Itching afterward

What is itching at the anus?

Itching at the anus refers to an itch in the anal region; more precisely, it itches, scratches, and rubs around the anal opening, the rosette. Anal itching or pruritus ani (as it is called medically) can occur with varying intensity. Depending on the cause, the itching is often not an isolated symptom but is often accompanied by burning at the anus, moisture at the anus, and pain at the anus. Mild itching at the anus for a short time does not necessarily require medical examination or treatment. Anal itching can also be caused by improper intimate hygiene, temporary allergic reactions to certain foods or care products, or simple skin irritations. However, persistent itching definitely requires medical evaluation and can also indicate some serious diseases.

What are the causes of itching around the anus?

The anal region, as the exit of the digestive tract with a generally moist environment, is a vulnerable body area. Itching inside and outside the anus are complaints that often the Hemorrhoids are assigned. Some proctological diseases, such as anal fissures, Anal fistulas and abscesses, Hemorrhoids and other inflammatory diseases of the rectum can basically lead to irritations in the anal area. These then manifest in the symptom of anal itching. Infections with bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites can also be responsible for anal itching. Some of these infectious diseases are also classified as sexually transmitted diseases. Likewise, some medications can cause an itchy anus, i.e., anal itching, as a side effect.

However, there are many other causes for itching, burning, and oozing at the anus. Intensely spicy foods or allergies can trigger skin reactions that cause itching. Diseases such as gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, and diabetes are also possible causal factors. Last but not least, injuries, such as an anal fissure, are accompanied by burning pain and itching at the anus. Thus, there is a variety of proctological disease causes that can trigger anal itching. From generally poor intimate hygiene of the anal region to serious proctological conditions.

Who is affected by itching in the anus?

The analysis and evaluation of German-language Google search trends show that the anal area is one of the most frequently searched body regions – especially in combination with the search term "itching." Anal itching is thus also one of the most common symptoms that lead patients to a proctological practice. As a personal, intimate topic, there are only estimates regarding the frequency of the symptom in society. It is assumed that about one to five percent of the population in Germany suffer from anal itching. Itching at the anus affects the male gender across all age groups two to four times more often than women.

What to do if the anus itches?
What to do for pruritus ani?

If the anus burns or itches, it should first be checked whether unfavorable lifestyle habits could be the cause. For itching anus, besides incorrect, insufficient, or overly intense care of the anal region, contact allergies (e.g., detergents) as well as food intolerances should be examined as causes in the first step. Sports activities as well as synthetic underwear combined with particularly heavy sweating in the intimate or anal region should also be taken into account here.

After itching: When to see a doctor?

In the case of short-term anal itching, harmless triggers such as food or allergies to care products are often the cause. When itching at the anus occurs briefly, it is not necessarily necessary to see a doctor. However, consulting a general practitioner or specialist can certainly be helpful with experience and medical expertise in searching for and identifying the trigger of the anal itching. If the itching persists longer and the intensity increases, a prompt visit to a medical expert is recommended. Depending on the cause, the appropriate medical specialty is either dermatology or proctology. In some cases, serious diseases may underlie anal itching, which should be clarified in terms of health prevention.

What to do for itching or burning at the anus?

Regardless of the cause of itching at the anus, the most important thing is to avoid giving in to the itch as much as possible. Rubbing and scratching can worsen the already irritated skin at the anus as well as the symptoms. In principle, local substances with anti-inflammatory effects can also be used short-term for the symptomatic treatment and therapy of itching at the anus. Soothing ointments or  CANNEFF® SUP Suppositories have a soothing effect and promote the regeneration of skin and tissue. Additionally, all affected individuals should pay increased attention to thorough intimate hygiene. If symptoms in the anal region persist or increase in intensity, medical advice and expertise should definitely be sought.

What helps with after-itching?

If you are affected by uncomfortable anal itching, pay attention to careful care of the anal region. The following tips can help you alleviate the discomfort if necessary:

• After bowel movements, it helps to clean the intimate area with clear water and then gently pat dry with very soft toilet paper.
• Do not wear synthetic underwear to prevent the intimate area from becoming too warm and moist. When choosing your underwear, opt for natural materials like cotton, which provide a better microclimate in the intimate zone.
• Avoid spicy and very salty foods, as well as dairy products and caffeine- and alcohol-containing beverages.
• Home remedies like sitz baths with chamomile flowers, oak bark extract, or witch hazel (Hamamelis) are also used by many patients and can relieve itching discomfort around the anus. 
• Common treatment methods include soothing ointments or suppositories such as CANNEFF® SUP, which have a soothing effect on the symptoms and promote the regeneration of skin and tissue.

How do CANNEFF® SUP suppositories work in the treatment of itching in the anal area?