Pruritus Ani: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Cost
Pruritus ani is a common symptom and is often neglected. Specialists at Leicester Bowel Clinic can help you diagnose and treat pruritus ani and its possible underlying causes.
What is Pruritus Ani?
Pruritus ani directly translates to “itchy anus” or “itchy bottom.” It is a symptom rather than a disease. It is characterised by the urge to scratch the skin around the anus, called peri-anal skin.
Pruritus ani can be classified into two categories:
- Primary: The itching has no apparent cause or related condition, also referred to as “idiopathic.”
- Secondary: The itching is caused by an associated condition like haemorrhoids or fissures.
Pruritus ani, or itchy anus, is a common symptom that is often overlooked and neglected due to societal stigma and embarrassment surrounding the topic. While acute instances may not require medical attention, persistent itching could indicate the presence of underlying conditions that may require specific treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Pruritus Ani?
Pruritus ani in itself is a symptom rather than a disease. Besides itchiness, commonly associated symptoms include:
- Rectal bleeding
- Irritated or injured peri-anal skin caused by incessant scratching
- Changes in the texture of peri-anal skin
- Involuntary discharge (stool or other secretions) from the anus
- Excessive sweating
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
While many cases of pruritus ani may be harmless and can be solved with improved personal hygiene and other lifestyle modifications, it could also be a symptom of a more serious condition. It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing persistent itching, so they can rule out any possible underlying conditions.
Most diseases have easier, more effective, and shorter treatment options with milder side effects, if any, when identified in their initial stages. While many patients feel embarrassed to go to the doctor with this symptom, it is crucial to keep in mind that there is nothing that should stand in the way of you receiving the medical attention and treatment you deserve. We assure you of a comfortable experience at our clinic.
What Causes Pruritus Ani?
A wide range of conditions can cause anal itching. In many cases, there is no identifiable cause.
Some of the possible causes include:
- Anorectal conditions: Conditions like haemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, and skin tags are some of the most common causes of anal itching.
- Moisture: Excess moisture from sweat, mucus, stool, or other anal secretions in the area around the anus can also lead to itching.
- Personal care products: Pruritus ani is also referred to as the “polished anus syndrome” due to excessive hygiene being a potential cause. This includes excessive wiping and irritating, scented personal hygiene products.
- Skin infections: Skin infections, which may be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitical, can present with anal itchiness.
- Skin diseases or allergies: These include psoriasis (a chronic autoimmune disease) and contact dermatitis (itchy rashes formed in response to an allergen or irritating substance).
- Medications: Some medications, such as laxatives and topical steroids, can cause anal itching.
- Diet: Certain foods, like coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, and spicy foods, have been found to be correlated with anal itching.
- Psychological factors: “Psychogenic” anal itching is caused by a mental health issue as opposed to a physical problem.
How is the Cause of Pruritus Ani Diagnosed?
The doctor will take note of any additional symptoms you are experiencing, along with anal itching. They may also inquire about your current medications and lifestyle habits. Owing to the wide array of potential underlying causes, a detailed and thorough analysis of your medical history is required for an accurate diagnosis.
A gentle physical examination will be performed on the affected area to check for anorectal conditions and assess the skin surrounding the anus. Depending on the findings, you may be asked to take further tests or be referred to a specialist. Our team is dedicated to identifying the underlying cause of anal itching and providing you with the best treatment options for it.
What are the Treatment Options for Pruritus Ani?
There are some general home remedies you can use for pruritus ani treatment:
1. Avoid irritants
It is helpful to avoid products and foods that trigger anal itching. This could include scented or irritating personal hygiene products and foods that induce anal itching.
2. Improve personal hygiene
It is recommended that you follow practices like wiping gently, keeping the area around the anus clean and dry, cutting your fingernails short to reduce skin trauma from scratching and changing your undergarments daily.
Besides the general home remedies for pruritus ani, topical treatments can also be used to provide relief from itching. These treatments may include medicated creams or ointments that can help soothe the affected area and reduce discomfort. If you are diagnosed with an anorectal condition, you will be referred to a bowel specialist or clinic, like the Leicester Bowel Clinic. We will then provide you with the best treatment options, depending on your condition and its severity.
Why Choose the Leicester Bowel Clinic?
Book a consultation with us to get treatment for your condition.
At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders.
Pricing
Consultations start at
£200
We look forward to assisting you!
Our Locations
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital
- Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
- To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685
*Free on-site parking is available.
The Health Suite
- CLINICS The Health Suite Thursday evenings (Mr Chaudhri) from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at:The Health Suite, 624a Uppingham Rd, Leicester LE7 9QB
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Health Suit, please call the booking line on 0116 241010
*Free on-site parking is available.
Leicester Bowel Clinic at Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital
- 1st and 3rd Friday of the month (Mr Chaudhri) from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at: Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital, Scraptoft Ln, Leicester LE5 1HY
- To arrange an appointment directly with The Nuffield Hospital, please call the booking line on 0300 1311416
*Free on-site parking is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
01.What is the main cause of pruritus ani?
There are several possible causes for pruritus ani. It can be difficult to pinpoint a specific cause in many cases. Some potential causes include anorectal conditions, chronic diarrhoea, infections, and skin conditions.
02. What is the best treatment for pruritus ani?
Some simple lifestyle changes can be effective in managing the symptoms while also treating the underlying cause, if any. Some of these home remedies include avoiding known irritants and improving personal hygiene. A consultation with a doctor can help you identify if pruritus ani suggests the presence of an underlying condition.
03. Why is pruritus ani worse at night?
You may notice that the itching sensation is more persistent and bothersome during the night. This may be because of moisture retention around the anus after using the bathroom before bed, certain foods you had for dinner, or the consumption of alcohol. The absence of other distractions of daily life may also be a factor.
04. What foods irritate pruritus ani?
Caffeinated drinks, alcohol, tomatoes, and chocolate have been shown to aggravate pruritus ani. In addition, you should avoid any foods that you know will irritate your bowels and adversely affect your bowel habits. This will help prevent your symptoms from worsening.
