Anal Itch! What is this?

Anal itching is itching around your anus — the canal that's the outlet for your rectum. The itch, situated in your anus or on the skin just around your anus, is often intense and may be accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. You may find anal itching to be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

Also called pruritus ani (proo-RIE-tus AY-nie), anal itching has many causes. Numerous factors can cause anal itching to intensify, including moisture, rubbing of your clothing and pressure of sitting.

Many people have experienced anal itching. Don't be embarrassed to talk with your physician about this condition. With proper treatment and self-care measures, most people can achieve complete relief from anal itching.

What are the Symptoms?

Anal itching is associated with other similar symptoms in and around the anus, including:

1. Burning
2. Soreness or pain

The itching and irritation in and around your anus may be a temporary condition, or it can be more persistent and bothersome. For some people, the irritation is so intense that the urge to scratch is irresistible.

When to see a physician

Most anal itching doesn't require medical care. However, see your physician if:

1. Anal itching is severe or lasts longer than a few weeks
2. There's bleeding from the rectum
3. You can't figure out what's causing the itch

Persistent anal itching may be related to a skin condition or other health problem that requires medical treatment.

What are the Causes?

Most cases of anal itching are caused by a harmless problem. Occasionally, however, anal itching can be a sign of more serious medical issues. Possible causes of anal itching include:
1. Dry skin. As you age, skin in and around your anus is more prone to dryness. Dry skin can cause persistent, intense anal itching.
2. Too much moisture. Moisture around your anus from excessive sweating or from moist, sticky stools can be irritating.
3. Fecal incontinence. Anal itching can also be caused by frequent diarrhea or the escape of small amounts of stool (fecal incontinence).
4. Excessive washing. Excessive wiping with dry, harsh toilet paper or excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps can cause or aggravate anal itching. Failure to rinse away the soap completely also can cause irritation.
5. Overuse of laxatives. Excessive or improper use of laxatives can lead to chronic diarrhea and the risk of anal irritation and itching.
6. Chemical irritants. Certain laundry soaps, colognes, douches and birth control products contain chemicals that can irritate skin in and around your anus. Scented or colored toilet paper can be irritating to people with sensitive skin.
7. Skin disorders. Common skin problems — such as psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema — can involve and irritate the area in and around your anus.
8. Yeast infections. This common infection, which usually affects women, can irritate your genital and anal areas.
9. Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are engorged veins located just under the membrane that lines the lowest part of your rectum and anus. They often occur as a result of straining during a bowel movement. Anal itching can be a symptom of hemorrhoids.
10. Anal abrasions, fissures and fistulas. An anal abrasion is a small tear in your anus, usually caused by forced bowel movements through a tight anus. An anal fissure is a deeper tear. An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms under the skin and connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks outside the anus. All three conditions can cause anal itching, as well as painful bowel movements and bleeding.
11. Food irritants. Anal itching may be the result of irritating chemicals in some foods, such as those found in spices and hot sauces. Similarly, some foods may directly or indirectly irritate your anus as they exit your colon. Common culprits include chocolate, alcohol, tomatoes and citrus fruits. Consuming certain beverages, including milk or caffeinated drinks, may cause some people to experience diarrhea followed by anal itching.
12. Medications. Anal itching may be a side effect of certain medications, including some antibiotics, that can cause frequent diarrhea.
13. Infections. Sexually transmitted diseases may also involve the anus and can cause anal itching. In children, the parasite that causes pinworms can cause persistent anal itching. Adults in the same household can also be infected. Other parasites may cause similar itching.
14. Anal tumors. Rarely, benign or cancerous tumors in or around the anus may be a cause of anal itching.
15. Other causes. Anal itching may be related to anxiety or stress. Sometimes, the cause is undetermined.
Contributing to the problem Although anal itching is almost never a problem of cleanliness, your own actions may contribute to the problem.
1. Scratching. Whatever the cause of anal itching, your natural reaction is to scratch the area. But scratching worsens the problem by removing superficial layers of skin.
2. Excessive washing. The natural tendency in response to an irritation is to wash the area frequently with soap and a washcloth. However, excessive washing can aggravate the condition by removing your skin's natural protective oils.

Tests and Diagnosis?

Your physician may be able to diagnose the cause of your itching simply by asking you questions about your symptoms.

If the cause of your itching isn't obvious, your physician may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) or a physician who specializes in treating rectal and anal problems (proctologist) for further evaluation. A rectal exam may be all that's required for you to get an answer, and a solution, to a very uncomfortable problem.

Other tests, such as proctoscopy or colonoscopy to view more of the digestive tract, are sometimes needed to identify an underlying cause of anal itching. However, the precise cause of the itching may never be identified.

Natural Remedies

A lot can be done to naturally maintain and promote anal skin health. It is a good idea to support overall systemic balance by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods, ensuring plenty of fresh air, adequate sleep, moderate sunshine and regular exercise. Also avoid tight clothing and synthetic underwear.

1. Add some oatmeal to your bath water. Oatmeal has naturally soothing qualities that help soften and heal irritated and itchy skin.
2. Promote tissue healing with Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera mixed with olive oil or tea tree oil can be applied to the area to promote healing.
3. Keep the anal area clean. Moistened toilet paper or wipes are gentle on the skin and make it easier to thoroughly cleanse the anal region.
4. Keep the anal area dry. Unscented baby powder or cornstarch can be applied to the area to keep moisture at bay and prevent chafing and irritation.
5. Eat plenty of fiber. A common cause of anal itch is constipation. Increasing your fiber intake will promote healthy digestion and stools and possibly relieve symptoms and prevent future occurrences. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are great sources of dietary fiber.
6. Wash undergarments with a mild soap. Laundry detergents can be extremely irritating due to the chemicals present in some of them. The same goes for fabric softeners. Wash underwear with a mild unscented soap to prevent future irritation and itch.
7. If thrush or candida is suspected, there are herbal remedies which can help to maintain candida levels in your body within the normal range.
8. Herbal remedies may also be recommended to help with anal itching. Some examples include Fagopyrum, Croton and Aesculus. Combination remedies are often most likely to be helpful. Make sure that you source your herbal remedies from a reputable company to ensure maximum safety, effectiveness and therapeutic dosage.