What is Pruritus Ani?
Itching around the anal area, called pruritus ani, is a
common condition. An irresistible urge to scratch results.
It may be most noticeable and bothersome at night or after
bowel movements.
What causes this to happen?
Several factors may be at fault. A common cause is excessive
cleaning of the anal area. Moisture around the anus, from
excessive sweating or from moist, sticky stools, is another
possible cause. In some people, a loose and/or irritating
stool may be caused by a high intake of liquids.
In addition, drinking certain beverages, including some
alcoholic beverages - especially beer - milk, citrus fruit
juices and drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea
and cola, may be aggravating for some people. Similarly,
some foods that may be a problem include chocolate, fruits,
tomatoes, nuts and popcorn. Other rare causes of pruritus
ani may include pinworms, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis,
hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal infections and allergies.
Does Pruritus Ani result from lack of cleanliness?
Cleanliness is almost never a factor. However, the natural
tendency once a person develops this itching is to wash
the area vigorously and frequently with soap and a washcloth.
This almost always makes the problem worse by damaging the
skin and washing away protective natural oils.
What can be done to make this itching go away?
A careful examination by a colon and rectal surgeon or other
physician may identify a definite cause for the itching.
Your physician can recommend treatment to eliminate the
specific problem. Treatment of pruritus ani may include
these four points.
Avoid further trauma to the affected area:
Do not use soap of any kind on the anal area.
Do not scrub the anal area with anything - even toilet
paper.
For hygiene, use wet toilet paper, baby wipes or a wet
washcloth to blot the area clean. Never rub.
Try not to scratch the itchy area. Scratching produces
more damage, which in turn makes the itching worse.
Avoid moisture in the anal area:
Apply either a few wisps of cotton, a 4 x 4 gauze or some
cornstarch powder to keep the area dry.
Avoid all medicated, perfumed and deodorant powders.
Use only medications prescribed by
your physician and use them only as directed. Apply
prescription medications sparingly to the skin around the
anal area and avoid rubbing.
Avoid excess fluids and the
foods previously mentioned. In most instances, a maximum
of six glasses of fluid daily is reasonable. There is not
usually any health benefit to drinking more fluid than this
in the course of a day.
