Why does itching in the anus occur in women? Causes of itching in the anus in adults What can itching in the anus

Anal itching (lat. pruritus ani) is a medical term for itching of the anus. Other terms include:

Perianal itching
Anorectal itching.

The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive system that allows the body to remove solid waste from the body.

Itching in the anus is a common problem that many people keep quiet about and do not see a doctor because of embarrassment. Most causes are common regardless of gender. But some of them occur only in women or appear more often in them.

Common Causes

Most of the causes of this delicate cause are general, i.e. do not depend on gender. There are many of them. A distinction is made between primary (not the result of another condition) and secondary (caused by another disease or condition).

Skin diseases

There are a number of conditions that can affect the skin around the anus. For example:

Eczema
Seborrheic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen planus
Allergic or irritant dermatitis (skin inflammation). Irritation can be caused by:
- Excessive sweating and moisture around the anus.
- Too diligently cleaning this area.
- Using certain products, such as soap, cream, ointment, or dye-based toilet paper, may cause an allergic reaction to one or more of these products.

It is skin diseases that provoke about 50% of all cases of secondary itching.

Such as:

Anal fissure. As a rule, it is accompanied by soreness and itching.
A tumor in the anus, intestines, or rectum is a rare cause of this problem.
Haemorrhoids.

Some systemic diseases

General itching of the body, which may seem more intense in the region of the rectal opening, is sometimes caused by certain diseases, for example:

Lymphoma
Liver disease
Anemia
Thyroid diseases
Diabetes.

These diseases are usually accompanied by other symptoms.

Products

Some foods are not fully digested and therefore can irritate the skin around the anus after a bowel movement, such as:

Grape
Citrus
Tomatoes
Spices and chilli
Beer in large quantities
Milk
Foods with caffeine (coffee, tea or coca-cola).

Medications

Antibiotics can cause indigestion (diarrhea). Prolonged or frequent diarrhea irritates the skin and causes itching.
Steroids or other drugs that can weaken the immune system increase the risk of developing skin infections that affect the skin around the anus.
Other medications, such as colchicine (for gout) and peppermint oil (for flatulence and bloating), can cause itchy sensations as a side effect.
Topical medications that are applied to the skin to treat problems like hemorrhoids can also cause irritation and dermatitis.

Unknown causes (idiopathic pruritus)

In many cases, the cause of this delicate problem is not clear. In some people, ointment, sweat, or toilet paper may cause irritation, but it is impossible to determine the exact cause.

In other people, pruritus may be caused by a small amount of stool leaking from the anus. In addition, the problem may affect some people during times of stress or depression.

Causes in women

The very problem of anal itching can affect a person of any gender and age, but statistically it is more common in men than in women, and in adults than in children or the elderly. But in addition to all the above reasons, there are specific ones that occur only in the female:

A gynecological disease is a cause that can cause itching in the anus in women. For example, a violation of the secretion of the vagina or vulvovaginitis may be accompanied by such a symptom.
Irritation in women can also be provoked by wearing underwear made of synthetic fabric or tight (especially thongs).
Due to the proximity of the anus and urethra in women, urine can get into the microtrauma of the skin of the anus and irritate it, causing a burning sensation, which is then alleviated by excessive wiping with toilet paper, which further damages the skin.

Treatment

To relieve burning and soreness, it is important to thoroughly clean and dry the area.

Washing the area should include a gentle shower without direct skin irritation with a washcloth or towel.
After a bowel movement, it is better to resort to using wet wipes (such as baby wipes) to clean the anus instead of regular toilet paper.
If there is persistent moisture in the anus, such as incontinence, more frequent use of wet wipes may be necessary.

Many over-the-counter anal itching products are available in various preparations (eg, ointments, creams, gels, suppositories, etc.). These products often contain the same ingredients used to treat hemorrhoids. Most products contain more than one type of active ingredient.

Local anesthetics

Local anesthetics (for example, benzocaine, diclonin, lidocaine, pramoxine) can temporarily relieve pain, burning, blocking impulses in nerve fibers. The scope of these drugs should be limited to the anal area and the lower anal canal. They are sold in the form of ointments and suppositories. After their use, allergic reactions may develop, so the use of these drugs should be discontinued if the symptoms worsen.

Vasoconstrictor

When applied to the anus, vasoconstrictors (eg, ephedrine sulfate, epinephrine, phenylephrine) help reduce swelling. They also help relieve pain and itching due to their mild analgesic effect.

These drugs, applied to the anus, have a low chance of causing serious side effects.

Astringents

Astringents (calamine, zinc oxide) cause coagulation (thickening) of proteins in the cells of the perianal skin. This promotes dryness, which in turn helps reduce burning, itching, and pain.

Analgesics

Painkillers such as menthol 0.1% to 1.0%, camphor 0.1% to 3% relieve pain, itching and burning by inhibiting nerve receptors.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and can relieve itching, but their continued use can wreak havoc on the skin. They should not be used for more than two weeks. Only low impact products are available without a prescription. Stronger prescription corticosteroid products should not be used to treat anorectal pruritus.

home remedies

Apple vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used to help control an infection that can cause burning and itching.

Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Consume it twice a day.
Another option is to add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a hot bath. Take this bath for 15-20 minutes, once a day.

Garlic

It helps eliminate pinworms (a type of intestinal worm), which is one of the main causes of this problem in children and their parents. In addition, the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties of garlic help treat any infection responsible for anal itching.

Eat 2-3 cloves of raw garlic on an empty stomach daily for one week.
Another way is to boil 2 minced garlic cloves in 1/2 cup milk. Drink milk on an empty stomach for a week.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is one of the best remedies for relieving itchy anus. It soothes the skin, and its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties help treat any infection. Moreover, it can help get rid of worms.

Take 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil daily. You can also use it for cooking.
Rub a small amount of warm coconut oil in and around the affected area several times a day.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has soothing properties that will help relieve itching, soreness, and inflammation. Aloe vera also helps reduce irritation from hemorrhoids, one of the main causes of the problem.

Extract the gel from an aloe leaf and rub the skin around the rectal opening for 5 minutes.
Reapply gel every few hours.

Oat flour

Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help treat irritated, inflamed skin.

Mix 1-2 cups of oatmeal in a tub filled with warm water.
Take such a bath for about 15-20 minutes 1 or 2 times a day.

Yogurt

Yogurt can be used to treat a yeast infection that can cause anal itching. Not all types will be useful. Probiotic yogurt with live active cultures should be used. These bacteria will help control the growth of the infection.

Apply yogurt to the affected area. Leave on for 20-30 minutes or overnight. Then rinse the skin with warm water and dry thoroughly.
In addition, 2 to 3 glasses of yogurt should be consumed daily.

Anal itching is a disease that is manifested by burning sensations and itching of the skin in the anus. This condition can be an independent disease or a symptom of other diseases, but equally causes physical and psychological discomfort in the patient.

Causes of anal itching

Itching is often a symptom of the following conditions:

anal fissure

haemorrhoids

constipation, diarrhea (diarrhea)

inflammatory diseases of the lower intestines (proctitis, paraproctitis)

inflammatory diseases of the large intestine (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

rectal prolapse

insufficient function of the sphincter of the anus (stool incontinence) - a condition in which the contractility of the muscles of the anus decreases, and the skin around the anus is irritated by discharge from the rectum, not associated with defecation.

Itching can be one of the non-specific symptoms of malignant neoplasms of the intestine and most often - cancer of the anal canal, in combination with complaints of pain, blood in the stool, feeling of a foreign body in or near the anus.

Causes of itching can be yeast, herpes virus, human papillomavirus, worms (pinworms), mite - the causative agent of scabies, lice.

Itching is a leading symptom of skin diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic eczema, and lichen planus.

Irritation of the skin in the anus and the development of dermatitis can cause common hygiene products - soap, toilet paper, shower gels and special contraceptives.

In women, itching of the anus can be associated with the onset of menopause, when a decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen disrupts the normal balance of the microflora of the vagina, and also causes excessive dryness of the mucous membranes.

In the early stages of diabetes mellitus, itching may be limited to the anus. Other endocrinological diseases can also manifest themselves with this symptom.

Anal itching may be the result of the presence in food of an excess amount of substances that irritate the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract - spices, acids, synthetic flavoring additives.

Diagnosis of anal itching

Only a coloproctologist can determine the cause of itching in the anus after examination and a detailed conversation with the patient. It may be necessary to conduct a series of laboratory tests to exclude diabetes mellitus, helminthic invasions, fungal infections; women may be assigned a consultation with a gynecologist. If you suspect a skin disease, you should consult a dermatologist.

Colonoscopy is performed to diagnose colon diseases. A flexible elastic probe with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the anus into the lumen of the rectum and colon, which allows you to visually assess the condition of the colon mucosa almost throughout the colon (about 2 meters). Colonoscopy allows you to quickly and accurately diagnose the initial stages of hemorrhoids, anal fissure, rectal prolapse, detect polyps of the intestinal mucosa, as well as malignant neoplasms, a symptom of which may be anal itching. Based on the results of the colonoscopy, the doctor will determine further tactics in relation to the identified coloproctological disease. In the EMC Coloproctology Clinic, colonoscopy is performed under medical sleep, so the patient does not feel any discomfort during the examination.

A full range of studies will allow the doctor to determine the cause of anal itching and prescribe the correct treatment.

Anal itching treatment

Anal itching should not be treated “on its own” and, moreover, on its own. Only a consultation with a coloproctologist, an examination and, if necessary, special studies and analyzes will help determine the cause of anal itching and treat the disease that caused itching.

Treatment should be accompanied by the implementation of hygiene and lifestyle recommendations, which should become a good habit in the future and methods for preventing anal itching:

The skin around the anus should be kept clean and dry, and only cotton underwear should be worn.

Exclude from the diet spicy, salty and smoked foods, alcohol, as well as foods and drugs that could cause loose stools.

With constipation, if possible, normalize the stool with a diet.

Take laxatives only on the advice of a doctor.

Use soap without fragrance and additives or special products for intimate hygiene; replace traditional toilet paper with wet, or with a hygienic shower after each bowel movement.

You should also contact a coloproctologist if:

anal itching is accompanied by pain, feeling of a foreign body in the anus;

you find blood in your stool or on toilet paper

you are over 50 years old, or if there is a relative in your family who had colorectal cancer (at this age, colorectal cancer screening is recommended).

This is a very personal and delicate topic that men try not to talk about at all. There can be many reasons for discomfort in the anus, ranging from ignoring the rules of personal hygiene to serious diseases of the rectum. As a rule, if itching appears in the anus and perineum, discomfort, anxiety and other symptoms, men are reluctant to go to a specialist, thereby aggravating their situation.

If you find unpleasant symptoms in delicate places, you should promptly seek help from specialists. In this review, we will talk about the causes, how to get rid of unpleasant itching and burning in the anus, which doctor to contact.

Causes of itching in the anus and perineum

Experts identify several of the most common causes of itching and discomfort in the perineum and anus in men.

Fungus in the perineum in men

The most common fungus that affects the perineum and anus are fungi of the genus Candid, popularly called the disease. The fungus begins to actively multiply when the body is weakened (diseases, decreased immunity). As a rule, candidiasis affects:

The mucous membrane of the mouth, stomach, liver;
The skin of the genital organs of men and women;
Skin of inguinal folds;
Urethra.

The symptoms of the fungus are:

Itching in the groin, anus and perineum;
and around the anus;
Spots of different diameters and shapes;
flaky skin;
In advanced form, purulent discharge.

Treatment of the fungus in the perineum consists in the use of antifungal creams Clotrimazole, Terbinox, Triderm, Chlorhexidine solution.

For the treatment of fungus in the anus, Heparin and Troxevasin ointment, rectal (anal) suppositories are prescribed. All medications are prescribed only by a specialist, do not self-medicate.

Haemorrhoids

Another disease that causes discomfort and itching in the anus. This is an ailment caused by a violation of the outflow of blood in the tissues of the rectum. In addition to burning and itching, symptoms of hemorrhoids can be:

Mucous discharge with blood;
Burning in the anal region;
Puffiness, inflammation;
Admixture of blood during defecation.

Treatment of the disease and symptoms of hemorrhoids should be handled by a specialist. Practice shows that self-treatment at home rarely leads to a positive result and complete recovery, exacerbating the situation.

Therapy of hemorrhoids consists in taking anti-hemorrhoid suppositories and ointments. In advanced cases, the patient is prescribed surgery or removal of formations with a laser or nitrogen.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis is a common cause of burning and itching in the anus

Frequent constipation, loose stools, gastrointestinal diseases can lead to itching in the anus and perineum. The cause of dysbacteriosis can be a fungus in the intestines, decreased immunity, infection, poor-quality food, bad habits, etc.

Dysbacteriosis is treated with:

Normalization of nutrition and diet;
Taking antibiotics (to eliminate harmful bacteria);
Taking drugs that restore the intestinal microflora (Hilak-Forte, Linex, etc.).

Candida urethritis

Itching in the anus in men, irritation in the perineum and on the penis - all these symptoms can signal a fungal disease -. This is due to the weakening of the urethral mucosal barrier, the cause of candidal urethritis can be:

Obesity;
Neurosis, stress;
Diabetes;
Allergy, psoriasis;
Active use of strong antibiotics;
Decreased immunity.

As a rule, the fungus affects the walls of the urethra, but it is not uncommon for it to “settle” on the skin of the inguinal folds and the tissue of the anus. It may also present as a pale white discharge from the urethra, red-brown spots on the penis, groin and perineum. The spots can be of different colors and sizes with peeling of the skin.

Drug treatment is prescribed using antifungal drugs (Fluconazole tablets, Ketoconazole cream and).

Obesity

These two problems are closely related to each other. Excess weight provokes active sweating, which in turn can lead to skin irritation, diaper rash and dermatitis, which cause itching in the perineum in men. There is no specific treatment for this problem; it is necessary to normalize your weight by following a diet. At this time, the inguinal folds, the anus and perineum can be periodically disinfected with a solution.

Diabetes

Burning, unpleasant itching, pain in the anus and genitals may indicate diabetes. Here you will need to consult an endocrinologist.

Itching in the anus in a child

Helminth - he is a worm

You can get rid of the symptoms and their causes at home by resorting to traditional medicine methods, but we advise you to contact your pediatrician first.

Which doctor should I contact for itching in the anus?

If the anus itches, you feel a burning sensation in the perineum and inguinal region, then first of all you need to go to the doctor for an examination. To provide all possible assistance to the patient will be able to:

Proctologist;
Dermatologist;
Gynecologist;
Endocrinologist;
Gastroenterologist.

The specialist will listen to the patient's complaints, conduct an examination and prescribe the following tests:

Based on the results of these tests, the characteristics of the patient's body, treatment is prescribed, the effectiveness of which will depend on the correct observance.

Itching anus folk remedies

Healing decoction. Chamomile flowers, burdock root and walnut bark are dried and mixed in equal proportions. Then two tablespoons are poured into 150 ml of filtered water and boiled for half an hour. The resulting broth is cooled, filtered through gauze and drunk 50 ml three times a day.

Sitz baths. Oak bark (500 grams) is dried, placed in a saucepan, poured with water (5-7 liters) and boiled for 30 minutes. In the broth, you can add flowers of calendula, succession, chamomile. Then this broth is cooled to a temperature of 35-40 ° C and poured into a regular bowl. The patient needs to sit in this basin for half an hour until it cools completely.

Celandine. We take celandine, St. John's wort, yarrow, chamomile flowers in equal proportions and dry. Two or three st. l. dilute with a glass of boiling water, wait until it brews for 1.5 hours. You can add 15 drops. Drink a decoction three times a day for half a cup an hour before meals.

Enema treatment. Dried flowers of chamomile, calendula, mix in equal proportions. Two or three st. l. boiled in 150 ml of water for 20 minutes, then infused for 30 minutes. Ten drops of sea buckthorn oil are added to the decoction and used as an enema before going to bed.

Ointments for burning and itching. Vaseline mixed with cranberry juice and sea buckthorn oil is suitable for treatment. Smear the anus area no more than four times a day.

Itching in the anus in women is considered a rather delicate issue, which quite often causes a lot of discomfort.

This inconvenience may develop as a result of a minor banal factor, such as indigestion, with all its consequences, or poor personal hygiene, or more serious disorders caused by diseases of the rectum contributed to it.

Sometimes, a woman's itching can go away on her own, in other cases, in order for it to disappear, appropriate treatment is necessary. And since there are a lot of reasons for itching in the anus, you first need to clarify why it itches in the anus, and then take appropriate measures.

Causes of itching in the anus in women

The most harmless cause of itching in the anus is poor hygiene. Due to untimely washing, wearing tight synthetic underwear, diaper rash occurs, and then the woman has itching or burning. In most cases, this problem does not require serious treatment and is solved by observing the rules of hygiene.

However, sometimes itching in the anus can be a symptom of many, sometimes very dangerous, diseases. Most often it is:

(most often pinworms);
internal or external;
frequent constipation, leading to the formation of microcracks and fistulas;
fungus or seborrhea against the background of exacerbation;
polyps of the rectum,;
pubic lice;
or allergies;
infectious diseases of the genitourinary system (,).
frequent use of laxatives based on salts;
overweight, provoking increased sweating;
irritation from using toilet paper, especially flavored ones;
internal diseases such as intoxication, as well as diseases of the pancreas and liver.

These are the most common diseases that can cause itching in the anus in women. In some cases, a similar symptom may be a sign of other, but more rare, pathologies.

Haemorrhoids

With hemorrhoids, venous stasis develops, and then there is an expansion of the veins located in the rectum. Itching with hemorrhoids, as well as symptoms such as burning and a false sensation of a foreign body in the anus, are due to the fact that the result of such stagnation is the thinning of the rectal mucosa and the skin around the anus.

When a person sleeps, female pinworms lay their eggs in the area around the anus, which causes discomfort and itching in the anus. The cause of burning is also explained by the presence of ascariasis and infection by other types of helminths, and this symptom most often occurs after a bowel movement.

Hygiene violations

Itching in the anal area can be provoked by the use of coarse toilet paper with the addition of various dyes and flavors, insufficient hygienic care for the perineal area, and the inability to take a shower for several days.

Skin irritation can be caused by wearing tight synthetic underwear with coarse seams. Itchy sensations lead to scratching of the affected area and the formation of microcracks, through which pathogenic bacteria enter the body, which can cause serious infections.

Intestinal dysbacteriosis

When the balance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the intestines is disturbed, a person often develops various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and stool instability. Constant irritation of the anus with feces causes itching and burning in the anus.

Diseases and infections of the genitourinary system

Gynecological pathologies contribute to the development of itching of the anus in women. In addition, any sexual infections cause discomfort (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis).

The most harmless factor that causes itching in women is candidiasis (thrush). With pediculosis (pubic lice), the itching sensation extends to the entire perineal area.

Anxiety, mental disorders

Some neuropsychiatric diseases that occur in people with an obsessive desire to always be perfectly clean force a person to thoroughly wash the anus area with soap several times a day, this leads to degreasing, drying of the delicate skin, leading to itching and infection with pathogenic bacteria.

Anxiety, stress or depression also create conditions for itching in any part of the body, the skin becomes sensitive from the slightest irritation.

Allergy

Certain foods, alcoholic beverages, chemical additives, and certain drugs (mostly antibiotics) have the side effect of itching in the anus.

Diabetes

The elevated blood sugar level present in diabetes mellitus leads to its partial release through the skin pores, resulting in the development of symptoms of skin irritation. In addition, hyperglycemia contributes to the active reproduction of microorganisms that can cause increased itching.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is based on the patient's complaints and examination of the itchy area and anus. A digital examination of the rectum is performed to identify possible hemorrhoids and other pathological processes of the rectum.

Additionally, if necessary, it is necessary to pass a clinical blood test, a fecal analysis in which it is necessary to investigate the presence of helminths and possible latent blood.

Treatment of itching in the anus in women

Therapy is prescribed depending on the cause of the development of discomfort. That is, it is not the itching of the anus that needs to be treated, but the disease that caused this problem.

If the cause of anal itching in a woman was non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, special treatment is not required. All you need to do is to carry out thorough daily hygiene procedures - and in the near future the itching will disappear. After the act of defecation, it is recommended to use wet antibacterial wipes that clean the skin of the anus from the remnants of feces.
With helminthiasis, special ones are prescribed. A specific medicine is selected taking into account the main causative agent of the disease, the age of the patient, the presence of contraindications (Metronidazole, Vormil, Decaris, Vermox, etc.).
In the treatment of hemorrhoids, other topical agents are also commonly used to help eliminate unpleasant symptoms - burning, pain, itching in the anus (Proctoglivenol, Anuzol, Proctosan).
If the discomfort is due to nervous disorders, the patient is shown a course of sedatives and.
It is also necessary to give up alcohol, fried and salty, spicy foods. It is also advisable to abandon synthetic underwear. It does not allow air to pass through, creating a greenhouse effect and causing excessive sweating.
To soothe discomfort, you can use baths with the addition of a decoction of medicinal plants (oak bark, string, birch buds, chamomile).

Since itching may well be a symptom of serious diseases, then with a long, not passing course of this unpleasant and debilitating sensation, you should consult a specialist.

Feeling itching in the anus is a rather delicate problem, most often a sick person is ashamed of this condition and avoids going to the doctor, trying to eliminate the unpleasant symptom on his own. However, such manifestations may indicate enough, and they should be taken with all seriousness.

You should not delay a visit to a specialist, since the lack of timely and proper treatment will only aggravate the situation and negatively affect the general psychological state of a person. Constant discomfort makes him nervous and irritable, negatively affects his performance and relationships with others. With a similar problem, you should contact a doctor - a coloproctologist, men are additionally consulted by a urologist, women - by a gynecologist. Let us consider in more detail what causes anal itching and pain in the anus and how to deal with this condition.

Diseases such as internal, genital warts can contribute to the development of anal itching. If the appearance of itching is accompanied by pain and spotting, the cause of this condition is most often anorectal fistulas and benign tumor-like formations (polyps). The most serious factors provoking the appearance of itching are chronic proctosigmoiditis and.

The development of itching is facilitated by infection with a variety of helminths (pinworms, ascaris, giardia). In the presence of ascariasis or infection with other types of helminths, a burning sensation and itching occurs after a bowel movement. Itching in the anus at night is a symptom of pinworm infection, they lay eggs in the rectal area, which causes irritation.

With giardiasis, leading to inflammation of the skin. In addition, giardiasis is accompanied by such manifestations as a rash in the perineum, which provokes itching sensations.

The state of dysbacteriosis

Caused by a violation of the normal microflora, accompanied by diarrhea and constipation and leads to unpleasant sensations of irritation and itching in the anus.

Skin diseases

One of the reasons leading to the development of itching are a variety of skin diseases: psoriasis, dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, lichen planus.

Diseases and infections of the genitourinary system

The development of itching of the anus in men is promoted by diseases of prostatitis and urethritis, in women - gynecological pathologies. In addition, any sexual infections cause discomfort (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis).

The most harmless factor that causes itching in women is candidiasis (thrush). With pediculosis (pubic lice), the itching sensation extends to the entire perineal area.

Diabetes mellitus, pathologies of internal organs

One of the symptoms of diabetes is constant itching in the anal area. Patients experience the same discomfort with lesions of the liver, pancreas, biliary dyskinesia, gastritis, gout, beriberi, infectious hepatitis.

Obesity

Patients who are overweight often suffer from excessive sweating, resulting in diaper rash and irritation in the perineal area, leading to itching.

Allergic reactions can occur to certain foods, alcohol, and medications. A side effect of allergic manifestations is often itching in the anus.

Neurogenic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder

Anxiety and depressive states, stress lead to a weakening of the body's defenses, the skin becomes overly sensitive to the slightest irritation. Mental illness can manifest itself in an obsessive desire for cleanliness, constant cleaning of the anus with soap and water, which leads to overdrying and irritation of the skin and deprives the mucous membranes of a natural protective film.

Neurogenic (nervous) nature of itching is often found in patients with exudative diathesis and neurodermatitis. In this case, the itching is of such intensity that the sick person combs the anus to the blood. Such a strong and painful itchy feeling, accompanied by burning and redness of the skin.

Risk factors include spicy, salty foods, spices, and alcohol. It is undesirable to use hygienic alcohol-containing wipes, which greatly dry the skin in the perianal area.

Itching can be caused by working in hot and dusty environments, accompanied by the harmful effects of mercury vapor, tobacco dust, lead, sulfur or other chemicals.

Symptoms of the disease can range from mild to severe. Severe itching in the anus is a painful condition, discomfort can be short-term or long-lasting, painful and irritating. In severe cases, severe swelling and thickening of the skin appear in the anal area.

A person can suffer from itching for years, constantly scratching the skin around the anus. Especially often severe itching and burning is observed after washing the perineal area with soap, while in order to relieve the intolerable itching sensation, the patient intensively scratches and injures the skin.

On examination, characteristic redness and irritation of the skin with traces of scratches from scratching is revealed, the patient complains of pain and severe burning. Irritated skin cannot be touched.

This condition is noted in the acute form of anal itching. The chronic form is characterized by a mild intensity of itching, but it is permanent and is accompanied by thinning of the skin in the anus, as a result of which it is easily injured. Most often, the course of the disease acquires a cyclic form, with periods of remissions and exacerbations.

Patients suffering from anal itching experience constant discomfort, note sleep disturbances, their performance decreases, depressive conditions develop, accompanied by neurasthenia.

Anal itching in adult women and men - causes

can be caused by gynecological diseases associated with impaired vaginal secretion. Often the development of an unpleasant symptom is provoked by thrush (candidiasis). This is explained by the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of female organs.

Since the vagina is located near the anus, the Candida fungus easily penetrates the rectum, causing severe itching. Often, itching is promoted by wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, the use of gels for intimate hygiene with the addition of dyes and fragrances that cause an allergic reaction. In such cases, it is recommended to wear cotton underwear, and hygiene procedures should be carried out using ordinary baby soap.

can cause diseases such as prostatitis and urethritis, while the infection from the organs of the genitourinary system penetrates into the rectum, causing burning and itching sensations in the anus. When such uncomfortable conditions appear, men need to consult a urologist.

Itching of the anus in children

A common cause of itching in children is helminth infection. Usually an unpleasant symptom appears at night, it is at this time that the pinworms lay their eggs in the anus. The child becomes nervous and tearful, his sleep is disturbed, he scratches the skin in the anal area.

A baby can pick up helminths in the sandbox, in contact with animals and non-compliance with hygiene procedures. In such cases, you should take a stool test and treat the child with drugs that the attending physician will prescribe.

In infants, diaper dermatitis causes similar symptoms. Wet diapers and diapers contaminated with feces cause the development of pathology. In contact with the delicate skin of the baby, physiological secretions cause redness and irritation.

Especially often itching of the anus in a child is noted with artificial feeding, since feeding with mixtures makes the stool more alkaline. It is noted that babies who are breastfed are much less likely to suffer from this pathology.

When caring for a baby, it is important to change diapers as often as possible and try to leave the skin open for some time to come into contact with air. After each bowel movement, the child must be washed and, in order to avoid diaper rash, treat skin folds with talc or powder.

Proctologists divide itching in the anal region into two types: primary and secondary. This separation is necessary to select the correct treatment tactics.

Primary(idiopathic) itching. In this case, it is not possible to identify the specific cause of the pathological condition, and it is difficult to cope with this type of ailment. Primary itching most often affects men, the main peak of the disease falls on the age category from 30 to 60 years.
Secondary itching. Occurs as a symptom of a disease. To eliminate it, a thorough diagnosis, identification and elimination of the causes of the pathology is necessary.

To establish the true cause of the appearance of an adverse symptom, you will need to do a series of tests and undergo an examination with a proctologist, dermatologist, gastroenterologist. If necessary, you should consult a gynecologist, urologist. To clarify the diagnosis, the specialist will refer the patient to laboratory tests, you will need to pass a series of tests:

General analysis of blood and urine
Blood sugar test
Biochemical blood test
Analysis of feces for helminthiasis
Analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis

In addition to laboratory tests, the patient will be sent for an instrumental examination: anoscopy or colonoscopy. Questioning the patient and collecting anamnesis data will help clarify the diagnosis.

So, if the appearance of itching is associated with bowel movements, the doctor may suspect the presence of hemorrhoids and other diseases of the rectum. Increased itching after drinking alcohol, eating spicy and salty foods may indicate inflammation in the lower sections of the large intestine.

The specialist must find out if the patient has diseases of the endocrine system, diabetes mellitus, fungal lesions of the skin, whether he suffers from allergies. Only after receiving all the information, data from laboratory and instrumental studies, the doctor can determine the causes that provoke the occurrence of itching, and prescribe a full-fledged treatment.

The tactics of treating anal itching will depend on the cause that caused the appearance of this symptom. If the discomfort is caused by diseases of the internal organs (liver, pancreas, dysbacteriosis, diabetes mellitus), then these diseases must first be treated.

For skin diseases and dermatitis, ointments with a drying effect are prescribed (Hydrocortisone, Salicylic, Zinc ointment). If sexually transmitted infections are detected, special drug therapy is prescribed. With allergic manifestations, antihistamines are indicated.

In diseases of the rectum (hemorrhoids, proctosigmoiditis), complex treatment is prescribed, which consists in the use of drug therapy, diet and lifestyle adjustments. On the shelves of pharmacies there are many drugs (ointments, gels, rectal suppositories) that have a wide spectrum of action and help get rid of itching in the anus. The most effective and affordable of them are:

All drugs for the treatment of itching should be prescribed by the attending physician after clarifying the diagnosis and identifying the cause that provokes the development of an adverse symptom.

Traditional medicine treats anal itching with herbal preparations and baths with a decoction of medicinal plants. Before using traditional recipes, you should consult with your doctor.

Therapeutic sitz baths

For the procedure, warm water (37 ° C) is used, to which decoctions of medicinal herbs are added. Sedentary baths with the addition of a decoction of oak bark, chamomile, calendula, birch buds relieve itching well. It is better to take water procedures before going to bed, their duration is no more than half an hour. Perfectly relieve irritation and soothe inflamed skin baths with colloidal oatmeal. For best results, treatments should be done daily for a week.

Decoctions of medicinal herbs

Herbal collection of chamomile, walnut leaves and burdock roots. All ingredients should be taken in equal proportions. Then one tablespoon of the mixture is poured into 200 ml of hot water and boiled over low heat for 15 minutes. The finished broth is filtered, cooled and taken 100 ml three times a day.

A decoction of mint, linden flowers, yarrow leaves and chamomile helps well. All components are taken in equal quantities. Two tablespoons of this collection is poured with a glass of boiling water, heated in a water bath for 10 minutes, then insisted for two hours. The resulting broth should be filtered and taken 1/3 cup three times a day.

The following recipe calls for taking 7 tablespoons of oak bark, willow and buckthorn and carefully chop all the ingredients. Two tablespoons of the mixture should be poured with a liter of boiling water and boiled for 7-10 minutes. Then the broth is infused for 30 minutes, filtered and taken three times a day, one teaspoon.

To relieve irritation and itching, you can do compresses with cool water. To do this, moisten sterile gauze with cold water or wrap ice in it and apply it to the itchy place. You can use lotions with infusion of periwinkle leaves. To do this, one tablespoon of dry grass is poured into 200 ml of hot water, heated in a water bath for 20 minutes. The finished broth is filtered, cooled and used for lotions.

A mixture of Vaseline and cranberry juice

Prepare a composition of 200 g of petroleum jelly and 50 ml of cranberry juice. The mixture is thoroughly rubbed and lubricated with itchy areas twice a day for a week.

The main methods of prevention include careful observance of hygiene measures.

These simple preventive measures will help to avoid many intestinal diseases and prevent the development of an adverse symptom.