Anal itching is a pathological manifestation characterized by a persistent annoying sensation of itching around the anus. Itching may be a manifestation of some disease in the field of proctology. However, often this deviation is not related to intestinal diseases.
Causes
The cause of anal itching may be skin dryness (age-related changes) or increased moisture (excessive sweating, tendency to diarrhea, fecal incontinence). Anal itching can be triggered by hygiene products, certain types of rectal medications, spicy food, hair removal, and poor hygiene. Anal itching may occur against the background of other diseases: proctological (hemorrhoids, proctitis), dermatological (seborrhea, psoriasis, etc.), fungal (candidiasis, actinomycosis), gynecological inflammations, viral infections, diabetes, pancreatitis. Worms, bacteria, pubic lice, and scabies are also causes of anal itching.
Symptoms of Anal Itching
The itching itself is the main clinical symptom. In its acute form, anal itching appears suddenly and intensely, the skin around the anus becomes constantly moist, and the patient may scratch the skin, leading to redness, inflammation, and infection. The chronic type of itching is characterized by excessive dryness of the skin in the rectal area and a gradual increase in the sensation of itching. Scratches are not observed.
Diagnosis of Anal Itching in Israel
When itching occurs in the anal area, the patient should undergo an examination by a proctologist in Israel.
The doctor prescribes the following types of examinations:
- scraping – detection of parasite eggs
- stool analysis
- rectosigmoidoscopy and other intestinal studies
- sphincter manometry – determining the functionality of the anal sphincters
- ultrasound and gastroscopy to identify gastrointestinal disturbances
- for men - prostate ultrasound
- for women - gynecological examination, smear
- blood test for sugar levels.
Treatment of Anal Itching in Israel
Despite its apparent simplicity, anal itching is difficult to treat. Depending on the origin, different types of treatment are prescribed to the patient in Israel. This may include antifungal and antiviral therapy, and in the case of helminthic infections - antihelminthic medications. Hemorrhoids and other proctological pathologies may require surgical intervention. If itching is a symptom of serious diseases (diabetes, AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis), the treatment process will be very complex and lengthy. In therapy, alongside the main treatment of the causes of itching, external agents are used to help alleviate the symptom. Such therapy is applied in cases where the causes of the pathology are not established. Balanced nutrition, hygiene, comfortable underwear, and timely treatment of skin diseases, infections, and inflammations will prevent the development of anal itching.