What is Anal Itching ?

Anal itching is itching around your anus — the canal that's the outlet for your rectum. The itch, located in your anus or on the skin just around your anus, is often intense and may be accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. You may find anal itching to be an embarrassing and uncomfortable situation.

Also called pruritus ani, anal itching has many causes. Numerous factors may cause anal itching to be more intense — including moisture, abrasion caused by your clothing and the pressure of sitting.

Anal itching is a common problem that many people have experienced. Don't be afraid to talk with your doctor about this condition. With proper treatment and self-care measures, most people can achieve complete relief from anal itching.

Symptoms
Anal itching is associated with other similar symptoms in and around the anus, including :

* Burning
* Soreness or pain

The itching and irritation in and around your anus may be a temporary condition, or it can be a more persistent and bothersome problem. For some people, the irritation is so intense that the urge to scratch is both irresistible and embarrassing.

Causes
Most cases of anal itching are caused by a harmless problem. Occasionally, however, anal itching can be a sign of more-serious medical issues. Possible causes of anal itching include :

** Dry skin. As you age, skin in and around your anus is more prone to dryness. Dry skin can cause persistent, intense anal itching.

** Too much moisture. Moisture around your anus from excessive sweating or from moist, sticky stools can be irritating. Anal itching can also be caused by frequent diarrhea or the escape of small amounts of stool (fecal incontinence).

** Excessive washing. Excessive wiping with dry, harsh toilet paper or excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps can cause or aggravate anal itching. Failure to rinse away the soap completely also may cause irritation.

** Chemical irritants. Certain laundry soaps, colognes, douches and birth control products contain chemicals that can irritate skin in and around your anus. Scented or colored toilet paper can be irritating to people with sensitive skin.

** Food irritants. Anal itching may be the result of irritating chemicals in some foods, such as those found in spices and hot sauces. Similarly, some foods may directly or indirectly irritate your anus as they exit your colon. Common culprits include chocolate, alcohol, tomatoes, nuts and popcorn. Consuming certain beverages, including milk or caffeinated drinks, may cause some people to experience diarrhea followed by anal itching.

** Medications. Anal itching may be a side effect of certain medications, including some antibiotics, that can cause frequent diarrhea.

** Overuse of laxatives. Excessive or improper use of laxatives can lead to chronic diarrhea and the risk of anal irritation and itching.

** Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are engorged veins located just under the membrane that lines the lowest part of your rectum and anus. They often occur as a result of straining during a bowel movement. Anal itching can be a symptom of hemorrhoids.

** Infections. Sexually transmitted diseases may also involve the anus and can cause anal itching. In children, the parasite that causes pinworms can cause persistent anal itching. Other parasites may cause similar itching.

** Skin disorders. Common skin problems — such as psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema — can involve and irritate the area in and around your anus.

** Yeast infections. This common infection, which usually affects women, can irritate your genital and anal areas.

** Anal abrasions and fissures. An anal abrasion is a small tear in your anus, usually caused by forced bowel movements through a tight anus. An anal fissure is a deeper tear. Both conditions can cause anal itching, as well as painful bowel movements and bleeding.

** Anal tumors. Rarely, benign or cancerous tumors in or around the anus may be a cause of anal itching.

** Other causes. Anal itching may be related to anxiety or stress. Sometimes, the cause remains undetermined.

Contributing to the problem
Although anal itching is almost never a problem of cleanliness, your own actions may contribute to the problem. Whatever the cause of anal itching, your natural reaction is to scratch the area. But scratching worsens the problem by removing superficial layers of skin. In addition, the natural tendency in response to an irritation is to wash the area frequently with soap and a washcloth. However, excessive washing can aggravate the condition by removing your skin's natural protective oils.

Most anal itching doesn't require medical care. However, see your doctor if :

* Anal itching is severe or prolonged
* There's bleeding from the rectum
* The itch can't be easily explained

Persistent anal itching may be related to a skin condition or other health problem that requires medical treatment.