Symptoms

Anal itching is associated with other similar symptoms in and around the anus, including:

• Burning
• Soreness or pain

The itching and irritation in and around your anus may be a temporary condition, or it can be more persistent and bothersome. For some people, the irritation is so intense that the urge to scratch is irresistible.

When to see a doctor Most anal itching doesn't require medical care. However, see your doctor if:

• Anal itching is severe or lasts longer than a few weeks
• There's bleeding from the rectum
• You can't figure out what's causing the itch

Persistent anal itching may be related to a skin condition or other health problem that requires medical treatment.

Causes

Most cases of anal itching are caused by a harmless problem. Occasionally, however, anal itching can be a sign of more serious medical issues. Possible causes of anal itching include:

• Dry skin. As you age, skin in and around your anus is more prone to dryness. Dry skin can cause persistent, intense anal itching.
• Too much moisture. Moisture around your anus from excessive sweating or from moist, sticky stools can be irritating.
• Fecal incontinence. Anal itching can also be caused by frequent diarrhea or the escape of small amounts of stool (fecal incontinence).
• Excessive washing. Excessive wiping with dry, harsh toilet paper or excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps can cause or aggravate anal itching. Failure to rinse away the soap completely also can cause irritation.
• Overuse of laxatives. Excessive or improper use of laxatives can lead to chronic diarrhea and the risk of anal irritation and itching.
• Chemical irritants. Certain laundry soaps, colognes, douches and birth control products contain chemicals that can irritate skin in and around your anus. Scented or colored toilet paper can be irritating to people with sensitive skin.
• Skin disorders. Common skin problems — such as psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema — can involve and irritate the area in and around your anus.
• Yeast infections. This common infection, which usually affects women, can irritate your genital and anal areas.
• Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are engorged veins located just under the membrane that lines the lowest part of your rectum and anus. They often occur as a result of straining during a bowel movement. Anal itching can be a symptom of hemorrhoids.
• Anal abrasions, fissures and fistulas. An anal abrasion is a small tear in your anus, usually caused by forced bowel movements through a tight anus. An anal fissure is a deeper tear. An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms under the skin and connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks outside the anus. All three conditions can cause anal itching, as well as painful bowel movements and bleeding.
• Food irritants. Anal itching may be the result of irritating chemicals in some foods, such as those found in spices and hot sauces. Similarly, some foods may directly or indirectly irritate your anus as they exit your colon. Common culprits include chocolate, alcohol, tomatoes and citrus fruits. Consuming certain beverages, including milk or caffeinated drinks, may cause some people to experience diarrhea followed by anal itching.
• Medications. Anal itching may be a side effect of certain medications, including some antibiotics, that can cause frequent diarrhea.
• Infections. Sexually transmitted diseases may also involve the anus and can cause anal itching. In children, the parasite that causes pinworms can cause persistent anal itching. Adults in the same household can also be infected. Other parasites may cause similar itching.
• Anal tumors. Rarely, benign or cancerous tumors in or around the anus may be a cause of anal itching.
• Other causes. Anal itching may be related to anxiety or stress. Sometimes, the cause is undetermined.

Contributing to the problem Although anal itching is almost never a problem of cleanliness, your own actions may contribute to the problem.

• Scratching. Whatever the cause of anal itching, your natural reaction is to scratch the area. But scratching worsens the problem by removing superficial layers of skin.
• Excessive washing. The natural tendency in response to an irritation is to wash the area frequently with soap and a washcloth. However, excessive washing can aggravate the condition by removing your skin's natural protective oils.

Appointment

Most cases of anal itching are caused by a harmless problem. Occasionally, however, anal itching can be a sign of more serious medical issues. Possible causes of anal itching include:

• Dry skin. As you age, skin in and around your anus is more prone to dryness. Dry skin can cause persistent, intense anal itching.
• Too much moisture. Moisture around your anus from excessive sweating or from moist, sticky stools can be irritating.
• Fecal incontinence. Anal itching can also be caused by frequent diarrhea or the escape of small amounts of stool (fecal incontinence).
• Excessive washing. Excessive wiping with dry, harsh toilet paper or excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps can cause or aggravate anal itching. Failure to rinse away the soap completely also can cause irritation.
• Overuse of laxatives. Excessive or improper use of laxatives can lead to chronic diarrhea and the risk of anal irritation and itching.
• Chemical irritants. Certain laundry soaps, colognes, douches and birth control products contain chemicals that can irritate skin in and around your anus. Scented or colored toilet paper can be irritating to people with sensitive skin.
• Skin disorders. Common skin problems — such as psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema — can involve and irritate the area in and around your anus.
• Yeast infections. This common infection, which usually affects women, can irritate your genital and anal areas.
• Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are engorged veins located just under the membrane that lines the lowest part of your rectum and anus. They often occur as a result of straining during a bowel movement. Anal itching can be a symptom of hemorrhoids.
• Anal abrasions, fissures and fistulas. An anal abrasion is a small tear in your anus, usually caused by forced bowel movements through a tight anus. An anal fissure is a deeper tear. An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms under the skin and connects a previously infected anal gland to the skin on the buttocks outside the anus. All three conditions can cause anal itching, as well as painful bowel movements and bleeding.
• Food irritants. Anal itching may be the result of irritating chemicals in some foods, such as those found in spices and hot sauces. Similarly, some foods may directly or indirectly irritate your anus as they exit your colon. Common culprits include chocolate, alcohol, tomatoes and citrus fruits. Consuming certain beverages, including milk or caffeinated drinks, may cause some people to experience diarrhea followed by anal itching.
• Medications. Anal itching may be a side effect of certain medications, including some antibiotics, that can cause frequent diarrhea.
• Infections. Sexually transmitted diseases may also involve the anus and can cause anal itching. In children, the parasite that causes pinworms can cause persistent anal itching. Adults in the same household can also be infected. Other parasites may cause similar itching.
• Anal tumors. Rarely, benign or cancerous tumors in or around the anus may be a cause of anal itching.
• Other causes. Anal itching may be related to anxiety or stress. Sometimes, the cause is undetermined.

Contributing to the problem Although anal itching is almost never a problem of cleanliness, your own actions may contribute to the problem.

• Scratching. Whatever the cause of anal itching, your natural reaction is to scratch the area. But scratching worsens the problem by removing superficial layers of skin.
• Excessive washing. The natural tendency in response to an irritation is to wash the area frequently with soap and a washcloth. However, excessive washing can aggravate the condition by removing your skin's natural protective oils.

Tests and diagnosis

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your itching simply by asking you questions about your symptoms.

If the cause of your itching isn't obvious, your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) or a doctor who specializes in treating rectal and anal problems (proctologist) for further evaluation. A rectal exam may be all that's required for you to get an answer — and a solution — to a very uncomfortable problem.

Other tests, such as proctoscopy or colonoscopy to view more of the digestive tract, are sometimes needed to identify an underlying cause of anal itching. However, the precise cause of the itching may never be identified.

Treatments and drugs

Treatment of anal itching depends on the cause of the problem. It may include self-care measures, changes to your diet, treatment of infections or, rarely, surgery to correct an underlying problem.

Medications Medications that might help include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream). Apply sparingly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and itching.
• A protective ointment that contains zinc oxide (Desitin, Balmex). Applied to the affected area, this also may help.
• Antihistimine. If your symptoms are worse at night, your doctor may also prescribe an antihistamine to reduce itching until topical treatments take effect.

With proper treatment, most people experience relief from anal itching in less than a week. Anal itching that continues for more than a few weeks needs to be evaluated by your doctor.

Home remedies

Prevention of anal itching mainly involves washing properly and avoiding irritants. If you already have anal itching, try these self-care measures:

• Cleanse gently. Wash the area in the morning, at night and immediately after bowel movements. But don't scrub and avoid using soap. Instead, use a wet washcloth, wet toilet paper, unscented flushable bathroom wipes, cotton balls moistened with water, unscented baby wipes or a small squeeze bottle of water to cleanse the area.
• Dry thoroughly. After cleansing, pat the area dry with toilet paper or a towel. Or dry thoroughly with a hair dryer. Once dry, place a piece of cotton gauze against the anus to help keep the area dry. Replace the cotton as necessary. Nonmedicated talcum or cornstarch powder also can help keep the area dry.
• Use over-the-counter (OTC) treatments correctly. Apply OTC creams sparingly. Don't use these treatments unless directed by your doctor. For some people, creams or ointments may cause more irritation, and they may mask a persistent problem.
• Don't scratch. Scratching further irritates your skin and leads to persistent inflammation. If you can't tolerate the itching, apply a cold compress to the area or take a lukewarm bath to find some immediate relief. Keep busy to distract yourself from scratching.
• Switch tissue. The skin around your anus may be sensitive to toilet paper that contains dyes or perfumes. Use unbleached, unscented toilet paper. You may want to use toilet paper that's moistened or made extra soft for comfort, or unscented flushable bathroom wipes.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. This helps keep the area dry. Avoid wearing pantyhose and other tight-fitting garments because these can trap moisture. Change your underwear daily and whenever it's soiled.
• Avoid irritants. Avoid bubble baths and genital deodorants. Cut back or avoid beverages or foods that you know irritate your anal area. Avoid overuse of laxatives that increase diarrhea and the risk of anal irritation and itching.