pruritus ani
Last reviewed 01/2018
Pruritus ani is itching around the anus.
Possible causes include:
- threadworm infection - itching occurs at night and may contribute to the autoinfection of patients with this condition, especially younger patients
- simple irritancy e.g. faecal soiling, poor hygiene
- local disorders e.g. haemorrhoids, infection, warts; rarely, neoplasm
- primary dermatoses e.g. psoriasis, lichen sclerosis, erythrasma
- diabetes mellitus - predisposing to candidiasis
- allergy to local anaesthetic
- use of topical steroids
- foreign bodies