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Home » Topics A–Z » Itchy anus
Author: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, 1997
Itching of the skin about the anus is a common complaint. When no underlying skin condition is found, the term 'pruritus ani' may be used.
Anal itching is usually an isolated skin complaint in otherwise healthy persons, but in some, it is part of a disorder involving other areas of the skin, especially the vulva in women and children.
Common conditions affecting the anus and contributing to itch include:
The anal skin is exposed to irritating digestive products which may result in a rash (irritant dermatitis). The rash is made worse by:
Specific treatment may be prescribed for infection, infestation with pinworms, or certain skin conditions. General measures are described below.
Itching of the anus is frequently persistent and recurrent. The above advice should be followed indefinitely.
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