions won’t be missed.

An itchy anus can be difficult to discuss, but don’t delay a medical evaluation. You can rely on the compassion, care, and discretion that the Progressive Surgical Care staff offers. Set up an appointment today by calling the office or booking one online.