Pruritus Ani

PRURITUS ANI
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An intense itching and urge to scratch in and around the anus. The symptoms are most noticeable at night or after a bowel movement. Some patients experience a burning sensation and/or note blood on the toilet paper after passing a stool.
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The most common causes are prolonged moisture in the area, certain foods, topical irritants, and rarely a parasite called pinworms. This is a common problem that affects up to 5% of the population.
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Scratching must be avoided. Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause, when present. For example, haemorrhoids are helped by avoiding constipation, sitz baths and hydrocortisone suppositories or creams.