If there is itching in the anus, how to treat it. Viral and bacterial infection. How to determine the cause of discomfort in the anus, how to understand why it hurts, burning and itching in the anus

Itching in the anus after bowel movement is such a delicate problem that most people will prefer self-medication or inaction, since many do not even want to talk about it to a doctor.

But if every trip to the toilet is accompanied by discomfort that is constant, it is necessary to put aside false modesty and consult a specialist as soon as possible, because such manifestations can be markers of other serious diseases that require urgent treatment.

There are many reasons why itching or a burning sensation occurs in the anus - some of them are quickly and easily eliminated, others, after diagnosis, turn out to be severe pathologies in which itching was almost the only symptom.

Therefore, it is imperative to pay attention to it and not hesitate to visit a doctor.

Possible reasons

The causes of itching can be both internal and external, short-term or chronic.

List of the most common causes of itching after bowel movements:

Constant itching, burning sensation and pain in the anus after defecation, which immediately make themselves felt and bother you for a long time, are most often diseases of the rectum.

These include:

  • internal and external hemorrhoids;
  • anorectal fistulas;
  • genital warts;
  • anal fissures;
  • chronic proctosigmoiditis;
  • warts;
  • malignant formations;
  • polyps.

Folk remedies

In addition to medications, itching of the anus can be cured with the help of some traditional homemade medicine recipes. For example, to dry the skin a little, you can take baths at night based on oak bark decoction or add pre-prepared chamomile decoction, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, to the water.

It also calms the nervous system well, which is also important if there is constant nervous tension due to a stable feeling of discomfort.

Besides this, there are others with anal itching. These include:

  • microenemas using a decoction of calendula with the addition of sea buckthorn;
  • rectal suppositories homemade based on badger fat, medical alcohol and propolis;
  • homemade ointments made from Vaseline and cranberry juice.

To prepare a decoction for an enema, you will need to dry the calendula flowers and add one tablespoon of the plant to 100 ml of boiling water, bring to a boil and remove from heat, leaving the resulting decoction for an hour. After an hour, two teaspoons of sea buckthorn oil are added to the broth. The resulting product is used as a microenema at night.

Rectal suppositories according to the folk recipe are also very simple to prepare. Propolis, medical alcohol and badger fat should be mixed in equal parts and placed in a cold place for three days. After this, the resulting mass must be shaped into a candle. The number of candles will depend on the initial volume of added ingredients.

To prepare the ointment you will need 200 g. cosmetic Vaseline and 50 ml of undiluted cranberry juice. The resulting mixture should be lubricated with the anus at least twice a day.

Of course, these methods give a good effect if the cause of the itching is a harmless pathological condition such as anal fissures. In other cases, traditional medicine will have a beneficial effect on the body, alleviate various unpleasant symptoms, but in the fight against numerous rectal polyps, homemade ointments, suppositories and decoctions will not be enough.

Preventive measures

Itching and burning sensation in the anus is a nuisance that can happen to any person, regardless of his age and gender, therefore, to prevent this condition, it is recommended to follow simple rules:

  • give preference to underwear made of natural material;
  • observe the rules of personal hygiene;
  • to live an active lifestyle;
  • eat healthy and varied;
  • get rid of bad habits, especially alcohol;
  • during menstruation or with heavy vaginal discharge, women should wash themselves regularly and change sanitary pads more often;
  • treat chronic intestinal diseases without leaving everything to chance.

Choosing a hygiene product

If a person experiences allergic reactions and increased sensitivity of the skin, it is necessary to provide air access to the irritated area of ​​the epidermis, use a product with a neutral pH (hydrogen value) for washing, remembering that a value of less than seven is an acidic reaction, and more than seven is an acidic reaction. alkaline. In view of this, preference should be given to products with an indicator of 7 (neutral environment), ideal for human skin.

Nutrition

It is not so rare to find cases when the cause of itching is a lack of fiber in the diet, as well as an excess of carbohydrate foods.

Including more fiber in your diet (in its natural form or purchasing dried fiber at the pharmacy) and reducing your intake of sweets (baked goods, chocolate, sugar and carbonated drinks) will help improve digestion.

Maintaining the correct drinking regime (up to 2 liters of water per day) will help to avoid dry stools, in which feces can scratch the inside of the rectum, causing pain and discomfort, which also often causes incomprehensible itching of the anus.

During treatment, it is advisable to follow a gentle diet and give preference to the following products:

  • lean meat;
  • vegetables fruits;
  • fermented milk products with a low fat content (2.5-5%);
  • homemade compotes;
  • jelly;
  • cereals and products from durum wheat.

conclusions

Regardless of what caused the itching, the main thing to remember is that timely consultation with a doctor can help identify serious diseases at the earliest stage of development, which will allow for effective treatment, avoid complications and maintain health.

If the cause of the itching is ordinary skin irritation, the doctor will prescribe medications that alleviate the condition and will help in a short time to completely get rid of the unpleasant sensations that cause a person physical and mental discomfort.

Throughout life, a person encounters many diseases, including not only common ones with understandable causes, but also those that raise many questions. Among them are burning and itching in the anus. Note that many men are embarrassed to consult a doctor for help to find out the causes of discomfort.

Symptoms

The main manifestations and the degree of their intensity depend on the causes and stage of development of the disease. Often itching is added to the burning sensation. Sometimes there may be the presence of blood discharge from the intestines, both during bowel movements and at other times.

Discomfort can be caused by many factors

For external causes, itching may intensify after bowel movements as a result of the irritating effect of toilet paper on the anus. Sometimes it may burn, sting, sting, or itch.

Causes

Factors influencing the appearance of burning sensation, itching and other associated symptoms can be very different. They can be divided into 2 categories: external causes, which do not pose a danger and can be easily eliminated, and more serious pathologies of the intestines or genital area.

External causes that can cause discomfort:

  1. Insufficient hygiene.

The simplest and most common reason. Consists of rare toilet procedures using mild soap and warm water. Also, burning and itching may appear after bowel movement as a result of poor treatment of the anal area with toilet paper. Infrequent changes of linen aggravate the situation. Poor hygiene also promotes the growth of pathogens, which can lead to more serious complications and diaper rash.

  1. Excessive hygiene.

Constant washing, especially in combination with the use of powerful antibacterial detergents, can dry out the mucous membrane and destroy the beneficial microflora that protects the anal area from pathological bacteria. The result of this may be the development of candidiasis.

  1. Allergic reactions.

The sudden onset of negative feelings may be due to a reaction to a new allergen. These can be synthetic fabrics of underwear, cosmetics, fragrances in toilet paper or wet wipes, and exotic products. Also, external preparations for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (suppositories, ointments) can cause allergies.

  1. Shaving the anal area.

Sometimes itching can also result from this cause due to the shaved hairs growing into the skin or the irritation of the short growing parts on the surrounding areas. During shaving, too intense irritation of delicate areas of the skin and microscopic injuries occur, which in itself becomes a cause for discomfort.

  1. Excess of spicy seasonings.

The symptom is especially often caused by sauces and seasonings based on hot red pepper, which have an intense irritant effect on the mucous membranes. Depending on their strength, the burning sensation may intensify.

If the absence of concomitant diseases is confirmed, possible causes should be analyzed: lifestyle, nutrition and the influence of provoking factors should be excluded.

Haemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are pathological changes in the cavernous bodies of the vessels of the intestinal walls. The condition begins to develop unnoticed for a number of reasons; symptoms most often appear towards the end of the 2nd – beginning of the 3rd stage of the disease. The first signs may be accidentally discovered during anoscopic examinations.

Main symptoms of hemorrhoids:

  • burning in the anus;
  • pain;
  • bloody issues.

Symptoms usually worsen during and after defecation due to the traumatic effect of feces on painful areas. As hemorrhoids develop, voluminous lumps form; over time, they reach impressive sizes and cannot be pushed back into the intestinal cavity. This stage is accompanied by intense pain.


Hemorrhoids are accompanied by severe pain

Sometimes, against this background, the patient develops a fear of going to the toilet, which contributes to the development of constipation and further deterioration of the condition. When hemorrhoids progress to stage 4, conservative treatment is often ineffective, which becomes the reason for the need for surgical methods of removing hemorrhoids.

Anal fissures

The appearance of a crack can be a consequence of hemorrhoids, but most often the cause of injury is excessive straining during bowel movements due to the high density of feces. The condition develops due to chronic constipation. Burning and itching appear as symptoms of physiological healing of injured tissue.


Anal fissure

The appearance of a crack can be determined by the presence of a small amount after defecation. A similar symptom with hemorrhoids is more impressive.

Rectal polyps

Polyps are benign neoplasms located on the surface of the mucous membranes of the walls of the rectum. One of the symptoms may be the appearance of bright spots of scarlet blood as a result of their damage by feces during pushing. The condition is accompanied by pain combined with a burning sensation. Often polyps spread over the entire surface of the large intestine.


Appearance of polyps

The condition is quite serious due to the likelihood of developing intestinal cancer. If you suspect their occurrence, it is necessary to conduct instrumental examinations to detect them: digital method, ultrasound diagnostics, sigmoidoscopy. To prevent complications, polyps are surgically removed and the causes of their formation are determined.

Anorectal fistula

The pathology is characterized by the formation of an abnormal canal running from the intestinal wall to the skin near the anus. Its appearance also causes discomfort and itching. As a result of contact with feces, fistulas can become inflamed, the condition is accompanied by purulent and bloody discharge.


Anorectal fistula

Diagnosis and determination of the causes are made at an appointment with a proctologist through a visual examination and questioning of the patient. Removal of a fistula is exclusively surgical.

Chronic colitis

The disease is accompanied by inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract tissues and causes a constant urge to defecate, diarrhea, pain, rumbling in the abdomen and flatulence. Due to frequent loose stools (diarrhea), excessive irritation of the external area of ​​the anal canal occurs and burning and itching occurs.

The causes of colitis include the following:

  • low fiber content in food;
  • alcohol abuse;

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is a common cause of bleeding as a result of injury to inflamed and ulcerated areas. The disease is complex and requires complex treatment. Progression may result in perforation of the intestinal wall, fistula formation, intestinal bleeding, sepsis and peritonitis. Due to severe complications, death is possible; treatment is only surgical in combination with injections of powerful antibiotics. To prevent their development, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner, eliminate the causes and begin treating chronic colitis.

Diagnostics include:

  • laboratory tests of stool;
  • ultrasonography;
  • sigmoidoscopy;
  • irrigoscopy;
  • colonoscopy.

Video about the development and treatment of chronic colitis:

Worm infestation


Medicines for helminths

Pinworms are the most common type of worm that causes itching in the anus; the worms often leave the intestinal cavity and are detected by manually palpating the itchy areas. For diagnosis, microscopic examination of stool samples or scrapings are performed to detect eggs.

Urinary tract infections

Bacterial infections and prostatitis can also cause discomfort and burning in the anal area. Symptoms arise as a result of the spread of infection from the urethra and the entry of pathogens into the rectal cavity. However, infections are accompanied by a number of additional symptoms:

  • increased urge to urinate;
  • small portions of urine, pain;
  • impurities of pus or blood in the urine;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • body hyperthermia;
  • can cause severe tension in the lower back.

Prostatitis

If you suspect a genitourinary infection, you should submit urine samples for bacteriological examination to detect the cause of the disease. An ultrasound examination allows you to assess the condition of the prostate gland and make the correct diagnosis. After getting rid of the main infection, the symptoms also disappear. In case of severe discomfort during therapy, the use of local agents to alleviate symptoms is allowed.

Treatment

The treatment method is determined by the type of disease that caused the discomfort:

  1. Haemorrhoids.

Treatment options depend on the stage, type and cause of hemorrhoids. At the very beginning of its development, conservative treatment using local preparations in the form of ointments and suppositories helps well. Many of them contain several active components and have a complex therapeutic effect. In the presence of hemorrhoidal cones, it is possible to use minimally invasive techniques for ligation and excision of formations. The usual course of treatment with suppositories and ointments for external and internal use in the initial stages does not exceed 10 days. More advanced cases require long-term therapy. It is allowed to use drugs until symptoms are completely eliminated.

  1. Crack in the anus.

Treatment of anal fissures depends on their size, causes of occurrence and duration of their existence. For mild forms of the disease, conservative treatment with suppositories and ointments with a complex composition, which have hemostatic, analgesic and wound-healing properties, is sufficient. Also, during therapy and to prevent the formation of new wounds, you should follow the diet recommended for chronic constipation.

If it is ineffective, the use of mild laxatives is allowed. For example, lactulose-based products are absolutely safe, are not absorbed by the intestinal walls and can be used for a long time. The drugs not only help you get rid of constipation, but also normalize the intestinal microflora, eliminating the cause of constipation.

  1. Polyps.

The diagnosed presence of polyps is the reason for the need for surgical intervention. The scale of the operation depends on their size, quantity, causes of occurrence and area of ​​distribution. Conservative treatment may include the use of traditional medicine based on viburnum juice, celandine herb or pine needles. You should not rely only on these methods due to the possible degeneration of cells and the transition of the disease to oncology.

  1. Fistulas.

Treatment is surgical. After removing the fistula, it is necessary to determine the cause of its appearance and take the necessary set of measures to eliminate it.

  1. Colitis.

There are several types depending on the reasons. Therapy usually includes symptomatic treatment. Dietary nutrition and normalization of lifestyle are added to medications. An important condition for recovery is the complete exclusion of alcohol, after which in most patients all symptoms intensify: pain, diarrhea, flatulence and others. The disease is also dangerous due to the possible development of unpleasant complications that pose a threat to the patient’s life.

  1. Worms.
  1. Urinary tract infections.

Treatment is determined by the type and cause of the disease. It is important to make a timely diagnosis and undergo a course of treatment in the acute period to reduce the risk of the pathology becoming chronic. This condition especially applies to cystitis and prostatitis. Early diagnosis allows you to get rid of the disease using a minimum of drugs and in a short time.

Since the appearance of itching, burning and other uncomfortable sensations can be caused by many reasons, it is advisable to look for the cause together with an experienced proctologist. The doctor will be able to visually assess the patient’s condition and suggest the presence of any gastrointestinal disease based on the information received about the accompanying symptoms.

Video about the types and factors of anal itching:

Constant or periodic itching in the anus is an unpleasant phenomenon. It can occur at any age, regardless of gender. This condition can be associated both with manifestations of various diseases, including helminthic infestation, and with dietary disorders when irritating substances enter the diet. In this case, itching in the anus usually occurs after bowel movement.

In most cases, anal itching is provoked by completely harmless reasons. but this is not a reason to engage in independent treatment without visiting a doctor. It is worth knowing that sometimes itching is the first symptom of malignant neoplasms of the epidermis. Making this diagnosis in a timely manner means giving you a chance for a full and quick recovery.

If discomfort occurs, you should not use irritating alcohol solutions or soaps with an aggressive reaction. This may only make your problem worse. Active scratching should also be avoided. Pathogenic intestinal microflora can penetrate into the resulting scratches, which will lead to pyoderma and other inflammatory diseases.

Among the most common causes of itching in the anal area are:

  1. damage to the intestines by worms (pinworms come out to lay eggs from the rectum into the folds of skin around the exit from the rectum);
  2. fistulas and fissures of the rectum;
  3. psoriatic skin lesions and eczema;
  4. contact allergic dermatitis (can occur as a response to the use of aggressive detergents and laundry detergents, as well as personal hygiene products);
  5. seborrheic dermatitis and fungal infections (in women, vaginal thrush is often associated with exacerbation);
  6. scabies and pubic lice;
  7. irritation from scented toilet paper;
  8. violation of the acid-base balance of water;
  9. improper use of salt-based laxatives.

These are the so-called external causes of anal itching. Now let’s look in more detail at the internal reasons for which itching in the anus is a symptom. The most important here are:

  1. hemorrhoids and hemorrhoidal bonds;
  2. diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance;
  3. chronic diseases of the liver and gall bladder;
  4. intestinal dysbiosis;
  5. intoxication with salts of heavy metals.

All these conditions provoke imbalances in the moisture content of the epidermis and can cause itching and burning in the anus. In this case, the unpleasant symptom can be eliminated only with proper treatment of the underlying internal disease.

Risk factors

Other risk factors include:

  • alcohol consumption;
  • using large quantities of red hot pepper as seasonings;
  • eating grapes with seeds;
  • stressful and anxious situations;
  • eating large amounts of carbohydrates.

Particular caution should be exercised by people who lead a sedentary lifestyle with sedentary work. In such people, normal blood flow in the pelvic area is often disrupted. Blood stagnation gradually forms, which leads to dilation of the pelvic veins. This can cause hemorrhoids and bleeding from hemorrhoids.

People who suffer from frequent constipation should also lead a more active lifestyle to stimulate normal bowel function. Timely bowel movements are the key to your health. Stagnation of bile and its massive release can also cause itching and burning in the anus. Avoid congestion in the gallbladder.

Symptoms of itching in the rectal area

Anamnesis is important for correct diagnosis:

  • when the butt appears in the anus area;
  • how strong it is;
  • what factors is it associated with;
  • is the itching accompanied by a burning sensation;
  • duration of unpleasant symptoms;
  • its connection with the time of day.

After the interview, the doctor must conduct a visual examination. During this process, the integrity or damage of the skin is revealed. You should initially contact a dermatologist, who, after conducting tests, may recommend that you consult a surgeon, infectious disease specialist, and gastroenterologist. Appointed:

  • stool analysis for worm eggs (scraping is done from the skin around the exit of the rectum);
  • stool occult blood test;
  • collection of epidermal material for biopsy and examination for fungal infections;
  • blood test to determine sugar levels in the morning on an empty stomach;
  • biochemical blood test to determine liver function tests;
  • analysis of stool for intestinal microflora.

If necessary, a colonoscopy may be prescribed. The surgeon determines the presence of hemorrhoids and nodes. An angiography of the pelvic veins may be prescribed. All these examinations will help determine the exact cause of itching in the anus.

What treatment for anal itching can help you?

Depending on the cause, specific treatment for the anus may be prescribed. You can do the following yourself:

  1. observe the rules of personal hygiene;
  2. after defecation, gently clean the anus with slightly damp wipes;
  3. after this, dry and sprinkle with talcum powder;
  4. use only white toilet paper without fragrances and dyes (the packaging should indicate that no chlorine or printing paper was used in the production);
  5. eliminate irritating foods from your diet;
  6. refuse synthetic underwear (wear cotton underwear and iron it on both sides with a hot iron after each wash).

Ointments help relieve acute symptoms of itching in the anus. Hydrocortisone or other cortecosteroids may be recommended. If there are wet surfaces, you can use salicylic or zinc ointment. They dry out the skin. If you see inflammatory lesions with redness and purulent blisters, you can apply a thin layer of penicillin ointment for 3-5 days. For fungal infections, nystatin ointment helps.

Is it itchy in the anal area? There can be many reasons - hemorrhoids, worms, and diabetes... Itching of the skin in the anus is a common phenomenon and can bother a person for a long time. How to determine the cause of anal itching and get rid of it?


When a person is sick and experiences some unpleasant sensations, he often complains about his condition to others. So we often say that we have a headache, a stomach ache or pressure in the heart area. At the same time, we are confident that we will be understood and sympathized with. But there are some diseases whose symptoms you are unlikely to complain about out loud at work or in the company of friends. For example, you probably won't want to voice that you're worried about itching in your anus. But the “inconvenience” of this problem does not mean that it should be ignored. Itching in the area is a fairly common problem that can bother you for a long time. In order for the itching to disappear, you need to find out the cause of its occurrence and take appropriate measures.

Itching is unpleasant and debilitating

Itching may occur directly in the anus, or the entire perineum may itch. The itching can be mild and short-lived, or it can be severe and unbearable. Burning, swelling of the skin, excessive moisture in the irritated area, thickening of the skin or, conversely, its peeling are also possible.

Do not be shy and endure these unpleasant and often exhausting sensations. To find out the causes of this disorder, you need to contact a proctologist.


Why does itching in the anus occur?

The causes of itching in the anus are many and very diverse. Such itching can be a symptom of some disease or an independent disease. Based on this, itching in the anal area is divided into primary or idiopathic anal itching and secondary.

Idiopathic anal itching occurs without any obvious reasons and is considered an independent disease.

Secondary itching in the anal area caused by certain reasons. Their list includes:

  • hemorrhoids, anal fissures
  • tumor in the rectal area
  • diabetes
  • liver diseases
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular colitis
  • sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia, trichomoniasis
  • the use of antibiotics and the resulting dysbiosis
  • dermatitis due to the use of ointments and suppositories, soaps, powders, shampoos
  • worms
  • fungal infections
  • allergic reaction to food or alcohol

Other reasons can also lead to itching, for example, excessively careful hygiene, allergic reactions of various kinds, and stress. The most common causes of itching in the anus are hemorrhoids, worms and fungal diseases.

Determining the cause is the key to success in the fight against itching

To get rid of itching in the anal area, you need to find its root cause and treat it. To do this, you need to see a doctor and conduct a series of studies.

As a rule, you must submit:

  • blood sugar test
  • feces on worm eggs
  • analysis for the presence of dysbacteriosis
  • do

Other studies may be needed to clarify the diagnosis.

What does the treatment consist of?

After establishing the causes of itching, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment. Typically treatment includes:

    Prescription of medications aimed at treating the underlying disease

    The use of topical medications aimed at eliminating itching

    Physiotherapy

In some cases, even surgery may be necessary.

But there are a number of measures that need to be taken first. They are relevant for any cause of itching and will help relieve your condition.

The first thing to do if you have itching in the anus

    Get rid of uncomfortable clothing that presses and is too tight to the affected area.

    Do not wear clothes made of synthetic materials.

    Change the personal care product you are using; it may contain some substances that irritate your skin.

    Avoid hot baths.

    Do daily rinsing with cool water.


Diet against itching

Those who suffer from itching in the anus are advised to exclude from the diet:

  • smoked

  • alcohol

    spices

You must also ensure that your food contains enough vitamins and fiber.

A “minor” problem can become serious

Many people suffering from itching in the anus are embarrassed by the inconvenience and seeming frivolity of the problem. And the person puts off going to the doctor in the hope that everything will go away on its own. But if the problem is neglected, it can lead to eczema, bleeding and ulcers. In addition, constant itching interferes with normal sleep, causes irritability and spoils the mood. Chronic itching in the anal area is a constant feeling of discomfort and tension.

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor, do not start the problem and do not let it worsen the quality of your life!

The feeling of 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 can indicate quite a problem and should be taken seriously.

You should not delay your visit to a specialist, as the lack of timely and correct treatment will only aggravate the situation and negatively affect the person’s general psychological state. Constant discomfort makes him nervous and irritable, negatively affecting his performance and relationships with others. If you have a similar problem, you should consult a doctor - a coloproctologist; men are additionally advised by a urologist, women - by a gynecologist. Let's take a closer look at what causes anal itching and pain in the anus and how to deal with this condition.

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

The development of itching is facilitated by infection with various helminths (pinworms, roundworms, Giardia). If you have ascariasis or infection with other types of helminths, a burning and itching sensation occurs after bowel movements. 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 perineal area, which provokes itching sensations.

  • State of dysbacteriosis

Caused by a disruption of the normal microflora, it is accompanied by diarrhea and constipation and leads to unpleasant sensations of irritation and itching in the anal area.

  • Skin diseases

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

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

Skin irritation can be caused by wearing tight synthetic underwear with rough 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.

  • 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 - by gynecological pathologies. In addition, any genital infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis) cause discomfort.

The most harmless factor that causes itching in women is candidiasis (thrush). With pediculosis (pubic lice), the itching sensation spreads 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 damage to the liver, pancreas, biliary dyskinesia, gastritis, gout, vitamin deficiency, and infectious hepatitis.

  • Obesity

Patients who are overweight often suffer from increased 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 anal area.

  • Neurogenic abnormalities, obsessive-compulsive neurosis

Anxiety and depression, 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 treatment of the anus with soap and water, which leads to dryness and irritation of the skin and deprives the mucous membranes of a natural protective film.

The neurogenic (nervous) nature of itching is often found in patients with exudative diathesis and neurodermatitis. In this case, the itching can be so intense that the sick person scratches the anus until it bleeds. Such a strong and painful itching sensation is accompanied by burning and redness of the skin.

Risk factors include consumption of spicy, salty foods, seasonings and alcohol. It is undesirable to use sanitary wipes containing alcohol, which greatly dry out the skin in the perianal area.

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

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

Upon 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 observed in 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 anal area, as a result of which it is easily injured. Most often, the course of the disease takes on a cyclical form, with periods of remissions and exacerbations.

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

Anal itching in adult women and men - causes

may be caused by gynecological diseases associated with disorders of 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 caused by wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, using intimate hygiene gels with additives of dyes and fragrances that cause an allergic reaction. In such cases, it is recommended to wear cotton underwear, and carry out hygiene procedures using regular baby soap.

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

Itching of the anus in children

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

A baby can pick up helminths in the sandbox, through contact with animals and failure to comply with hygiene procedures. In such cases, you should take a stool test and treat the child with medications prescribed by your doctor.

In infants, similar symptoms are caused by diaper dermatitis. Wet diapers and diapers contaminated with feces cause the development of pathology. When it comes into contact with the baby's delicate skin, physiological secretions cause redness and irritation.

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

When caring for your baby, it is important to change diapers as often as possible and try to leave the skin exposed to air for a while. After each bowel movement, the child must be washed and, to avoid diaper rash, the skin folds must be treated with talcum powder or powder.

Proctologists divide itching in the anal area into two types: primary and secondary. This division is necessary to choose the correct treatment tactics.

  1. 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 illness. Primary itching most often affects men, the main peak of the disease occurs in the age group from 30 to 60 years.
  2. Secondary itching. Occurs as a symptom of a disease. To eliminate it, a thorough diagnosis, identification and elimination of the causes of the pathology are necessary.

To establish the true cause of an unfavorable symptom, you will need to do a series of tests and undergo an examination by a proctologist, dermatologist, or gastroenterologist. If necessary, you should consult a gynecologist or urologist. To clarify the diagnosis, the specialist will refer the patient for laboratory tests; a number of tests will be required:

  • General blood and urine analysis
  • Blood sugar test
  • Biochemical blood test
  • Fecal analysis for helminthiasis
  • Stool analysis for dysbacteriosis

In addition to laboratory tests, the patient will be referred for instrumental examination: anoscopy or colonoscopy. Questioning the patient and collecting medical history 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 inflammatory processes in the lower parts of the large intestine.

The specialist must find out whether the patient has diseases of the endocrine system, diabetes mellitus, fungal infections of the skin, or whether he suffers from allergies. Only after receiving all the information, laboratory and instrumental research data, the doctor can determine the causes of itching and prescribe full treatment.

The treatment tactics for anal itching will depend on the cause of this symptom. If the discomfort is caused by diseases of the internal organs (liver, pancreas, dysbiosis, diabetes), then first of all it is necessary to treat these diseases.

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

For diseases of the rectum (hemorrhoids, proctosigmoiditis), complex treatment is prescribed, consisting 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 accessible 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 the unfavorable symptom.

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

  • Therapeutic sitz baths

For the procedure, warm water (37° C) is used, to which decoctions of medicinal herbs are added. Sitz baths with the addition of a decoction of oak bark, chamomile, calendula, and birch buds are good for relieving itching. It is better to take water procedures before bed, their duration is no more than half an hour. Baths with colloidal oatmeal perfectly relieve irritation and soothe inflamed skin. To achieve the best result, procedures should be performed daily for a week.

  • Decoctions of medicinal herbs

Herbal mixture of chamomile, walnut leaves and burdock roots. All ingredients should be taken in equal proportions. Then pour one tablespoon of the mixture into 200 ml of hot water and boil 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 are poured into a glass of boiling water, heated in a water bath for 10 minutes, then infused for two hours. The resulting decoction should be filtered and taken 1/3 cup three times a day.

The following recipe requires taking 7 tablespoons each of oak, willow and buckthorn bark and thoroughly grinding all the ingredients. Pour two tablespoons of the mixture into a liter of boiling water and cook 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 apply compresses with cool water. To do this, sterile gauze is moistened with cold water or ice is wrapped in it and applied to the itchy area. You can use lotions with infusion of periwinkle leaves. To do this, pour one tablespoon of dry herb into 200 ml of hot water and heat it in a water bath for 20 minutes. The finished broth is filtered, cooled and used for lotions.

  • Vaseline and cranberry juice mixture

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

The main methods of prevention include careful adherence to hygiene measures.

These simple preventive measures will help avoid many intestinal diseases and prevent the development of unfavorable symptoms.