Pruritus Ani - Information on Pruritus Ani

Pruritus Ani Information

Pruritus Ani is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but it may occur to the people at any age. Individuals who have chronic diarrhea may have pruritis ani because of the difficulty keeping the area clean and dry. Occasionally laboratory studies are necessary to identify fungi, or microscopic examinations are necessary to look for pinworm eggs or scabies in skin burrows.

Anal itching is usually an isolated skin complaint in otherwise healthy persons, but in some it is part of a disorder involving other areas of the skin, especially the vulva in women and children. Women may have pruritis ani caused by a vaginal discharge or low estrogen levels if perimenopausal or postmenopausal. Excessive coffee drinking is also a known cause. Pruritis ani is common and affects both sexes and individuals of all ages. Individuals with diabetes may be at greater risk of developing this condition. With treatment, the symptoms can be controlled; however, the problem can reoccur.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Pruritus Ani.

Causes of Pruritus Ani

The cause of the Pruritus Ani is unknown.

Treatment of Pruritus Ani

Methods For Treating Pruritus Ani are :

• Avoid scratching or rubbing.
• Dont use soap to clear anal area use simple water.
• Avoid excessively loose or otherwise irritating motions.
• Avoid constipation.
• Lotrimin cream mixed with hydrocortisone 1% cream applied
• Application of mild alpha hydroxyacid each day.
• Irritation of the anal skin needs to be reduced. It is impossible to eliminate it altogether because the stool continues to be in contact with the inflamed skin.
• Cleanse carefully, thoroughly and gently after bowel movements.
• Wash the anus in a bidet or a bucket of lukewarm water.
• Apply medicated ointment as directed.
• Ask your doctor to explain your treatment. Various different soothing preparations are suitable, including mild topical steroids and zinc paste. Strong steroid creams should not be applied for more than a few days.
• Eat plenty of high fibre foods (cereals, fruit and vegetables). Straining at stool causes cracks in the anus which are irritable and harbour bacteria.