Pruritus Ani Symptoms

Pruritus ani--more commonly referred to as anal itching--is irritation in and around your anus, the rectum's outlet, according to the Mayo Clinic. This common condition has the potential to be both annoying and embarrassing; at times the urge to scratch the itch may seem irresistible. Fortunately, in most cases the symptoms can be treated with simple home remedies.

Causes

• There are many causes of pruritus ani, most of which are harmless. These include dry skin; overly moist skin, such as from sweating or fecal incontinence; too much washing, especially with harsh toilet paper or skin-irritating soaps; overuse of laxatives; hemorrhoids; skin disorders and chemical or food irritants, according to the Mayo Clinic. Rarely, pruritus ani may be caused by benign or cancerous tumors in the anal region.

Primary Symptom

• Itching directly in your anus or on the skin immediately surrounding it is the primary symptom of pruritus ani. This itching, which likely is accompanied by a strong urge to scratch, may be intensified by exposure to moisture, pressure from sitting or irritation from clothing, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Related Symptoms

• The itching associated with pruritus ani often brings with it other symptoms of the condition, such as burning, soreness or general pain in or near the anus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

• Pruritus ani usually is a temporary problem that doesn't require medical care beyond home remedies to alleviate the symptoms. However, if the itching is extreme or prolonged (lasting more than six weeks), if the rectum is bleeding, or if there's no clear explanation for the itch, you should consult with your doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic. Persistent pruritus ani symptoms may indicate an underlying skin condition or other health problem that requires treatment.

Treatment

• Treatment of pruritus ani symptoms depends on their cause. Frequently, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams provide some relief. Ointments with zinc oxide also might help. If the symptoms worsen at night, a prescription antihistamine may reduce itching until topical treatments start to work. In most cases of pruritus ani, the symptoms are relieved within a week of starting treatment.