Anal itching, also known as pruritus ani, refers to an itchy sensation around the anus—the opening through which stool passes out of the body. Most people with anal itching do not have a disease of the anus or rectum. However, anal itching can sometimes indicate serious medical issues.
Dry Skin
Aging causes a decrease in skin moisture and results in dry skin. Irritated and dry skin can develop all over the body, including in and around the anus. According to MayoClinic.com, dry skin around the anal area can cause persistent, intense anal itching. Taking hot showers can cause and aggravate dry skin as well, because the heat tends to draw moisture out of the skin.
Moisture
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons says that anal itching can result from moisture in the anal area. Perspiration around the anal area may cause intense irritation and a compelling urge to scratch the anus.
Stool Around the Anal Opening
People who have fecal incontinence, or the loss of control of the bowels, experience an escape of small amounts of stool. Anal itching occurs from the stool that sits at the anal opening and isn’t properly wiped away, states MayoClinic.com. Watery stools may leak out of the anal opening and cause anal itching in people whose diets include very large amounts of liquids, reports Aetna InteliHealth.
Chemical Irritants
Anal itching can occur from skin care products that contain chemical irritants, notes Aetna InteliHealth. Chemical irritants include dyes and perfumes used in toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays and other deodorants for the area around the anus or genitals, medicated talcum powder, perfumed skin cleansers and soaps.
Diet
MayoClinic.com points to certain foods as factors in the development of anal itching. The chemicals in some foods, such as those found in spices and hot sauces, may directly or indirectly irritate the anus as they exit out of the body. Common foods that irritate the anus include chocolate, tomatoes and citrus fruits. Drinking milk, alcohol or caffeinated beverages may cause some people to experience anal itching as well. Aetna InteliHealth explains that it usually takes 24 to 36 hours after eating or drinking an irritated food product before anal itching begins. The length of time indicates how long it takes for the food to travel through the digestive tract to the anus.
