Anal itching is a common condition in men and women. The itch, situated in or around your rectum, is often extreme and might be accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. You might find anal itching to be embarrassing and unpleasant.
Medical definition of the issue is pruritus ani (proo-RIE-tus A-nie). Anal itching has numerous possible causes, such as skin problems, hemorrhoids, and washing excessive or not enough.
If anal itching is relentless, talk with your doctor. With correct treatment and self-care measures, many people get total relief from anal itching.
Symptoms of Itchy Anus in Men
Anal itching in males may be related to inflammation, burning and pain. The itching and inflammation may be temporary or more relentless, depending upon the cause.
When to see a doctor
Many anal itching doesn’t need treatment. See your doctor if:
- Anal itching is severe or persistent
- You have anal bleeding
- The anal area appears to be infected
- You cannot figure out what’s causing a relentless itch
Consistent anal itching in men might be connected to a skin problem or other health problem that needs medical treatment.
What Causes Itchy Anus in Men
Possible causes of male anal itching include:
- Individual care practices. Your skin care regimen may consist of products or behaviors that irritate the skin. These consist of washing excessive, washing too little, and using soap, wet wipes or toilet tissue with dyes and perfumes.
- Infections. Sexually transferred infections may include the anus and cause anal itching. Pinworms can cause relentless anal itching in men. Other parasites might cause similar itching.
- Skin conditions. Sometimes anal itching is the result of a specific skin condition, such as psoriasis or contact dermatitis in men.
- Other medical conditions. These include chronic diarrhea, hemorrhoids, anal growths and diseases that impact the whole body, such as diabetes.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may have the ability to diagnose the cause of your itching just by asking you questions about your symptoms, case history and personal routines. If pinworms are believed, your doctor might suggest doing a test for pinworms. He may also give you a physical exam, consisting of a digital rectal test.
If the reason for your itching isn’t really apparent, your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist (skin doctor) or a doctor who focuses on dealing with rectal and anal issues (proctologist). He may do other tests, such as proctoscopy or colonoscopy to view more of the digestive tract. However it’s possible the cause of the itching might never be recognized.
How Is Itchy Anus in Men Treated
Treatment of anal itching depends on the cause of the problem. It may include taking self-care measures such as nonprescription anti-itch cream or dealing with an infection or hemorrhoids.
If your symptoms are even worse at night, your doctor might recommend an oral antihistamine up until an anti-itch cream takes effect.
With appropriate care most people experience relief from anal itching. See your doctor if the itching persists.
Home Remedies for Itchy Anus
Prevention of anal itching mainly involves cleaning properly, keeping the area clean, cool and dry, and avoiding irritants. If you currently have anal itching, attempt these self-care measures:
Cleanse gently. After bowel movements, clean the area with plain water or moderate soap. It might assist to use damp cotton balls or a little squeeze bottle of water. Do not scrub. The goal is to keep the area clean without further irritating the skin.
When taking a trip by air, take an empty squeeze bottle that you can readily fill with water in bathrooms.
- Dry completely. After cleansing, pat the area dry with toilet paper or a towel. Or use a hair dryer set on low. Unmedicated talcum can help keep the area dry. Avoid cornstarch powder, which can promote bacterial development. You might put a moistened or dry cotton ball versus the rectum to help absorb moisture. Replace it as required.
- Do not scratch. Scratching further irritates your skin and leads to persistent inflammation. You may find some relief by applying a cold compress to the area or taking a lukewarm bath. Trim your nails brief and use cotton gloves while you’re sleeping to assist avoid scratching.
- Wear cotton underclothing and loose clothes. This helps keep the area dry. Prevent wearing pantyhose and other tightfitting garments since these can trap moisture.
- Prevent irritants. Avoid bubble baths, genital antiperspirants, perfumed soaps, wet wipes, witch hazel items and other products that may irritate the anal area. Cut back on or prevent coffee, cola, alcohol, citrus fruits, chocolate, hot foods, tomatoes and foods that might cause diarrhea. Avoid overuse of laxatives.
- Apply ointments or gels. Secure your skin from moisture by using a thin layer of a zinc oxide ointment (Desitin, Balmex) or petroleum jelly. You could also use a 1 percent corticosteroid cream (Cortaid, Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream) two or 3 times a day to relieve itching. However do not use this type of cream for more than two weeks since of possible side effects, such as thinning of the skin.
- Keep regular, firm defecation. If soft stools or regular defecation are an issue, gradually including fiber to your diet may help. Fiber supplements, such a Metamucil or Citrucel, likewise may help.
Can constipation cause anal itching?
I am somewhat constipated, and I have actually been for a number of days. Is this why my rectum has started itching? I’ve never ever heard of this before (and I’m 42 old man) but it looks like either A) constipation is triggering my anus to itch or B) some other issue is causing both. Are either of these possible?
Answer
Issues about anal itching are awkward but typical reasons for men to look for medical recommend. Fortunately they are seldom serious. The physicians who will be well qualified to discuss this concern with you include your medical care doctor. Constipation can lead to a distention of the anus and anus by difficult feces. These can cause an uneasy sensation of fullness, which can be interpreted as itching. Nevertheless, more likely, is that the itching feeling is from a hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids are dilated veins of the anus and rectum which can cause severe itching in addition to bleeding and pain at times. There are typical in middle aged people and are brought on by normal aging in addition to chronic constipation causing straining. The itching of hemorrhoids is made worse by constipation, as the difficult stool scratches over and irritates the hemorrhoid. In addition to taking stool softeners or laxatives to alleviate the constipation, an over-the-counter anal pile cream or suppository will likely relieve the symptoms. As constantly the medical diagnosis and the management of your particular condition will need a physical examination by your individual physician. If symptoms persist setting up an office see with your primary care doctor is advised.
