Anal Itching Treatment and Remedies

Article by: Dr. Naveen Chauhan, BAMS, PGCRAV, Senior Ayurveda Proctologist

Director and Chief Consultant: Mediwin Medical Centre, Ghaziabad

What is anal itching/Pruritus ani?

Anal itching is a common condition. The itching occurs inside the anus or at the skin around it.

Itching is often very much intense and sometimes accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. It creates embarrassing and uncomfortable situation sometimes.

Anal itching is also called pruritus ani, and there may be many possible causes for it, such as skin problems, hemorrhoids, and washing too much or not enough.

गुदा में खुजली होने पर क्या घरेलू उपाय कर सकते हैं, वीडियो देखें!

Anal itching; Symptoms

Anal itching is itself a symptom of some anal or perianal skin pathology and it may be associated with redness, burning and soreness. The itching and irritation may be temporary or more persistent, according to the cause.

Anal itching; Causes

Possible causes of anal itching include:

Irritants – Fecal incontinence and long-term (chronic) diarrhea can irritate the skin. Or your skin care routine may include products or behaviors that irritate the skin, such as using harsh soaps or moist wipes and washing too aggressively.
Infections – These include sexually transmitted infections, pin worms, and yeast (fungal) infections.
Abscess in ano rectal region
Fistula in ano, Fissure in ano, Hemorrhoids (Piles)
Skin conditions – Sometimes anal itching is the result of a specific skin condition, such as psoriasis or contact dermatitis.
Other medical conditions – These include diabetes, thyroid disease, anal tumors.

Sometimes the cause of anal itching isn’t identifiable.

Anal itching: when to consult a doctor

Most times anal itching doesn’t require medical care. However there may be a need of medical doctor’s consultation if:

Anal itching is severe or persistent
Itching is persistent and cause can’t be identified
There is anal bleeding or stool leakage
The anal region is infected
Normal measures and remedies don’t seem to be working

Persistent anal itching may be related to a skin condition or other health problem that requires medical treatment.

Anal itching; Diagnosis

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your itching simply by asking you questions about your symptoms, medical history and personal care habits. If pinworms are suspected, your doctor may suggest doing a test for pinworms. You may also need a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam.

If the cause of itching isn’t obvious or it doesn’t respond to initial treatment, a skin specialist (dermatologist) may be consulted. It’s possible that the cause of the itching may never be identified.

Prevention and home treatment remedies for anal itching

Lifestyle and home remedies

Prevention of anal itching mainly involves a careful washing routine that keeps the area clean, cool and dry, while avoiding further irritating the skin.

If you already have anal itching, try these self-care measures:

Cleanse gently. Clean the area around the anus with plain water or mild soap and a soft washcloth once daily. Avoid scrubbing. Pat dry or use a hair dryer set on low.If you have fecal incontinence or diarrhea, clean the area around the anus with moist cotton balls or a squirt bottle of plain water. It may also help to apply a moistened or dry cotton ball to the outside of the anus.
Don’t scratch. Scratching further irritates your skin. You may find some relief by applying a moist, room-temperature compress to the area or taking a lukewarm oatmeal bath. Trim your nails short and wear cotton gloves while you’re sleeping to help prevent scratching.
Wear white cotton underwear that don’t bind. This helps keep the area dry. Avoid wearing pantyhose and other tight fitting garments because these can trap moisture
Avoid irritants. Avoid bubble baths, genital deodorants, harsh or perfumed soaps, and moist wipes. Use white, unscented toilet paper.
Change your diet. Cut back on or avoid coffee, cola, alcohol, citrus fruits, chocolate, spicy foods, tomatoes and foods that may cause diarrhea. Avoid overuse of laxatives.
Use turmeric, Carom(ajwain) in your diet can help you in relieving the itching.
Apply ointments or gels. Protect the affected skin from moisture by applying a thin layer of a zinc oxide ointment (Calamine) or petroleum jelly (Vaseline). If needed, apply hydrocortisone 1 percent cream two to three times a day for a brief period to relieve symptoms.
Maintain regular, firm bowel movements. If soft stools or frequent bowel movements are a problem, gradually adding fiber to your diet may help. Fiber supplements such as psyllium (isabgol husk) and methylcellulose also may help.

Anal Itching Treatment

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 treating an infection or hemorrhoids.

If your symptoms are worse at night, an oral antihistamine might help until an anti-itch cream takes effect.

Calamine lotion helps in reliving of symptoms of anal itching

With proper care most people experience relief from anal itching. See your doctor if the itching persists.

Ayurvedic treatment for Anal itching

Consult an Ayurveda physician if the itching persists even after taking the above precautions and trying the remedies. Ayurveda treatment of anal itching involves use of Herbal and herbomineral medicines prescribed by the doctor along with some local applying formulations. Some of the Ayurvedic drugs that are used in treatment of anal itching are;

Haridra (Turmeric) formulations like Haridrakhand
Kaishore Guggulu
Preparations of Shuddh Gandhak
Neem preparations
Tankan bhasma
Praval pisti
Mahamarichyadi oil for local application
Aloe vera for local application
Preparations of Vidanga (Embelia ribes) and Palash (Butea monosperma) are used as anti-helimenthic for treatment of worm infestation.
Local application of Mustard oil and coconut oil can help you in relieving the itching instantly.

An experienced Ayurveda doctor will examine your problem and prescribe you the best combination of medicines and herbs to get rid of the itching problem completely.

Panchakarma treatments in anal itching

Sometimes if itching is associated with some chronic dermatological pathology like Psoriasis (Kitibh) or Eczema, Ayurveda Shodhan therapies (panchakarmas) may be required before starting of medicines. These treatments require supervision of a qualified Ayurveda Panchakarma doctor.

About Dr. Naveen Chauhan

Note:

**Author is a qualified Ayurveda Doctor (Surgeon) and is practicing Ayurveda & Kshara sutra treatment since past 14 years. The above article is for patient education and not a substitute for a medical advice. Kindly consult your Ayurveda doctor or Family physician before starting any treatment for the health problem. Dr. Chauhan can be contacted through email nchauhan.dr@gmail.com or by phone +91-9818069989

Anal itching treatment and remedies