Medicines to Treat Anal Itching

Definition

By "anal itching" we mean an unpleasant and embarrassing pseudo-pathological condition in which the affected subject feels the need, more or less pressing, to scratch; anal itching is localized around the anus and often also involves the skin surrounding it. The itching can be more or less intense, depending on the triggering cause.

Causes

Anal itching is the result of many and varied causes: candidiasis, anal dermatitis (caused by the application of drugs or contact with synthetic underwear), diarrhea, thyroid disorders, psychotic disorders, anal fistulas, gonorrhea (involving anal and rectal) , autoimmune diseases, oxyuriasis (parasitosis), anal fissures, stagnation of sweat in the perianal area, poor intimate hygiene, trichomoniasis.

Symptoms

Generally, anal itching begins in association with other symptoms, such as burning, local pain, erythema, irritation, blood loss; sometimes, itching is a symptom of more or less complex diseases such as: colon cancer, hemorrhoids, sexually transmitted diseases, proctitis.

The information on Anal Itch - Anal Itch Medication is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Anal Itching - Anal Itching Medicines.

Medicines

Also in this case, the treatment for anal itching depends on the cause of origin, therefore any "do-it-yourself treatment", without consulting a doctor, is strongly discouraged; so much so that some so-called home treatments can even worsen the disorder. .
In general, the therapy aimed at relieving anal itching is based on the intake of drugs, applied in locus, in addition to the modification of the diet if the patient follows an unbalanced diet.

General indications for a correct diet in the context of anal itching:

take a lot of fiber, abundant cereals and vegetables
avoid spicy and spicy foods
moderate the consumption of coffee
do not drink alcohol
reduce sugars

In extreme cases, anal itching can embody an alarm bell for complex and serious diseases such as colorectal cancer: in this case, before resorting to taking drugs, the patient is generally subjected to a "surgical operation. .
There are also cases in which anal itching is not attributable to any of the causes described above, for which the treatments undertaken are in vain: here, therefore, that in such situations a psychological disorder is conceivable, consequently anal itching must be treated with an adequate psychotherapeutic process.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against anal itching, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Steroids: with a medical prescription, these drugs, applied locally, reduce inflammation, pain caused by scratching and swelling, therefore anal itching disappears. Indiscriminate use of these drugs can create serious side effects; moreover, the spontaneous interruption of the therapy before completing the program established by the specialist, could generate a negative reaction and facilitate relapses.

Hydrocortisone (eg Plenadren, Locoidon, Colifoam): it is recommended to apply the drug in the form of a cream or gel directly on the skin and anal mucosa affected by itching. Do not apply the cream more than 4 times a day. Hydrocortisone is the drug of excellence that represents the category of steroids used in therapy to appease anal itching.

Antihistamines: This class of drugs is indicated to reduce anal itching caused by contact allergies.

Diphenhydramine (eg Aliserin, Diphenes C FN): anticholinergic and antihistamine drug, widely used in therapy to relieve itching. It is recommended to take an oral dose of the drug ranging from 25 to 50 mg, every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 300 mg per day.
Hydroxyzine (eg Atarax): the antihistamine drug is indicated to resolve anal itching, at a dose of 25 mg orally (or intramuscularly), 3-4 times a day.

Antifungals and antibacterials: antifungal drugs are indicated to remove both the triggering cause (fungal infections) and secondary symptoms (anal itching). For the same reason, antibiotic drugs can be used if anal itching is caused by a bacterial insult.

Nystatin (eg. Mycostatin, Nizoral): it is recommended to administer 500,000 IU tablets / dragees of nystatin per ml (or oral suspension of 100,000 IU / ml) three times a day. The duration of the therapy must be established by the doctor. The drug, by removing the fungus, also favors the resolution of anal itching.
Anidulafungin (eg Ecalta): these are echinocandins with antifungal activity. The drug comes in powder form for infusion solutions. It is prescribed to treat diseases such as systemic candidiasis and candida vulvovaginitis, accompanied by anal itching of varying degrees. The drug is given with a starting dose of 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg / day for about two weeks. The duration of the treatment must be determined by the doctor.

For further information: see the article dedicated to drugs for the treatment of candidiasis and to treat vaginitis.

Topical anesthetics:

Pramoxine (eg Proctofoam HC): it is a local anesthetic, useful for reducing the perception of discomfort, pain and burning that often accompanies itching after scratching. The product should be applied to injured skin, 3-4 times a day, or according to further medical indications. The drug is also indicated for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Lidocaine (eg Vagisil, Lidoc C OGN, Elidoxil): it is a drug belonging to the class of anesthetics. Also available in the form of 0.5% cream and 2% gel; it is recommended to apply the product directly on the skin affected by itching 3-4 times a day, as needed.

Other substances to treat anal itching:

Methylene Blue: its use (1% perianal infiltration) is generally recommended in association with local anesthetics, to enhance the therapeutic action of the latter.
Zinc oxide: zinc oxide has anti-irritative properties and - often found in association with other substances such as sweet almond oil, beeswax, vegetable glycerol - is indicated to reduce itching by creating a sort of protective barrier in the perianal area.
Eosin (eg. Neomercurocromo): the therapeutic use of this substance to treat anal itching is quite rare, although it is used by some specialists for its therapeutic disinfectant action (in case of bacterial infections associated with anal itching).
Loperamide (eg Imodium): it is an antidiarrheal drug; in fact, diarrhea can be a cause of anal itching. Begin treatment for acute diarrhea with 4 mg of the drug orally, to be taken after the first bowel movement. Continue therapy with 2 mg of substance (do not exceed 16 mg in 24 hours). Generally, the disorder goes away in 48 hours. Do not take the drug for more than 5 consecutive days. The administration of probiotics is recommended, useful for rebalancing the altered intestinal bacterial flora.

Additional general indications for the prevention and control of anal itching:

avoid scratching → rubbing worsens the condition
wearing non-synthetic underwear; prefer breathable cotton clothing
do not use aggressive detergents: prefer delicate products and warm water to avoid worsening the itching