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What is it about ?
Anal itching refers to itching
in and around the anus. The itching
make you want to scratch, which usually makes the problem worse.
In most patients, the doctor cannot identify a specific cause for the anal itching.
Sometimes the problem can be with poor personal hygiene habits. Washing the anus with soap, for example, can lead to excessively dry skin all around the anus. Likewise, excessive wetness of the skin around the anus can also damage it. We think for example of excessive sweating, insufficient ventilation (plastic chairs, obesity), vaginal discharge and urine leakage. It is sometimes difficult to keep the anus clean and dry because of scar tissue or skin appendages.
Other possible causes of anal itching include yeast infection, local reactions to creams, hemorrhoids where the anal fissures (which are also painful).
In children, intestinal worms (pinworms) are often the cause of anal itching.
In whom and how often do they occur?
Anal itching is common, especially between the ages of 45 and 64. One in 1,000 people see a general practitioner for anal itching.
How to recognize them?
Not only do you have the urge to scratch around the anus all the time, but the skin around it is often dry and itchy.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will ask a few specific questions and inspect the anus during a physical examination. It is possible that he will perform a digital rectal examination.
What can you do ?
Good personal hygiene is very important. Do not wash your anus with soap and, after each trip to the toilet, wipe and dry it well. A humid environment and residues of faeces can indeed cause irritation. Do not use damp toilet paper soaked in alcohol or perfume, but shower or rinse the anal area after having a bowel movement. To dry it, it is better to dab the anus than to rub it. Wear loose cotton underwear.
What can your doctor do?
When local hygiene measures bring no relief and the doctor has ruled out some specific causes, such as hemorrhoids or intestinal worms, your doctor may prescribe zinc ointment. Treatment against fungi (antimycotic) is sometimes necessary. In the presence of itching intense, a light cortisone cream can be applied locally in an exceptional and temporary way.
If the doctor suspects a problem in the last part of the large intestine, he will refer you to a specialist in the digestive tract (gastroenterologist).
If the doctor suspects a specific skin problem, they will refer you to a dermatologist.
Source
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