The causes of itching of the anus
Hemorrhoids occur very frequently and represent a pathological change in the vascular cushions around the anus. They serve to close the anus and prevent the involuntary leakage of stool. The tissue is weakened by various factors and with increasing age, which can lead to a pathological enlargement of the hemorrhoids.
Since the anus is no longer sufficiently closed, more stool is discharged, which can lead to inflammatory skin irritation in the anal region and corresponding itching. An anal fissure refers to tears in the anal mucosa, which in most cases manifest themselves as severe pain. Anal fissures are caused, for example, by too hard a stool consistency or certain sexual practices such as anal intercourse when the tissue structure of the anal mucosa is already weakened.
Particularly during and after bowel movements, a very painful burning sensation occurs because the open wound is irritated. If the anal fissure heals over time, this is usually accompanied by severe itching. Scratching should be avoided at all costs, as this can lead to a reopening of the wound.
Both hemorrhoidal diseases and anal fissures are usually accompanied by light red blood residue on the toilet paper. In order to avoid a worsening of the symptoms and an aggravation of the itching of the anus, scratching should be avoided at all costs. The treatment of itching depends on the particular cause of the symptoms.
For example, allergic reactions can be avoided by avoiding certain cosmetics or hygiene products. It is then recommended to thoroughly clean the anus with clear water and without detergents when showering. In many cases, a change in anal hygiene is useful and recommended in case of itching in order to ease the symptoms.
If inflammatory skin irritations have developed in the anal area, they are usually treated with creams or ointments containing glucocorticoids. In case of a long-term need, the treatment is usually switched to ammonium bituminosulfonate, as glucocorticoids should only be used for a short period of time. A very common cause of itching of the anus are haemorrhoidal disorders, which are usually treated with suppositories, ointments, creams, mullein inserts or anal tampons.
It is also very important to change one’s diet (a lot of fibre and a lot of fluid) in order to influence the consistency of the stool and to reduce the pressure on the haemorrhoids during bowel movements. Similarly, in the case of an anal fissure, the stool should be kept as soft as possible. Severe pain can be treated with ointments containing local anaesthetics (local anaesthetics).
An infection in the anal region is also treated with externally applied creams or ointments. Bacterial infections are treated accordingly with antibiotic agents, viral infections with antivirals and fungal infections with antifungal agents. A parasitic infection, for example with pinworms, is treated with special medication against worms, which causes the worms to die. In addition, fingernails should be kept short so that no worm eggs can stick, underwear should be changed several times a day, and a daily change of bed linen is also a sensible measure in case of worm infestation. Surgical interventions are also necessary for various causes of itching of the anus; which measures are ultimately applied depends strongly on the individual symptoms of the person affected.
