Anal pruritus is itching of the anus or the skin around it. The anus or the back passage is the last part of the digestive system. It is where bowel movements leave the body.

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Anal itching can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Some people think it means they have colon cancer. But anal itching is usually caused by something else.

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What causes anal itching?

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There are many possible causes of anal itching, including:

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• Part of a bowel movement that gets stuck to the skin around the anus – This is more likely to happen if you have diarrhoea or soft bowel movements.

• Haemorrhoids – These are swollen veins in the rectum. They can also cause pain.

• Certain foods or drinks, which can irritate the anus, such as:

• Coffee, tea, beer, and cola

• Chocolate

• Tomatoes

• Citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruit

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Diseases that affect the anus, such as:

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• Infection or anal abscess – This is a lump that happens when a gland inside the anus gets infected.

• An anal fistula – This is a tunnel that forms between the anal gland and the place where the abscess is on the skin.

• Cancer – Some people who get anal, rectal, or colon cancer have anal itching.

 

Skin diseases, such as:

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• Psoriasis – A skin condition that can cause a rash and itching.

• Allergic reaction (dermatitis) – A skin rash that can happen after your skin touches something that irritates it or something you are allergic to. This could be a skin cream, laundry detergent, or something else that touches the area around your anus.

• Diseases caused by infection with a bacteria or fungus.

 

Is there anything I can do on my own to get rid of anal itching?

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There are some things you can try. These include:

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• Keeping the anus and skin around it clean and dry – You can:

• Wipe gently after a bowel movement, using a moist pad or tissue (baby wipes are very useful)

• NOT use a cleaning lotion, or detergents – This can make symptoms worse.

• Take a bath after you have a bowel movement whenever practical – Use mild, unscented soap. Pat the area dry with a soft towel or use a hair dryer on the cool setting.

• Put some unscented talcum powder on the skin around the anus – This can help keep the area dry.

• Putting an anti-itch ointment on the area – You can use an over-the-counter steroid cream. But do not use anti-itch cream for more than 2 weeks.

• Putting a zinc oxide skin ointment or paste on the area.

 

You can also try NOT eating or drinking things that can cause anal itching or diarrhoea. For example, some people get diarrhoea when they drink milk or eat foods made with milk.

 

Will I need tests?

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In some cases you may require tests. Your doctor or nurse will do an examination and learn about your symptoms.

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You might also have the following tests:

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• Biopsy – If the doctor or nurse finds a growth, he or she will take a small sample of tissue from the area. Another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope to check for cancer.

• Colonoscopy – This test looks at the inside lining of a person’s large intestine, called the “colon.” During a colonoscopy, the doctor puts a tube with a tiny camera into your anus and up to your colon. This lets the doctor look for cancer or other problems. Before a colonoscopy, you get medicine to make you relax.

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How is anal itching treated?

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If a medical condition is causing the anal itching, doctors can treat that condition. This usually gets rid of the itching. A few people have anal itching even after trying different things to stop it. If this happens, doctors can give other ointments that can stop the itching.

 

Can anal itching be prevented?

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You can reduce your chances of getting anal itching by:

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• Keeping the area around the anus clean and dry

• NOT eating foods that can cause anal itching or diarrhoea.

 

Please ensure you consult a healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.