The anus is a very sensitive area of our body and itching or an urge to scratch can indicate various underlying conditions or causes. It is also known as anal itch or pruritis ani. Poor hygiene is said to be the leading cause of it.

CAUSES:

Anal itching can happen due to various underlying causes:

• Poor hygiene by not cleaning the area around the anus after passing stool can cause a lot of itching due to infection.
• It can be caused by irritating chemicals in the foods we eat, such as found in spices, hot sauce, and peppers.
• Treatment with antibiotics.
• Abnormal fistula from the small intestine or colon to the skin surrounding of the anus can form as a result of diseases such as Crohn's disease and these fistulas irritate the anus by its fluid.
• It can also be caused by the continuation of irritation by the moisture in the anus area from frequent liquid stools, diarrhea, or escape of small amounts of stool.
• Psoriasis also irritates the anus.
• Pinworms
• Tears of the anal skin-fissures
• Hemorrhoids
• Skin tags (abnormal local growth of the anus skin)
• Anal cancer
• Proctitis
• Flea Infestation
• Scabies
• Eczema
• Sexually transmitted disease

SYMPTOMS:

• Constant urge to scratch which is severe or persistent.
• Anal bleeding or stool leakage.
• The anal area seems to be infected.
• Pain on sitting down.
• Anal discomfort

DIAGNOSIS:

• The doctor will ask the patient about your personal diet history, medications, your bowel habits, and hygiene maintenance. The doctor will ask about your medical history of rectal and skin problems. The doctor will inspect the whole anus area to confirm the diagnosis.

TREATMENT:

• It depends on the cause of the problem.
• Self-care measures include non-prescription anti-itch cream or treating an infection or hemorrhoids.
• Oral histamine might help by using anti-itch cream at night time.
• Maintain proper hygiene by washing the anus area by water every time after passing stools to keep it clean and prevent contamination and infection.
• Eat a good diet that is low in the spic levels to prevent anal irritation.
• By stopping the habit of scratching even if there is a severe urge for itching.
• Non-medicated talcum powder can be applied by cotton gauze after every bowel movement to absorb excess moisture.