Anal Itching
Proctologist located in Beverly Hills, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, CA
Anal itching (pruritus ani) is an intense, often embarrassing condition that causes a strong urge to scratch the skin around the anus. While common, chronic itching can significantly impact quality of life and may indicate an underlying condition requiring treatment.
Q&A
What causes anal itching?
Many factors can contribute to anal itching, including:
- Poor hygiene or excessive cleaning
- Moisture from sweating or incomplete drying
- Dietary irritants (coffee, spicy foods, citrus)
- Skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis)
- Infections (fungal, bacterial, parasitic, STDs)
- Hemorrhoids or anal fissures
- Medications side effects
- Certain soaps, laundry detergents, or toilet paper
How does scratching affect the condition?
Scratching provides temporary relief but damages the skin, leading to more inflammation and itching—creating a cycle that’s difficult to break. Over time, this can cause thickened, discolored skin that’s even more prone to irritation.
How is anal itching diagnosed and treated?
Dr. Maz performs a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause. This may include inspection of the perianal area, testing for infections or skin conditions, and discussing lifestyle factors that could be contributing to symptoms.
Treatment is tailored to address the specific cause and typically includes:
- Proper hygiene techniques (cleaning methods and products)
- Dietary modifications to eliminate irritants
- Topical medications to reduce inflammation or treat infections
- Barrier creams or ointments to protect the skin
- Treatment of underlying conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures
- Behavioral modifications to break the itch-scratch cycle
Find relief from persistent anal itching. Call 310-982-2400 or schedule an appointment online today.