WHAT IS PRURITIS ANI?
Itching and a rash around the anal opening is called “Pruritis Ani.” This condition results in a compelling urge to scratch.
WHAT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN?
Several factors may be the cause. Excessive moisture is a common cause of itching. A small amount of perspiration or residual stool keep the area too moist. Also, hemorrhoids and fissures may lead to itching and then excessive scratching. Over use of topical creams and ointments on the anal area may contribute.
In some individuals, certain foods may cause Pruritis Ani. Coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, milk products, tomatoes or tomato products (ketchup), cheese, chocolate, and nuts.
DOES PRURITS ANI RESULT FROM A LACK OF CLEANLINESS?
Cleanliness is almost never a problem. However, a natural tendency, once a person develops pruritis ani, is to over clean. Excessive use of soap and a washcloth can make the itching worse. It removes naturally protective oils.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE THE ITCHING GO AWAY?
An examination by a colon and rectal surgeon can find causes of pruritis ani, or eliminate other causes.
Treatment includes 3 points.
- Avoid moisture. A cotton ball left in the area absorbs extra moisture. Avoid medicated, perfumed, and deodorant powders.
- Avoid further trauma. No soap, no scrubbing! It is best to rinse the area with warm water and pat the area dry. Try not to scratch. Scratching causes trauma, then itching, and more scratching. Keeping finger nails short. Wearing gloves at night helps to decrease scratching that happens when asleep.
- Use only medications prescribed by your doctor.
HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT USUALLY TAKE?
You may see improvement with in 1 week. If symptoms last longer than 6 weeks, see your colon and rectal surgeon.
