Why You Have Itching Around the Anus

Do you have itching around anus? If yes, you wil find out that it often makes you pretty uncomfortable. But then, there are certain factors that cause the itching. So, you will get to find out these causes after going through this well-researched guide. Itching around the anus is the most common complaint among kids who play in mud. It is caused due to the irritation caused by either feces or discharge from the anus or diarrhea or due to the chemicals in the foods.

Causes

The causes of itching around the anus can be any of the following:

Gastrointestinal diseases:

• Small and Large intestine: Diarrhea, Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s Disease
• Anal canal: Anal fissure, fistula, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, proctitis and anal cancer

Skin diseases:

• Psoriasis
• Scabies
• Contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Allergic dermatitis: Allergic reaction due to skin irritants like soaps, creams, lotions, etc.

Infections:

• Yeast infection particularly in patients with diabetes and HIV
• Bacterial infections: Streptococci, Staphylococci
• Viral infection: Human papilloma virus infection
• Pin worm infestation
• Sexually transmitted diseases

Systemic diseases

• Diabetes mellitus
• Blood cancers
• Lymphomas
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Anemia
• Hyperthyroidism

Psychological causes

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression

Irritants

• Spices, hot sauces, peppers in food
• Continuous exposure to moisture and aggressive washing
• Use of harsh soaps and moist wipes
• Bad hygiene
• Synthetic underwear
• Skin tags

Drugs

• Chemotherapy
• Colchicine
• Neomycin
• Quinidine

Last Words

Wrapping up this guide, it is abundantly clear that there are many causes of itching around the anus. The causes include drugs, irritants, psychological causes, systemic diseases, skin diseases and gastrointestinal ailments. In one study, it was established that 1-5% population has this disorder. The report also pointed out that anal itching is four times more common among middle-aged men. But then, there is a glimmer of hope. Indeed, the good thing is that the disease is curable. However, you should not resort to self-medication, so all you have to do is to contact your doctor for assistance.

References:

1. S Siddiqi et al. Pruritus Ani. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2008 Sep; 90(6): 457–463.

doi: 10.1308/003588408X317940