We all more or less communicate with people around us: colleagues, family, friends. But there are such topics that it is not customary to discuss even with the closest. One of these delicate issues is itching in the anus.
What to do if the anus and the area around it are scratched? What can this testify to and whether special measures need to be taken? In the article you will find the answer to these and other questions.
Causes of itching in the anus
Why is the anus scratched ? This is the question that interests a person who has such unpleasant sensations.
The child itches the anus in most cases due to the appearance of worms. In adults, there can be much more reasons, so consider the most common:
- hemorrhoids;
- anal fissures;
- dysbiosis;
- prostatitis;
- urethritis;
- the appearance of polyps in the rectum and anus;
- female bacterial gynecological diseases.
Let us dwell in more detail on each of the problems.
Hemorrhoids
During this disease, in addition to the anal opening itching, the patient may be disturbed by other unpleasant symptoms. These include a sensation of a foreign object and a burning sensation in the anus.
Hemorrhoids are of two types: internal and external. During the first for several days in a row the anus is scratched, other special symptoms are absent. But in the absence of proper treatment, internal hemorrhoids turn into external. It is characterized by the appearance of hemorrhoidal nodes, which soon become filled with blood and burst. Such formations can interfere with the normal process of defecation, which leads to the appearance of constipation.
Anal fissures
In the presence of cracks during bowel movement, not only itching is observed, but also pain. In the case of inflammation of the mucous membranes, the situation may worsen even more, so do not delay the solution to the problem.
Dysbacteriosis
Despite the fact that Western medicine has long denied the presence of this disease, our doctors continue to diagnose "dysbiosis" or "dysbiosis". It appears as a result of imbalances in the digestive tract of pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. The disease can be accompanied not only by itching in the anus, but also by other unpleasant symptoms: nausea, vomiting, flatulence and impaired stool.
Prostatitis, urethritis and gynecological diseases
These three types of diseases were combined into one group, since they all belong to the intimate area. Infections that are in the genitourinary tract can easily get into the anus. At the same time, patients begin to complain that they itch near the anus or inside it. As a rule, other symptoms are not observed in such situations.
Polyps
Polyps are growths from soft tissues on the mucous membranes. During their appearance, the anus is scratched or a feeling of discomfort is observed. Due to the fact that polyps can grow, the patient may be disturbed by constipation. The problem is eliminated exclusively by surgery.
Indirect causes of itching
The sensation when itching around the anus or directly in the anus itself does not always indicate the occurrence of the disease.
The most common indirect causes of itching in the anus are:
- Obesity. Everyone knows that overweight people are sweating too much. As a result, rubbing and diaper rash may appear in the anus, which cause severe itching and discomfort.
- Diabetes. Those suffering from this disease may complain that they itch near the anus, inside it, and even in the pubic area. These symptoms are side effects of diabetes and are not so common.
- Problems in the gastrointestinal tract. In the presence of certain diseases, for example, biliary dyskinesia, the appearance of itching in the anus may be observed as a side effect.
- Allergy. Its traditional symptom is a rash in different parts of the body, which in most cases causes itching. At the same time, the allergy itself can be on any food products, chemicals.
- The presence of mental disorders. Psychosis is usually accompanied by tingling on the skin and itching of the whole body, including in the anus.
Identifying the cause of itching
To take all measures to get rid of the problem that has arisen, a diagnosis is necessary. Which doctor should I go to if the anus is scratched? To begin with - to the proctologist. It is he who will conduct an examination of the anus and perineum, as well as conduct a small survey.
It will be important for the doctor to know the answers to these and some other questions:
- where exactly the itching is felt: in the anus, around it or in the entire perineum;
- itching is felt only in intimate areas or spreads throughout the body;
- whether the appearance of itching is associated with the use of certain products in food or with a change in personal hygiene products (soap, gel, etc.);
- how often itching begins in the anus (permanently or briefly) and how severe itching;
- whether the resulting discomfort is accompanied by other symptoms.
It is possible to conduct not only an external examination, but also a proctological examination, which will help to detect the appearance of possible neoplasms, polyps, papillomas, hemorrhoids, cracks or inflammatory diseases.
Additionally, stool and blood tests may be prescribed. Their results can tell about the presence of worms in the body, as well as allergies, diabetes, infections, and so on.
Getting rid of the problem
To begin with, I would like to say that in such a situation you should not self-medicate, since in most cases the cause of the appearance of itching can only be determined by a doctor. And this happens after a professional examination and obtaining the results of the necessary analyzes.
To successfully get rid of the problem, first of all, you need to take care of proper hygiene. It is necessary to wash daily, and after visiting the toilet, use wet antibacterial wipes.
If itching occurs after eating certain foods, then you should abandon their use. It would also be nice to limit the number of spices, alcohol, too salty and spicy foods in your daily diet, as they have a noticeable effect on the digestive system.
Another important point is choosing the right underwear. It is necessary to abandon synthetic materials that create a greenhouse effect. It is better to give preference to cotton and other natural fabrics.
Local pharmacological preparations in the form of creams and ointments help relieve irritation and itching. In addition, you can make lotions or baths with decoctions of herbs.
If the presence of itching in the anus is associated with the appearance of worms, it is recommended to take anthelmintic drugs. The most popular of them are Vormil, Albendazole, Mebendazole, Nemozol, Vermox, Pirantel, Dekaris. It is important to remember that when worms are found in one of the family members, preventive treatment is necessary for everyone else. If there are animals in the house, then they also need to be given anthelmintic drugs.
Another diagnosis that can be determined independently is hemorrhoids. To eliminate it, doctors usually prescribe funds in the form of ointments or suppositories. The most famous and effective drugs: Relief, Bezornil, Detralex, Ultraproct, Aurobin, Hepatrombin, Proctosan.
In all cases, the use of medications is possible only after visiting a doctor and establishing an accurate diagnosis.
In conclusion, I would like to say: do not be shy to consult a doctor in case of such a delicate problem as itching in the anus. She cannot disappear on her own. Only an experienced specialist will be able to identify the cause of its appearance and find effective methods of treatment.
Be healthy!