Although anal itching is unpleasant, it can rarely be a sign of a serious medical problem. Most cases can be managed with lifestyle changes or medical treatment. Here are some common reasons why you might have anal itching and what to do about them.
HYGIENE
Experts say hygiene practices are the most common cause of anal itching. Wiping aggressively, wiping with scented or perfumed products can irritate that area.
FOOD
Some foods can irritate the anal area. Think twice before eating the foods listed below:
spicy food
Coffee and Tea
Coke
Milk
Citrus
Tomatoes
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Another irritant that can cause anal itching is fragrance found in laundry detergent, soap, and wipes. Fragrance allergies are very common and affect about 1% of adults.
When scented laundry detergent is used to wash clothes, allergens in the scent pass onto the clothes. This clothing and underwear can irritate the skin and the skin around the anus when worn.
Touching irritated skin with hands washed with scented soaps can further irritate the skin. This irritation manifests as dry, itchy skin or a red itchy rash.
HEMOROIDS
Hemorrhoids are a common condition caused by swelling of the veins in the anus and lower rectum. An estimated half of people begin to experience this condition after age 50. You may have symptom-free hemorrhoids, but when they become inflamed it can be difficult to properly wipe and clean yourself, which can cause anal itching.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
Sexually transmitted infections that can cause perianal itching include gonorrhea, herpes, HPV and chlamydia.
CLAY WOLF
Pinworm infections are the most common intestinal worm infection. Pinworms can happen to anyone. However, it is most commonly seen in children between the ages of 5 and 10.
SKIN DISEASES
Eczema and psoriasis are skin rashes that can cause anal itching if they are located in that area of the body.
Anal Fissures (Breech Fissure)
Anal fissures are small tears in the tissue lining your anus. Most cases occur when passing hard or large bowel movements that damage the large intestine and soft tissue.
NERVE DAMAGE
Anal irritation can result from damage to nerve fibers in the skin around the anus. This damage can occur with excessive itching, scratching, or wiping after using the bathroom. When nerve fibers become chronically active after this repetitive trauma, your anus can become irritated, inflamed, and itchy.