Remedies for Anal Itching

Anal itching is an unpleasant pseudo-pathological condition in which the more or less urgent need to scratch is perceived.

Anal itching is often due to morbid-irritative processes localized around the anal orifice, such as candidiasis, anal dermatitis, hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, gonorrhea, oxyuriasis and anal fissures. In addition to the causes just described, anal itching can also depend on factors. of a psychological nature (stress) or poor intimate hygiene or thyroid disorders Anal itching is accompanied by secondary symptoms, especially burning, local pain, erythema and anal bleeding.

The published material is intended to allow quick access to general advice, suggestions and remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Anal Itch; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient. it can accentuate or trigger an annoying anal itch, which often also spreads to the genital level

Always carefully dry the genital and anal area with a hairdryer or with a soft cotton cloth (in particular, after intimate hygiene)

Wear cotton underwear: prefer the one without seams and with soft elastic so as not to irritate the already irritated genital and anal area

If possible, in case of jobs that require sitting for a long time, recline on a sponge or cotton pillow to reduce sweating at the genital and anal level

Regularize the frequency of evacuation: people with chronic diarrhea tend to complain of anal itching. It is therefore advisable to follow a specific diet in order to keep bowel movements under control. However, anal itching also affects people with chronic constipation: hard stools can damage the anal orifice, causing fissures and itching.

Notify your doctor immediately if you have blood in your stool

If the sexual partner also complains of anal itching, the doctor's opinion is recommended: in this case, an ongoing venereal disease is conceivable

Wash the anal area with fresh but not freezing water: the cold has a mild analgesic effect

Apply creams or ointments only after thoroughly drying the anal and genital area

or other pharmaceutical formulations without consulting your doctor: such an attitude can even aggravate pre-existing itching

Excessive intake of laxatives: even the excessive and exaggerated use of laxative products can irritate the genital area, thus promoting itching

Anal intercourse: in case of anal itching, it is recommended to refrain from similar approaches to avoid aggravating the itching

Stay with the wet suit for a long time: the humidity created by the wet suit makes the genital and anal area an ideal ground for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi

and balanced is the basis for a perfect intestinal regularity: a too low or excessive frequency of evacuation favors the onset of anal itching.

Take an adequate amount of fiber, whole grains (eg bran) and vegetables

Take yogurt with live lactic ferments or a probiotic in case of prolonged antibiotic therapy (to strengthen the immune system)

Consume lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E) and fiber

If food allergy-dependent anal itching is suspected, follow an exclusion diet, which is helpful in identifying the responsible food.

and spicy

Coffee (it is advisable to limit its consumption)

Alcohol (it is advisable to limit its consumption)

Sweets (it is advisable to limit their consumption)

Foods such as tomatoes, chocolate, coffee and nuts can alter the normal frequency of bowel movements, so anal itchy accused are possible.

Avoid the consumption of foods that are difficult to digest, such as dips, fries and foods rich in fat

with soothing, anti-itching and emollient action:

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.) → particularly indicated in case of anal itching caused by hemorrhoids
Uncaria tormentosa-based cream → anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties
Sweet almond oil (Prunus dulcis or Prunus amygdalus) → anti-itch, soothing and nourishing properties
Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) → recommended if anal itching is accompanied by cuts and small abrasions. St. John's wort boasts healing and anti-inflammatory properties
Chamomile-based ointments (Matricaria chamomile L.) → anti-inflammatory, soothing properties
Oat-based creams (Avena sativa) → anti-reddening and anti-itching properties
Zinc-based ointments: anti-irritative properties. Often found in combination with beeswax, vegetable glycerol and sweet almond oil

(eg. Plenadren, Locoidon)

Local anesthetics: Lidocaine (vagisil), Pramoxine (eg Proctofoam HC) or Benzocaine (eg Foille ointment)

For anal itching dependent on fungal infections (e.g. from Candida albicans):

Nystatin (eg Mycostatin, Nizoral): oral administration
Cancidas (eg Caspofungin): to be taken orally

For anal itching due to contact allergies, it is recommended to take antihistamines such as:

Diphenhydramine (eg. Aliserin, Diphenes C FN)
Hydroxyzine (eg Atarax)

. Furthermore, we recommend washing carefully with water and neutral soap even in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed.

Always wash your hands thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection

Use condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

Bring disinfectant wipes or specific liquid formulations with you (e.g. amuchina, anonet)

Reduce Stress: Meditation and yoga are important remedies to relax the body and spirit:

minimize stress = reduce the risk of "side effects" (including anal itching!). Let us briefly recall that anal itching can be triggered or accentuated by extreme stressful conditions.

In case of infection-dependent anal itching, the sexual partner can follow a specific therapy (even in the absence of symptoms) to prevent recurrence of infections and itching

If possible, temporarily avoid sports such as cycling and horseback riding, which could accentuate anal itching

. In this case, it is necessary to intervene with a targeted chemo / radiotherapy, possibly associated with a surgical intervention aimed at eliminating the tumor.

anal fissures: if the disorder tends to recur despite the "adoption of correct hygiene and behavioral rules, a small" surgery is performed to partial resection of the internal anal sphincter, or to cover the fissure with flaps of skin taken from elsewhere (anoplasty)

haemorrhoids: the Longo surgical technique (repositioning of prolapsed haemorrhoids) allows the patient to recover more quickly than traditional haemorrhoidectomy (removal of haemorrhoids); the THD technique is indicated in I-II degree haemorrhoidal prolapse associated with frequent bleeding

The "psychopathic" itch must be treated with a targeted psychotherapeutic process