What causes itching around the anal area?

Anal itching usually refers to pruritus ani, which may be caused by improper hygiene, dietary irritation, hemorrhoids, perianal eczema, enterobiasis, etc. Management can be based on different situations. If discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to visit a hospital as soon as possible and follow medical advice for treatment.

1. Improper hygiene: Failure to thoroughly clean the anal area after bowel movements, leaving residual feces or secretions that may irritate the perianal skin and cause itching. Daily attention should be paid to anal hygiene; rinse with warm water after defecation or use mild wet toilet paper to wipe, keeping the perianal area dry and清爽. Symptoms of itching usually improve.

2. Dietary irritation: Consuming excessive spicy foods or alcohol can lead to anal itching. These substances may cause perianal vasodilation and skin sensitivity after metabolism, resulting in itching. Adjust the diet structure, reduce intake of spicy foods and alcohol, and consume more vegetables and fruits to maintain a bland diet.

3. Hemorrhoids: Congestion or stasis of the venous plexus in the anal canal or distal rectum, causing swelling and increased secretions that may irritate the perianal skin and cause itching. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain, and prolapse of hemorrhoids. Patients may use Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment, Compound Carrageenan Suppository, Diosmin Tablets, and other medications under medical guidance to relieve itching.

4. Perianal eczema: Inflammatory reactions of the perianal skin due to local dampness or allergies may result in rashes and itching. Scratching may lead to exudation and crusting. It is recommended to use Calamine Lotion, Mometasone Furoate Cream, Loratadine Tablets, and other medications under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

5. Enterobiasis: This condition is usually caused by pinworms parasitizing the human intestine. Female worms may emerge from the anus at night to lay eggs, irritating the perianal skin and causing itching, especially noticeable at night. Some patients may find small white thread-like worms around the anus. Follow medical advice to use medications such as Albendazole Tablets, Mebendazole Tablets, Piperazine Citrate Syrup to improve the condition.

In daily life, maintain adequate water intake and use mild, non-irritating moisturizing creams to apply to the perianal skin to keep it moisturized.

References:

[1] Ye Xiuchun, Zheng Yongfei, Ding Kun, et al. Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and washing in treating chronic perianal eczema [J]. Zhejiang Clinical Medicine, 2025, 27(02): 288-290.

[2] Gu Xinbo, Gao Hong. A case report of electroacupuncture combined with moxibustion in the treatment of hemorrhoids [J]. Chinese Rural Medicine, 2025, 32(05): 30-31.