Anal Itching

Anal itching: causes, symptoms and treatment

Anal itching is a disease that is characterized by persistent, painful itching in the anus. There are primary (true) anal itching, in which no other diseases of the rectum and perineum are detected, and secondary, which is a symptom of other diseases, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure, helminthic infestations, constipation (diarrhea), proctosigmoiditis, fungal infections skin of the sacrococcygeal region, etc.

With primary anal itching, most likely the cause is hidden proctosigmoiditis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the rectum and sigmoid colon. In this case, there is a sharp shift in the reaction of the contents of the rectum and sigmoid colon to the alkaline side, an increase in the content of undigested proteolytic enzymes in the feces, which causes irritation of the nerve endings and the appearance of itching.

Sometimes anal itching occurs suddenly, has significant intensity, and is accompanied by local skin changes such as wet eczema with peeling, traces of scratching, hypertrophy (enlargement) of the perianal folds. In other cases, the onset is slow, the skin is often dry (“parchment”), thinned, sometimes with a lack of pigmentation and traces of scratching. The disease is characterized by a long, persistent course and is difficult to treat.

To diagnose anal itching, the patient requires a thorough examination by a proctologist. It is important to pay attention to the connection between itching and the act of defecation and the nature of food (increased after drinking alcohol, spicy or salty foods). During the examination, it is necessary to exclude the presence of diseases of the rectum and sigmoid colon (hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, etc.), helminthic infestation, diabetes mellitus, and fungal infections. To exclude dysbacteriosis, a bacteriological analysis of stool for microflora is performed.

Treatment for anal itching depends on its cause. If itching is a symptom of another disease, then it must be treated. In case of primary anal itching, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are prescribed, as well as local treatment - creams, ointments and gels that reduce itching and improve skin condition. It is important to monitor the hygiene of the anus, limit the consumption of spicy and salty foods, alcohol and other irritating foods. In some cases, dietary changes may be necessary to improve gut flora and reduce inflammation in the gut.

If anal itching is caused by hemorrhoids, then its treatment will be aimed at eliminating this disease. In case of helminthic infestation, the patient will be prescribed antiparasitic drugs. If itching is an early symptom of latent diabetes mellitus, then the patient must undergo appropriate examination and begin treatment.

In general, anal itching is a disease that requires a careful approach and diagnosis. If you suspect anal itching, you should consult a proctologist for an examination and prescribe appropriate treatment. In most cases, anal itching can be successfully treated, but it is important to start treating it as early as possible to avoid possible complications.