Anal Itchiness

Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center

Betsy F. Clemens, M.D.

Board Certified Physician located in Town and Country, MO

An uncomfortable and disruptive condition, anal itchiness is thought to affect up to 5% of the United States population. While rarely a serious concern, the constant irritation associated with this condition can affect your ability to enjoy your day-to-day hobbies and activities. Betsy Clemens, MD, knows that this condition can be maddening or embarrassing, and she offers her expert treatment at her office of the Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Don’t let anal itchiness get the better of your day: Call to schedule your consultation or book your appointment online.

314-669-2758

Anal Itchiness Q & A

What causes anal itching?

Anal itching, also called pruritus ani, has a variety of possible causes, some related to medical concerns and others simply to lifestyle factors. The most common causes include:

Skin irritants

Fecal matter that gets left behind around the anus can irritate the skin and cause mild to severe itching. Of course, too much wiping can also irritate your skin, leading to itching. Other types of skin irritants include certain types of soaps or body washes that your body doesn’t handle well.

Skin conditions

Common skin conditions such as psoriasis or dermatitis can affect the skin around your anus and lead to itching.

Infections

It’s not uncommon for certain infections to affect your anus and cause itching. These infections can range from pinworms to certain sexually transmitted infections.

Medical conditions

Hemorrhoids are a classic medical cause of anal itching, though other examples include diabetes or tumors located near the anus.

How is anal itching diagnosed?

Usually, a visual inspection combined with a review of your medical history and related symptoms is enough to let Dr. Clemens properly diagnose the source of your itching. If she suspects pinworms, she might need to run a few tests to confirm their presence.

If the cause of your itching isn’t immediately obvious, Dr. Clemens might refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation.

How is anal itching treated?

Treatment of your anal itching depends on the underlying cause. For many types of itching, some lifestyle adjustments along with temporary use of antihistamines or topical creams can relieve symptoms. If you suspect certain body washes or skin care treatments are causing the itchiness, you might try other products and keep a journal of how your body reacts.

Ultimately, itching caused by hemorrhoids requires the elimination of the hemorrhoid for successful treatment. A thorough examination and diagnosis can help Dr. Clemens find the best approach for treating your hemorrhoid.

If you’re suffering from a skin condition, gastrointestinal issue, or other medical condition that’s causing your itching, Dr. Clemens will refer you to an appropriate expert for further care.

Anal itching doesn’t have to interrupt your comfort. Call Dr. Clemens and her staff at Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center to schedule your evaluation or book your appointment online.