Itching of the anus can be a harmless symptom, which occurs occasionally and for a short time, and stops by itself after a short time. The urge to relieve itching of the anus by scratching is very strong, but not always helpful. Itching or a burning sensation in the anus may also indicate various and sometimes quite serious diseases.
Itching of the anus occurs relatively frequently, but it is a symptom that is not often discussed. The medical term for itching of the anus is Pruitus Ani. In many cases, the itching is accompanied by a burning sensation or the scratching leads to burning sensation due to the itching.
If it occurs repeatedly, itching of the anus should always be examined by a doctor. Many different factors can cause such itching, for example the consumption of certain foods or stress. In children, the most common trigger for intense itching of the anus (especially at night) is a worm disease.
Various factors favour the occurrence of itching of the anus. The skin of the anus is folded in several layers one on top of the other, with warm, moist and oxygen-deficient areas forming in these skin folds. These tend to crack and at the same time provide ideal conditions for the reproduction of germs. This is further intensified by contact with stool and urine and in cases of severe overweight (obesity).
Symptoms
Itching of the anus is usually perceived as very intense and unpleasant. As the itching progresses, it can spread to the female labia or the male testicles. Usually the itching is so severe that attempts are made to relieve it by scratching.
Scratching is often successful in the short term, but in the long term the symptoms worsen and the itching becomes even more intense. In addition, severe scratching can lead to injuries to the skin and a so-called anal eczema, an itchy skin rash on the anus, can develop. If such a rash occurs, the itching, skin irritation and burning increase.
