Anal eczema

What is an anal eczema?

Anal eczema is a rash of the skin in the anal area. This rash can manifest as burning at the anus, oozing at the anus, but especially as severe itching at the anus . Anal eczema is not only extremely uncomfortable for most patients but also tabooed, as in our society, complaints in the anogenital area are rarely discussed openly and frequently. This circumstance often leads to medical examination and professional diagnosis only being sought after the rash or anal eczema has persisted for a longer time.

What are the causes of an anal eczema? 

The development of anal eczema is usually preceded by an impairment of the natural skin barrier in the anal region. This impairment can occur in different ways. Generally, three main causes and thus forms of anal eczema are distinguished in medicine.

The most common cause of anal eczema is direct damage to the skin barrier through chemical or mechanical irritation or overuse. Chemical irritations are often caused by leaking intestinal secretions, which for example occur in Hemorrhoidal disease or also Anal fistulas that can protrude from the anus on their own. Anal eczema can also result from insufficient or age-related impaired hygiene of the anus. Increased moisture and/or fecal buildup can promote eczema formation and cause anal eczema. Intensive cleaning with toilet paper or strong strain on the anal area from certain sports are possible causes of mechanical irritation at the anus. For persistent symptoms at the anus, medical expertise should definitely be sought, as in rare cases tumors in the rectal area or anus can also be causally related to anal eczema. 

In the course of atopic dermatitis, also better known as neurodermatitis, anal eczema can occur intermittently along with involvement of other body areas, but also on its own. So-called atopic anal eczema can also be promoted in its development by factors such as very spicy foods.
The ultimate cause of anal eczema is contact allergies. This occurs when there is an allergy or allergic reaction to ingredients in lotions, moist toilet paper, or other hygiene products such as panty liners or even medical creams and ointments. 

What are the symptoms of an anal eczema?

Anal eczema causes severe and intense Itching at the anus or even burning at the anus. These symptoms are often accompanied by redness and oozing of the skin around the anus or also blistering and skin changes of the anal folds. In addition to the skin changes around the anus, redness often also appears in the area of the thighs or also the labia or the scrotum. The tormenting main symptom of anal eczema is the itching at the anus. However, scratching leads to further irritation of the skin around the anus and additionally impairs the healing of the anal eczema. The course of anal eczema strongly depends on the cause and the chosen therapeutic approach.

How can an anal eczema be treated? How can one get rid of anal eczema?

The treatment of anal eczema is individualized depending on the cause. While most anal eczema cases disappear after a short time with ointments, suppositories, and creams, therapy can be prolonged in rare cases. Relieving symptoms such as severe itching at the anus is a top priority for personal well-being. Mild symptoms can sometimes be managed with home remedies, but for more severe complaints, special zinc ointments, sitz baths, creams, and suppositories with anti-inflammatory agents are used. For anal eczema caused by contact allergies, it is especially important to identify and completely avoid the allergenic ingredient. If hemorrhoids are the cause, they can be treated, for example, with suppositories like CANNEFF® SUP suppositories or be treated with ointments and creams. In addition to the therapy of anal eczema, gentle and thorough hygiene of the anal area is an essential factor for the healing process. In summary, it can be stated that the treatment of anal eczema strongly depends on the causes and symptoms. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice when anal eczema occurs to obtain an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment for your individual complaints.

How can I prevent an anal eczema?

Thorough and gentle anal hygiene after bowel movements is especially crucial for preventing anal eczema. Rough or damp toilet paper should generally be avoided. Underwear made from natural materials is better suited for regulating moisture in the intimate and anal areas than synthetic fabrics and should therefore also be mentioned as a preventive measure. Nutrition also plays a central role in preventing anal eczema. Pay attention to your gut health, drink enough water, and avoid sweets and sugar.  

What is the difference between an anal eczema and hemorrhoids?

Although hemorrhoidal conditions can trigger an anal eczema, these proctological ailments differ on several levels. Itching at the anus, due to anal eczema or rather hemorrhoids? Both anal complaints can cause itching and burning at the anus, whereby a sign of anal eczema is particularly intense Itching at the anus For the correct treatment of anal eczema, it is advisable to seek medical expertise and advice. Anal eczema affects the skin around the anus, while hemorrhoids serve as vascular cushions sealing the end of the rectum at the anus. If these vascular cushions enlarge, this is the cause of the disease pattern of Hemorrhoids, whereby these blood vessels can also be pushed out of the anus by strong straining. Due to chronic irritation and the discharge of intestinal secretions, the development of anal eczema is a possible consequence.
The following distinguishing features allow even a first assessment of complaints at the anus. 

While anal eczema occurs externally around the rosette at the anus, hemorrhoids are basically located inside the anus; larger hemorrhoids in later stages of hemorrhoidal disease can also protrude outside the anus (prolapse). 

While in anal eczema usually no Pain at the anus occur, here the Itching at the anus the more intense the symptoms. In cases of hemorrhoids occur Pain at the anus usually only appear in later stages of hemorrhoidal disease. 

In case of blood at the anus or even Blood in stool is it should be noted that in anal eczema bleeding at the anus, especially due to increased scratching, with intense Itching at the anus can occur. In cases of Hemorrhoids can, however, cause bleeding during or shortly after bowel movements. This damage to the vessel walls of the hemorrhoids can be caused by hard stool or strong straining during bowel movements. Blood in the stool, or blood from Hemorrhoids usually appear as bright red to red blood traces on toilet paper or directly as blood in the stool. In cases of Blood in the stool one should not self-diagnose but definitely have the symptoms in the anal region medically examined.

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

CANNEFF® SUP suppositories for rectal use, with CBD and Hyaluronic Acid can relieve various symptoms and discomfort in the anal region. The suppositories promote and support the healing process in Hemorrhoids, Anal fistulas, Anal fissures and lesions in the anal region. Even after colorectal surgeries, CANNEFF® SUP suppositories help to support the healing process and minimize discomfort in the anal area.

Find more information here about Hemorrhoids, Blood in the stool, Itching at the anus, Pain at the anus, but also the innovative medical device CANNEFF® SUP Suppositories with the unique active ingredient combination of CBD and Hyaluronic Acid.