Anal Itching

Anal Itching also called Pruritus (proo·rai·tuhs) Ani can be a debilitating condition that should not be ignored, with up to 45% of people experiencing uncomfortable anal itching throughout their lifetime. At Dr. Maziar Ghodsian, the best-in-class proctology practice in California, a board-certified proctologist will offer compassionate and comprehensive care for chronic anal itching. With a medical examination at the Beverly Hills or Huntington Beach, California, office, Dr. Ghodsian will be able to provide a diagnosis for the anal itching as well as a treatment plan addressing both short-term and long-term concerns for your unique case. Call us or book your appointment online now.

What is anal itching? 

Pruritus Ani or anal itching is a common condition in which patients experience symptoms of itching inside and/or around the outside of the anal opening. These symptoms can lead to an urge to scratch the affected area. Many people describe the problem as overpowering and debilitating, and they often scratch aggressively inadvertently breaking down the skin barrier to ease the itch without relief. 

Anal itching is common in adults, particularly among adults aged 20-40. While it can affect anyone, men are about four times as likely to develop anal itching. 

What causes anal itching? 

Pruritus Ani can be classified as either primary or secondary, based on the cause of itching. 

Primary pruritus ani is usually a result of irritation due to fecal matter, excessive cleaning, and/or excessive moisture around the outside area. Fecal irritation can be worsened by certain foods/drinks as well as certain cleaning products. 

Secondary pruritus ani is usually a result of symptomatic irritation caused by another condition. Common secondary causes include: 

• Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, both sexually and non-sexually transmitted ● Anorectal conditions: skin tags, external/internal hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistulas, autoimmune conditions such as lichen sclerosus 
• Skin disorders: contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, etc. 
• Rectal cancers such as carcinoid tumors 

These conditions can either cause underlying irritation or increased fecal contact around the anal opening, leading to pruritus ani. Secondary conditions must be treated in order to resolve the itching at its source and may require a colonoscopy for thorough evaluation. 

How is anal itching treated? 

Treatment of anal itching involves creating the right lifestyle adjustments to encourage healing and avoid further irritation. Your provider will be able to provide effective care going beyond temporary relief by addressing the root cause of the itching, whether it be secondary or primary. Anal itching is a very treatable problem and you may need simple conservative treatments. If there is a secondary cause of anal itching, Dr. Maziar Ghodsian offers minimally invasive treatments to address the root cause of your itching to cure the problem. 

Call Dr. Maziar Ghodsian  or use the online scheduling form to book your evaluation now.

Burning 

A burning sensation in or around the anus is an uncomfortable symptom that can have many different causes, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures/fissuring, or irritation from residual stool. Less frequently, anal burning can be due to conditions relating to the nervous system such as 

pudendal neuralgia/ pudendal nerve entrapment or compression of the nerves coming out of the spinal cord.