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Pruritus Ani
Medical Questions » Pruritus Ani
| Name: Pruritus Ani |
| Also known as: Anal Itch |
| Itchy skin around the anus. |
Causes of Pruritus Ani
Possibly due to fungal infections, diabetes, worm infestations, antibiotics, cancer and a number of skin diseases, but usually no obvious cause. |
Symptoms of Pruritus Ani
Excruciatingly itchy anus, and except for the scratch marks left by the patient' s finger nails, there is often no rash. Usually worse at night, and some patients find it is aggravated by red wine and spicy food. |
Tests for Pruritus Ani
Underlying causes excluded by examination of the faeces, skin scrapings for fungi, and blood tests for diabetes. |
Treatment for Pruritus Ani
Scratching must be stopped, as this will prolong and exacerbate the problem. Anal area kept cool and dry by avoiding nylon underwear, tight clothing and sweating. The anus should be rinsed with warm water for washing, but no soap should be used, and should be patted dry, not rubbed. A mild steroid cream and sitz baths in potassium permanganate or silver nitrate may be beneficial.
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Complications of Pruritus Ani of its treatment
Skin around the anus damaged by scratching may become infected by a fungus or bacteria. |
Likely Outcome of Pruritus Ani
Not serious, but often recurrent, long-lasting and very annoying. |
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