What causes anal itching at night?

Sep 07, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Itchy anus at night may be caused by factors such as night sweating, dietary habits, anal sinusitis, hemorrhoids, or eczema. To prevent anorectal diseases, it is important to maintain regular bowel movements, drink plenty of water, increase dietary fiber intake, wear breathable cotton underwear, and avoid reinfection, thereby reducing irritation and strain on the skin around the anus.

Generally, anal itching at night may be caused by factors such as night sweats, dietary habits, anal sinusitis, hemorrhoids, or eczema. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Night Sweats

After sweating at night, friction between sweat and clothing around the anus—especially when wearing tight or non-breathable underwear—can easily cause local skin moisture, promoting bacterial or fungal growth and resulting in itching. It is important in daily life to keep the perianal area dry and clean.

2. Dietary Habits

Excessive consumption of spicy foods or caffeine during dinner may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, increasing sensitivity of the skin around the anus. Particularly after defecation, residual irritants may further irritate the anal skin, causing itching. Adjusting one's diet is advisable.

3. Anal Sinusitis

Anal sinusitis is primarily caused by bacterial infection. This condition leads to inflammatory reactions in the perianal region, causing redness and swelling of the surrounding skin and resulting in the symptoms described. It may be accompanied by sensations of anal burning and increased discharge. Treatment under a doctor’s guidance may include medications such as levofloxacin tablets, metronidazole tablets, or azithromycin tablets.

4. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can result from genetic factors or poor dietary and bowel habits. They cause varicose enlargement of the venous plexus around the anus, forming venous masses that compress and irritate the surrounding skin, leading to perianal itching. Symptoms may include anal pain and bleeding. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, Zi Hua Hemorrhoid Ointment, or chlorhexidine acetate hemorrhoid suppositories.

5. Eczema

Eczema may be related to genetic factors or immune system abnormalities. When eczema develops in the perianal area, the skin around the anus remains moist for prolonged periods. Combined with friction and irritation, this can easily trigger eczema and lead to anal itching, especially at night. Symptoms may include erythema and papules. Under medical supervision, treatments may include desonide cream, fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, or erythromycin ointment.

To prevent anorectal diseases, it is important to maintain regular bowel movements, drink plenty of water, increase dietary fiber intake, wear breathable cotton underwear, avoid reinfection, and reduce irritation and burden on the perianal skin.

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