Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani)
Anal itching ranges from mild irritation to intense discomfort. While often caused by Poor Hygiene or skin conditions, it can indicate infections, parasites, or underlying digestive issues requiring medical attention.
🚨 Seek Immediate Medical Help
If you experience anal itching with:
- Bright red blood in stool or on toilet paper.
- Visible worms in stool or around anus (pinworms).
- Severe pain, swelling, or fever (possible abscess).
- Open sores, blisters, or unusual lumps.
- Unintentional weight loss or changes in bowel habits.
📞 Schedule a Doctor’s Visit
If your anal itching:
- Persists for more than 2-3 weeks.
- Is accompanied by skin changes (redness, thickening).
- Occurs with occasional rectal bleeding.
- Interferes with sleep or daily activities.
- Follows use of new soaps, creams, or medications.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Characteristics | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Intense nighttime itching, restless sleep | Pinworms (Enterobiasis) |
| Moist, white, peeling skin with itching | Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) |
| Itching with burning and loose stools | Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Diarrhea |
| Thickened, leathery skin around anus | Lichen Simplex Chronicus (chronic scratching) |
| Itching with visible skin tags or lumps | Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures |
Causes by Category
Pinworms: Tiny parasites that lay eggs around anus, common in children.
Yeast Infection: Fungal overgrowth, especially after antibiotics.
Bacterial Infection: Streptococcal or staphylococcal dermatitis.
Scabies or Pubic Lice: Parasitic infestations causing intense itching.
Contact Dermatitis: Reaction to soaps, toilet paper, detergents, or creams.
Psoriasis: Autoimmune condition causing scaly skin patches.
Eczema: Atopic dermatitis affecting perianal area.
Lichen Sclerosus: Chronic inflammatory skin condition.
Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins causing leakage and irritation.
Anal Fissures: Small tears in anal lining from constipation.
Fecal Incontinence: Leakage irritating perianal skin.
Dietary Triggers: Spicy foods, caffeine, citrus, or dairy.
Diagnostic Procedures
Visual Examination
Inspection of perianal skin for redness, fissures, or lesions.
Scotch Tape Test
Cellophane tape applied to anus to collect pinworm eggs for microscopy.
Skin Scraping
Microscopic examination to rule out fungal infections or mites.
Anoscopy
Examination of anal canal for hemorrhoids, fissures, or polyps.
Stool Studies
Testing for parasites, blood, or bacterial overgrowth.
