The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by anal itching (pruritus ani): Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Skin damage, especially scratched skin. Scarring Recurrent pruritus (recurrent itching) Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Infections of the scratched skin sites with bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Severe … Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani): Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Anal region/anal canal [scars?, mariscae?, prolapsing (prolapsing) hemorrhoids?, anal prolapse (“prolapse” of the anus, or anal mucosa in front … Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani): Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Skin swab Small blood count Inflammatory parameter – CRP (C-reactive protein) Fasting glucose (fasting blood glucose), if necessary oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT). Examination for parasites and worm eggs PSA (prostate specific … Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani): Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic targets Relief of itching Elimination of the cause Therapy recommendations Symptomatic therapy: agents for topical application (see below). Specific therapy: e.g., antibiotics, antifungals (antifungal agents), anthelmintics (anthelmintics), chemotherapeutic agents, etc. In the interval use of nourishing creams to avoid an occlusive situation (air- and water-impermeable covering of skin areas). Active ingredients (main indication) for … Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani): Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic workup Proctoscopy (endoscopy of the lower to mid rectum; biopsy (tissue sample) if eczema does not heal quickly).
To prevent pruritus ani (anal itching), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Hot spices Lack of anal hygiene or excessive anal hygiene. Chemical irritation by spicy meal, lubricants, soaps, etc. Perineal piercing
The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with pruritus ani (anal itching): Associated symptoms Anal swelling Generalized pruritus (itching) Note A very painful hemorrhoidal prolapse (protrusion (prolapse) of hemorrhoids from the anus / anus) should be immediately presented to a surgeon. Warning signs (red flags) Symptomatology persistent → think of: Neoplasm (this must be … Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Pruritus ani is usually pruritus cum materia (itching with visible skin lesions), that is, as a result of a dermatologic disease. In most cases, it is a cumulative toxic eczema. Trigger factors are proctological and gastroenterological diseases or influencing factors. Feces (stool) on the skin also causes irritation and thus can … Anus Itching (Pruritus Ani): Causes
General measures Both poor and excessive anal hygiene can lead to pruritus ani! Anal hygiene (as a basic therapy) after going to the toilet in the following steps: Rough cleaning with untreated toilet paper (dyed toilet paper contains dyes that may cause allergy). Careful cleaning with water at a comfortable temperature without the use of … Anus Itching (Pruritus Ani): Therapy
The anamnesis (medical history) represents an important component in the diagnosis of pruritus ani (anal itching). Family history What is the general health of your relatives? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long has the itching … Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani): Medical History
Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Iron deficiency anemia (anemia due to iron deficiency) – Note: In generalized pruritus, iron deficiency is present in up to 40% of cases. Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Diabetes mellitus (diabetes). Food intolerances Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99) Allergic contact dermatitis (contact allergy) – due toe.g. dyes on … Anal Itching (Pruritus Ani): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
