Anal Itching
Anal itching is a common condition. The itch in or around the anus is often intense and can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.
Anal itching, also called pruritus ani, has several possible causes. They include infections, hemorrhoids and ongoing diarrhea. Skin inflammation, also called dermatitis, is another cause.
If the symptoms don’t clear up with self-care, talk with your health care provider. With treatment, most people get complete relief.
Symptoms of anal itching may include intense itching, inflammation, burning and soreness. The itching and irritation may be short lived or more persistent, depending on the cause. Anal itching often is worse at bedtime or in hot, humid weather.
When to see a doctor
Medical care isn’t needed for most anal itching. But see your health care provider if:
- Anal itching is severe or constant
- You have anal bleeding or stool leakage
- The anal area seems to be infected
- You can’t figure out what’s causing a constant itch
Possible causes of anal itching include:
- Irritants. Fecal incontinence and long-term diarrhea can irritate the skin. Or your skin care routine may include products or behaviors that irritate the skin. Examples include using harsh soaps or wiping too hard and too often.
- Infections. These include sexually transmitted infections, pinworm infections and yeast infections.
- Skin conditions. Sometimes anal itching is the result of a specific skin condition, such as dry skin, psoriasis or contact dermatitis.
- Other medical conditions. These include diabetes, thyroid disease and hemorrhoids.
Often the cause of anal itching isn’t known.
Your health care provider may be able to diagnose the cause of your itching by asking about your symptoms, medical history and personal habits. You may need a physical exam, including a rectal exam. You might have a test for pinworms if a pinworm infection is suspected.
If the cause of your itching isn’t obvious or your itching doesn’t respond to treatment, your health care provider may refer you to a specialist in skin conditions. This type of doctor is called a dermatologist. In many cases, the cause of the itching isn’t known, but the symptoms can be treated.
Treatment of anal itching depends on the cause of the problem. It may include taking self-care measures such as using an anti-itch cream or treating an infection or fecal incontinence.
If symptoms are worse at night, an oral antihistamine might be prescribed. This is medicine that you take by mouth. It can help give relief until an anti-itch cream takes effect.
With proper care most people get relief from anal itching. See your health care provider if the itching lasts.
References
- AskMayoExpert. Pruritus ani. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Bolognia JL, et al., eds. Pruritus and dysesthesia. In: Dermatology. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 16, 2021.
- James WD, et al. Pruritus and neurocutaneous dermatoses. In: Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 24, 2021.
- Briggs JK. Itching. In: Triage Protocols for Aging Adults. Wolters Kluwer; 2019.
- Itching (Pruritus). In: Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/approach-to-the-dermatologic-patient/itching. Accessed Aug. 29, 2022.
- Feldman M, et al. Anal diseases. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 29, 2022.
- Food sources of dietary fiber. In: 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Accessed Aug. 29, 2022.
- Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Sept. 22, 2022.
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