What causes anal itching?
Apr 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, itchy anus refers to anal pruritus. Anal itching may be caused by improper hygiene, dietary irritation, perianal eczema, anal fissure, anal fistula, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, one should choose loose, breathable cotton underwear, change underwear frequently, avoid prolonged sitting, and engage in appropriate physical activity.
In general, anal itching refers to pruritus ani. Anal itching may be caused by improper cleaning, dietary irritation, perianal eczema, anal fissure, anal fistula, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Improper cleaning
If the anus is not thoroughly cleaned after defecation, residual feces and secretions may irritate the perianal skin, damage the skin barrier, place the perianal skin in an unfavorable environment, stimulate nerve endings, and cause itching. In daily life, attention should be paid to wiping with soft toilet paper after defecation or washing with warm water to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the anus.
2. Dietary irritation
Consuming excessive spicy foods or drinking stimulant beverages may lead to the components of these foods entering the bloodstream, being partially excreted through sweat and urine after metabolism, irritating the perianal skin and causing itching. In daily life, one should maintain a reasonable diet and reduce the intake of such foods and beverages.
3. Perianal eczema
Perianal eczema is often caused by local perspiration, moisture, or contact with allergens. These factors may lead to perianal skin inflammation, impaired skin barrier, and increased sensitivity of sensory nerve endings, causing anal itching. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as erythema, papules, and vesicles. Patients may use medications such as calamine lotion, difluprednate cream, mometasone furoate cream, and others under the guidance of a physician for treatment.
4. Anal fissure
Anal fissures are often caused by long-term constipation or diarrhea, leading to repeated injury and ulceration of the anal canal skin. Exudate and inflammation from the ulcerated area may irritate the perianal nerve endings, causing itching. It may also be accompanied by severe anal pain during defecation, cyclical pain, and rectal bleeding. Patients may use medications such as glyceryl trinitrate ointment, capsule of Cannabis semen (Maren Capsules), and compound fucoidan suppository under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
5. Anal fistula
Anal fistulas are often formed after perianal abscess rupture or incision and drainage. The fistula continuously discharges purulent, bloody, or mucoid secretions, which irritate the perianal skin and cause anal itching. Symptoms such as recurrent perianal swelling, pain, and pus discharge may occur. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as cefixime capsules, amoxicillin capsules, potassium permanganate tablets for external use, and others for treatment.
In daily life, one should choose loose, breathable cotton underwear and change underwear frequently; avoid prolonged sitting and engage in appropriate physical activity; maintain personal hygiene, and avoid sharing towels, bathtubs, or other personal items with others.
