Gupta Nursing Home

Fine Morning Hospital &

Research Center

(Completing 25 years of untiring services in the field of proctology)

GUPTA NURSING HOME AND FINE MORNING HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTER
D/9, OPPOSITE DIKSHA BHOOMI
LAXMINAGAR
NAGPUR, Maharashtra 440022
India
ph: 917122220579
alt: 917122229244, 917126992051
drpjg@yahoo.co.in

Anal Itch

'Scared with that intractable anal itch!

Anal Itch or Pruritus ani is an extremely common and annoying symptom, which is associated with a wide range of mechanical, dermatological, infectious, systemic, and other conditions. Regardless of the etiology, the itch/scratch cycle becomes self-propagating and results in chronic pathologic changes that persist even if the initiating factor is removed.

Many patients believe pruritus ani is caused by poor hygiene and are overzealous in their attempt to clean the perianal area. Excessive cleaning, and particularly the use of brushes and caustic soaps, aggravate the sensitive tissues and exacerbate the condition. The perianal area can be highly sensitive to perfumes, soaps, clothes, fabrics, dietary intake, and superficial trauma.

Causes of anal itch

Infections- Parasites (Pinworm, scabies)
Bacterial infections (Group A, Beta-hemolytic Streptococus, staphylococcus aureus),Fungal infections (particularly candida)
Sexually transmitted diseases (condyloma, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea)

Fecal Soiling

Encopresis,Incontinence (usually post anorectal and bowel surgeries)

Chronic diarrhea,Poor hygiene

Transient internal relaxation of the internal anal sphincter

Anatomic abnormalities (eg. prolapsed internal hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse)

Local irritation

Excessive use of soap and detergents

Use of local creams and medications

Dietary agents

Coffee,Cola,Beer,Tomatoes,Chocolate,Tea,Citrus fruits

milk

Anorectal diseases

Abscesses,Fissures,Fistulas

Dermatologic diseases

Psoriasis,Contact dermatitis,Atopic dermatitis

Hidradenitis suppurativa,Paget's disease

Systemic diseases

Diabetes mellitus,Hepatic diseases (hyperbilirubinemia)

Leukemia,Thyroid disorders

Post operative conditions

Psychological causes

Other

Chemotherapy

Treatment for Pruritus ani

Keep the area clean, cool, and dry. The most effective local therapy is hydrocortisone cream. Usually, it is applied only at night, when itching occurs. Severe cases may require application several times a day. Irritation of the anal skin needs to be reduced. Eat plenty of high fiber foods.Straining at stool causes cracks in the anus, which are irritable and harbour bacteria. Antifungal creams can be used. Patients should not wear synthetic underwear or use perfumes or deodorizers on the perineum. Wash the anus in a bidet or a bucket of lukewarm water. Moistened tissues or soft toilet paper are next best. Use aqueous cream, mineral oil or other soap-free cleanser. Applying topical remedies such as zinc oxide or hydrocortisone ointment.

'No piles- Only smiles'

'The medications indicated for various anal pathologies in this site are for information only, patients are advised to use them only under medical supervision'.