What should I do if I experience anal itching and pain due to “internal heat”?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cheng Yicheng
Introduction
If you experience anger and anal pain, it is recommended that you visit a proctology or anorectal surgery clinic for a digital rectal examination and anoscopy to determine whether any anorectal conditions are present—such as common hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, anal sinusitis, or perianal abscess. If the pain is caused by hemorrhoids, topical hemorrhoid ointment may be prescribed under a physician’s guidance.
Itching and pain in certain areas of the body can be extremely embarrassing. For instance, many people experience itching and pain around the anus. Scratching in crowded settings is inconvenient and distressing. Anal pain and itching may stem from underlying medical conditions—so what should one do if “excessive internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept) causes anal itching and discomfort?
What to Do for Anal Itching and Pain Caused by “Excessive Internal Heat”
If you experience irritability alongside anal pain, it is advisable to visit a proctology or colorectal surgery clinic for a digital rectal examination and anoscopy. These evaluations help determine whether an underlying condition—such as hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, anal sinusitis, or perianal abscess—is present. If hemorrhoids are confirmed as the cause, topical hemorrhoid ointments—such as Ma Ying Long Hemorrhoid Ointment, Taining Ointment, or hemorrhoid gel—may be prescribed under medical supervision. Oral medications that reduce venous congestion, such as Diosmin, may also be recommended. If an anal fissure is diagnosed, topical ointments to promote wound healing may be used.
For anal pain attributed to “excessive internal heat,” treatment may include oral administration of heat-clearing and fire-purging herbal remedies, sitz baths with potassium permanganate solution, and application of anti-inflammatory ointments to alleviate discomfort. Regular consumption of spicy or irritating foods can easily trigger internal heat accumulation; thus, when constipation-related anal pain occurs, patients may first take heat-clearing and fire-purging medications—such as honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) or wild chrysanthemum tea—or proprietary Chinese medicines like Niuhuang Jiedu Wan (Bezoar Detoxifying Pills) or Niuhuang Shangqing Wan (Bezoar Supreme Clarity Pills)—under physician guidance. These remedies help clear internal heat, soften stools, and improve bowel movement smoothness. Additionally, sitz baths using an appropriately diluted potassium permanganate solution exert antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Patients are advised to maintain a balanced diet to ensure regular, effortless bowel movements. Spicy and irritating foods should be avoided. Wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothing helps minimize friction-induced exacerbation of perianal irritation or eczema. We hope this information proves helpful.
