According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, excessive moisture surrounding the anal area is the most common cause of anal itching. Itching, which inherently is an irritating problem can be embarrassing if it is anal. Pruritus ani, the medical term for this condition, may signal towards other common conditions such as anal fissures or hemorrhoids. However, apart from being unpleasant and embarrassing, anal itching seldom has serious health implications.
Negligence of Personal Hygiene
Scaling of skin cells, dust and drying of feces causes the skin around the anus to itch. According to the website EmbarassingProblems.com, 2 to 15 percent of adults soil their undergarments regularly. Washing the anal region with lukewarm or warm water and keeping it dry will help you get rid of this problem.
Spicy Food
Spices, coffee, wine, figs and some milk products, when digested, leave behind certain byproducts, and when passed as stool, react with the anus and cause itching. Few fruits and vegetables have the tendency to increase anal itching. The website Wellsphere.com states that citrus fruits and tomatoes cause your anal region to itch.
Seborrhea
The excretion of oil in excess amount by the sebaceous glands causes the inflammation of your skin, known as seborrheic dermatitis. Its symptoms include scaly, itchy yellow patches appearing in groin and anal area, the scalp or near your armpits. Ointments containing chemicals like selenium sulfide and sodium sulfacetamide can be used for treating this condition; conditionally your doctor prescribes them.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins located in and around the anus. Hemorrhoids can either be located inside your anus (internal) or under your skin surrounding the anus (external). The clotting of the internal hemorrhoid can result in severe pain and itching. External hemorrhoids cause burning or itching, particularly after you have been sitting for a long period of time. Hemorrhoids can be caused due to factors like obesity, constipation, strain bowl movements or pregnancy.
Fungal Infection
A fungal infection usually appears in the moist areas of the skin, like your groin or anal area. Factors such as consuming antibiotics for long period of time, steroids and chemotherapy promote the spreading of this infection. The appearance of the infection is characterized by a red or brown, scaly rash. Anti-fungal ointments, treatments or applications prescribed by doctors are used to treat these infections.
Parasites
Parasites like pinworms, which infect you through contaminated food and reside in lower part of bowel, can also cause anal itching. This condition is very common among children. These worms deposit their eggs on the skin surrounding your child's rectum, thus causing his anus to itch. These parasites are diagnosed with a stool test and treated with prescribed anti-parasite medicine.
Eczema
Eczema appears as an itchy, flaky area in your groin and anal region. Various causes of eczema are the use of unwashed undergarments and diapers, as well as irritation from clothes and some allergies. Keeping your groin and anal area clean and dry can prevent eczema.
