What causes anal itching?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, anal itching is medically known as pruritus ani. This condition may be caused by poor personal hygiene, dietary factors, hemorrhoids, perianal eczema, pinworm infection, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, one should maintain good personal hygiene habits, change underwear frequently, keep the perianal skin clean and dry, and avoid using strongly irritating body washes.
In general, anal itching is medically known as pruritus ani. This condition may be caused by poor personal hygiene, dietary factors, hemorrhoids, perianal eczema, or pinworm infection. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Poor Personal Hygiene
Failure to thoroughly clean the anal area after defecation can lead to residue irritating the skin around the anus, causing itching. It is important to improve personal hygiene habits and keep the anal area dry, avoiding moist environments.
2. Dietary Factors
Consuming spicy or greasy foods, or excessive fiber, can stimulate the intestines, leading to additional irritation of the anal area during bowel movements and resulting in itching. It is advisable to adjust your diet by reducing intake of spicy and greasy foods.
3. Hemorrhoids
Prolonged straining during bowel movements may trigger hemorrhoids, which are prone to rupture and bleeding. Blood and secretions can irritate the anal skin and cause itching. Symptoms may also include bleeding during defecation, anal pain, or a sensation of a foreign body. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as Ma Yinglong Hemorrhoid Ointment, Nifedipine tablets, or Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) tablets for treatment.
4. Perianal Eczema
Perianal eczema may be related to allergic reactions, impaired skin barrier function, or chronic irritation. It manifests as redness, papules, exudation, and itching, with possible accompanying symptoms such as dry skin, fissures, and pain. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use medications such as erythromycin ointment, tacrolimus ointment, or loratadine tablets for treatment.
5. Pinworm Infection (Enterobiasis)
Pinworm infection is caused by parasitic infestation with *Enterobius vermicularis*. Adult worms migrate out of the anus at night to lay eggs, causing intense anal itching. Associated symptoms may include insomnia. Under medical guidance, patients may use treatments such as pinworm ointment, ammoniated mercury ointment, or pyrantel pamoate tablets.
In daily life, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene, change underwear frequently, keep the perianal skin clean and dry, and avoid using harsh or irritating bath products.
