Anal itching is easily one of the most uncomfortable as well as socially embarrassing conditions to suffer from. Also known as pruritus ani or anusitis, the condition is characterized by a severe irritation and sometimes inflammation of the skin that surrounds the anus. The fact that the skin of the peri rectal area is significantly exposed to irritating digestive products in stool can increase the likelihood of it developing an itchy rash, especially if the stools are increasingly frequent. In most cases, the rash is significantly worsened by the constant scrubbing and use of toilet paper. It is important to note that anal itching is not a disease on its own, but should be considered to be more of a sign or symptom of some other, underlying medical concern. Unfortunately, there are a number of cases in which the underlying cause is never clearly identified.
Anal itching can be significantly worsened by a number of factors such as excessive moisture, mental stress, heat as well as anxiety. Excessive dryness of the skin around the anal area also increases the risk of developing anal itching. The chemicals present in substances such as soaps, douches, and laundry detergents can also act as aggravators for the same.
Most treatment options for anal itching are the same as you would apply to itching in any other part of the body. The application of aloe vera, vitamin E oil or even lemon juice is known to be very effective in reducing the prominence of the irritation. You could also try adding a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water to help relieve the pruritus while baking soda added to your bath water can be equally effective. One of the best detailed treatment options for anal itching would be to cleanse the area gently but thoroughly after a bowel movement on every occasion. You should also make it a point to moisten the toilet paper with lukewarm water as dry toilet paper does not cleanse as well as when it is wet. Moreover, the wet tissue paper does not irritate your skin. Avoid using any kinds of soaps or detergents on your anal area but instead cleanse with plain water. Scratching the area when instigated can also cause infection or additional irritation and using pre – moistened wipes to clean the area will help significantly. Your choice of undergarments is also very important and wearing comfortable, cotton ones will help tremendously.