Anal itching
Anal itching, irritation of the anus – what to do?
If, despite regular hygiene procedures, anal itching does not go away within 1-2 days, consult a doctor. You need to contact a proctologist, men – a urologist, a woman – a gynecologist. If discomfort is accompanied by diarrhea or constipation, the help of a gastroenterologist will be required.
Causes of itching in the anus
Why do these unpleasant, and sometimes painful sensations arise? The causes of itching in the anus in adults may be unexpected:
Diseases of the rectum. The appearance of warts and genital warts. These diseases are not accompanied by any other symptoms, except for excruciating itching, and a slight induration can be felt directly at the level of the anus. Anal fissures, anorectal fistulas, rectal polyps. These diseases are accompanied not only by itching but also by pain, from time to time blood appears in the feces and in the discharge from the rectum.
Hemorrhoids. In this case, itching is accompanied by pain, bleeding, burning, a feeling of heaviness in the anus. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, but internal nodes itch more often. They ulcerate, burst, and feces and mucus get into the cracks. This causes discomfort.
Condylomas are formations on the rectum caused by the action of the papillomavirus. They cause itching and foreign body sensations.
Malignant tumors of the intestine. In the early stages, oncological diseases manifest themselves in the same way as other intestinal diseases – itching, dyspepsia or unstable stools, bloating, and pain in the lower abdomen. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment of the disease.
A person may not be aware of the presence of the underlying disease, since, apart from anal itching, he has no other clinical manifestations. Therefore, it is important for the doctor to determine the cause of your anxiety.
Itching of the anus – helminthic invasions
An itching sensation in the anus can occur when infected with parasites that live in the intestines. The most common of them:
- pinworms;
- roundworm;
- lamblia.
With pinworms, itching occurs at night when the parasites lay their eggs in the anus to reproduce. Then there is redness or inflammation of the anus, sometimes digestion is disturbed. The rectum and large intestine suffer from parasitic activity.
When infected with roundworms, itching occurs during the day. Sometimes a person after a bowel movement may feel restless in the anus.
With giardiasis, a person suffers from diarrhea and abdominal pain. Frequent bowel movements cause itching in the anus, and a rash appears on the body, including in the perineum, which increases the itching.
Preparations for the treatment of helminthic invasion, the dose, and the duration of the course should be prescribed by a doctor. To get rid of parasites, you need to pass the analysis and undergo a simple treatment. You will not only cleanse the body of worms but also get rid of their waste products, and get rid of chronic fatigue and weakness.
Anal itching in men
In men, itching in the anus can be associated with prostatitis and urethritis. In this case, the treatment will be prescribed by a urologist.
Anal itching in women
In women, anal itching is accompanied by infections of the genitourinary system – gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. In this case, severe itching in the anus causes the vaginal discharge.
Gynecological infections are successfully treated. But they can be chronic and occur hidden, so timely diagnosis depends not only on how quickly you get rid of discomfort in the anus but also on how effectively you maintain your women’s health.
Sometimes itching in the anus is caused by pubic lice. The doctor will detect them during a visual examination and give recommendations.
Candidiasis or mycosis of the anus
If a colony of the fungus of the genus Candida actively multiplies in the anal region, anal candidiasis should be treated.
The disease occurs as a result of:
- decreased immunity;
- violations of the intestinal microflora;
- manifestations of allergies;
- take antibiotics.
With candidiasis, a person feels pain during defecation, itchy sores, and edema forms around the anus.
The doctor will make a diagnosis based on scraping data, sometimes it may be necessary to examine the inside of the intestine with an endoscope.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis
There are many reasons for the appearance of dysbacteriosis – stress, decreased immunity, malnutrition, or antibiotics. Dysbacteriosis is the cause of unstable stool, the absence of normal microflora leads to irritation of the intestinal mucosa, and a person feels not only itching near the anus, but also pain and burning.
Itching in babies
Inflammation, redness, diaper rash, and itching are more likely to occur in young children if parents neglect hygiene and rarely change diapers. Also in children, the cause of redness and itching around the anus can be a fungal infection of the skin – candidiasis.
Children can develop hemorrhoids – with frequent constipation and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, observe the diet of babies, and avoid foods that cause constipation, and uncontrolled consumption of sweets.
Dermatological problems
Psoriasis causes dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, scabies, lichen planus, rashes, and skin irritation. If the pathology captures the buttocks and anus, pain cannot be avoided. Sometimes the itching is so painful that a person cannot find a place for himself. As a rule, the itching intensifies in the evening.
Discomfort in the anus can be caused by taking antibiotics.
The skin of most people is sensitive to the following external stimuli:
- insufficiently careful observance of personal hygiene rules or the use of too aggressive detergents that cause allergies, irregular change of linen;
- using poor quality toilet paper, wearing synthetic or ill-fitting underwear with rough, itchy seams. Especially if he wears too tight clothes. If itching occurs when moving, it is enough to change uncomfortable clothes;
- frequent use of slippers. The conductor of the infection is a narrow strip on panties. Even with perfect hygiene and high-quality materials, the groin begins to itch due to the tension of the thong fabric; when combing, microcracks appear, into which pathogenic microbes can penetrate.
It is not difficult to adhere to the rules of personal hygiene: water procedures should be carried out twice a day, and underwear should be changed at least once a day. It is desirable that the panties are made of natural fabric and not too tight to the body.
Diabetes
Constant itching in the anus and genitals is one of the signs of diabetes. This is a consequence of an imbalance in the hormonal system – an increase in blood sugar levels leads to the release of glucose molecules through the skin. And they, in turn, serve as a breeding ground for microbes. At the same time, there is no exhausting discomfort, itching occurs from time to time. If a person with diabetes is overweight, the problem is exacerbated.
Overweight and malnutrition
Obese people often suffer from skin irritation and diaper rash. Most of the skin forms skin folds and rollers that rub against each other and cause irritation. These areas of the skin are susceptible to the penetration of pathogenic microbes. Irritation and increased sweating cause itching in the anus.
Unpleasant sensations in the anus can provoke spicy dishes and dishes richly seasoned with spices. As well as citrus fruits, coffee, beer, and cola.
Diseases of the liver and pancreas
In case of violation of the liver, pancreas, poor patency of the bile ducts, bile acids and toxins appear in the blood. They irritate the receptors of the rectal mucosa.
Neurosis, stress, and neurogenic causes
In pathologically clean people, itching of the anus occurs more often than in those who are not fanatical about their own hygiene. Too clean and fat-free skin is especially susceptible to pathogenic microbes. Itching can bother people at night and interfere with sleep for people who are prone to anxiety, depression, or stress.
This symptom haunts those who suffer from alcoholism and drug addiction. Often such patients do not associate the presence of dependence with an unpleasant clinical symptom, and meanwhile, anal itching is a sign of severe intoxication of the body.
