After itching itching on the anus

When the anus itches: causes and help with Afterjucken

Afterjucken can occur as a short-term harmless symptom that immediately after scratching or on its own again subsides. But develops in various, sometimes quite serious diseases, also an unpleasant burning and itching in the anal area. The itching on the anus should therefore be checked urgently by a doctor if it occurs repeatedly. In general, Afterjucken is a relatively common complaint that most people are reluctant to talk about. A variety of causes can cause the itching, ranging from the consumption of certain foods over stress to organic diseases. Children suffering from intense itching in the anal area, is often a worm of the triggers.

contents

• When the anus itches: causes and help with Afterjucken
• definition
• Symptoms of pruritus ani
• Causes of Afterjucken
• diagnosis
• Treatment of pruritus ani
• Naturopathy

definition

Afterjucken describes a complaint that is characterized by an intense itching in the anal area. The medical term for such impairments is pruritus ani. Frequently, the terms afterburning and itching are used to describe the same type of complaint, since the burning is accompanied by itching and the itching or subsequent scratching leads to afterburning.

Anus complaints as well as pain on or in the anus can have different causes. (Image: bilderzwerg / fotolia.com)

Symptoms of pruritus ani

It shows strong itching directly on the anus, which can spread in the further course, however, over the perineum to the male testicle or the female labia, so that it comes in addition to testicular or vaginal itching. Most sufferers give in to the itching and try to get relief by scratching, which can indeed be successful in the short term, but in the long term leads to a significant deterioration of the symptoms. Because of the injuries of the skin, which arise during scratching, the development of a so-called Analekzems (itchy rash in the anal area) is favored. Skin irritations, burning and itching increase significantly. The intensity and duration can vary significantly according to the many different causes. For some patients, the shortage of unpleasant discomfort causes others to experience prolonged, intense itching, often in conjunction with a very painful burning sensation. In the various triggers of afterburning numerous other concomitant symptoms are observed, which are then explained in more detail in connection with the respective causes.

Causes of Afterjucken

The spectrum of possible triggers of pruritus ani ranges from relatively harmless allergic reactions and hygienic deficiencies to local infections with bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites to so-called anorectal diseases (rectal and anal diseases). Also, metabolic diseases such as diabetes or kidney dysfunction may be mentioned as the cause of irritation of the skin in the anal area and corresponding afterjuicing.

Hygienic defects, mechanical irritation, food
In general, the conditions in the anal area favor the appearance of itchy skin. Exactly like in the genital area, there are skin parts on top of each other which cause wrinkles. In these folds of the skin, warm and oxygen-poor areas are formed, which lead to swelling and lacerations of the skin and at the same time provide good starting conditions for the propagation of germs. An additional germ colonization is favored by the contact with stool, urine, outflow and sperm. These starting conditions worsen additionally with pronounced overweight (obesity).

Thorough anal hygiene is of particular importance given the conditions described. Because remain due to insufficient anal hygiene stool residues in the anal area, this can easily lead to inflammatory skin irritation of the anal skin (anoderm), which bring a burning itch with it. However, an excess of hygiene as a possible cause of the itch is also known. For example, the sensitive anal mucosa is particularly sensitive to contact with ingredients in soaps and creams. Their use can therefore lead to significant skin irritation in the anal area. The same applies to printed and perfumed toilet paper. The skin shows a kind of allergic reaction, which is why the contact allergic analgesic is mentioned here. This may also be due to an allergy to laundry detergent or underwear material.

For example, mechanical irritation of the anoderm and its itching may result from the use of excessively rough toilet paper or unsuitable underwear. The surface of the skin is easily damaged, which then favors the development of inflammatory processes. Although the mechanical irritation caused by rough toilet paper can be avoided, for example, with the use of moist toilet paper, this is often enriched with fragrances and preservatives, which in turn promotes the development of contact allergic analgesia. Other causes of mechanical irritation in the anal area are walking and cycling.

Anyone who has ever eaten really hot, knows that the excretion of chilli and Co. can lead to an unpleasant burning and itching in the anal area. In addition to spicy spices, citrus fruits, tomatoes and many other foods are known as possible causes of short-term after-jolting and burning. As a rule, however, the symptoms usually cease as soon as the ingested food has been completely eliminated.

Hemorrhoids / Hemorrhoids
Many people suffer from hemorrhoidal disease, which describes a pathological change in the annular vascular cushions around the anus. These so-called hemorrhoids serve for fine closure of the anus. They prevent the involuntary leakage of stool and secretions. If the tissue of the vascular cushions is weakened, as is the case in growing age anyway, sometimes there is a pathological enlargement of the hemorrhoids and so-called hemorrhoidal nodules, which can also pass outwards. As the occlusion of the anus is inadequate, secretion increases, which in turn can lead to inflammatory skin changes or the development of anal eczema, which can cause after-itching. In the case of haemorrhoidal disease, blood stains often appear on the toilet paper after bowel movements and blood residues can also be seen on the surface of the stool.

anal fissures
Tears of the anal mucosa, also called anal fissures, are primarily extremely painful and less accompanied by anal itching. They are caused, for example, by a too hard stool consistency in already weakened tissue structure of the anal mucosa. Also, certain sexual practices such as the anal insertion of vibrators or anal intercourse may cause the tears of the anoderm. Especially during and after bowel movements suffer from an extremely painful burning in the area of ​​the open wound, which can lead to cramping and obstruction of the stool delivery. If the anal fissure heals over time, this is often accompanied by a strong itching. However, scratching can lead to a reopening of the wound and should therefore be avoided as far as possible. On the toilet paper are in an anal fissure often - similar to the Hämorrhoidalleiden - bright red blood residue to observe.

Hemorrhoids are often the cause of pain and itching on the anus. (Image: ellepigrafica / fotolia.com)

infections
Local infections with bacteria, fungi or viruses can also be the cause of itching on the anus. The pathogens infest the upper layers of the skin and lead here to corresponding skin irritations, usually in the form of a rash with redness, pustules, blisters and dandruff. The bacteria that cause the corresponding infections in the anal area include, for example, streptococci and staphylococci. Viral genital and anal infections, which can cause unpleasant itching, are often caused by so-called human papillomaviruses (trigger of the genital warts). Fungal infections and corresponding rash are usually triggered by a pathological increase of the yeast fungus Candida albicans. The injuries caused by scratching can significantly worsen the symptoms of the local infections, as the pathogens reach deeper skin layers via open wounds. In the worst case, threatening the patient with a massive expansion of the infection life-threatening blood poisoning.

Also parasitic infections are to be mentioned as possible causes, whereby here in particular the so-called Madenwurminfektionen play a prominent role. In the case of an infection with pinworm, the itching is caused by the oviposition of the female pinworm around the anus. Normally the animals live in the intestine and leave it only to place their eggs in the anus area. In addition to the Afterjucken symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and possibly rectal bleeding are observed in a serious Madenwurminfektion. There are also complaints of appendicitis such as loss of appetite, fever, nausea and vomiting. When scratching, the highly infectious eggs can adhere to the fingers, which causes an increased risk of infection in the environment and promotes a re-oral intake of eggs by those affected. In addition, the skin is injured by scratching, which can lead to inflammatory processes and secondary infections. Other parasites that can cause an infection in the anal area and corresponding afterjuicing are, for example, scabies mites.

Other causes of the itch
Numerous other factors can cause the itching on the anus, but they are much less common than the triggers already mentioned. For example, the itching is sometimes due to a Mariske (anatomical peculiarity, Analfalte) or a hereditary skin diseases such as Darier's disease. Even non-hereditary skin diseases (for example, lichen sclerosus) may be the cause of the itch. Other skin diseases that cause unpleasant after-juggling include seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis (psoriasis in the anal area). The latter causes instead of the usually typical dander a whitish coating, which resembles a fungal infection.

In addition, after-itching is increasingly associated with diseases that include chronic diarrhea, such as Crohn's disease. Proctological diseases such as anal polyps, rectal polyps and cancers such as perianal carcinoma or anorectal melanoma are also possible trigger factors of the anus.

Women are increasingly suffering from hormonal changes or lower estrogen levels after menopause. Also, the itching may occasionally occur in the blood in conjunction with a lack of vitamins (B + A). If no physical causes can be determined, there is talk of an "idiopathic after-jug". Here is also a connection with psychological stress or stress suspected.

diagnosis

Prolonged or recurring itching in the anal area should be checked by a specialist or proctologist. Since the complaints can be based on a variety of causes, all symptoms are first queried in the context of a detailed anamnesis, to allow here already a first limitation of the symptoms. A proctological examination follows, in which the skin of the anal region is examined more closely, the anus is scanned and, if necessary, an endoscopic proctoscopy is performed. Possible hemorrhoids, anal fissures and various other proctological diseases can usually be clearly diagnosed in this way. If an infectious rash appears in the anal area, a smear followed by a laboratory examination can serve to detect bacteria, viruses or fungi. Based on a stool sample can be detected a Madenwurminfektion and a blood test provides important evidence of possibly existing vitamin deficiencies and systemic diseases. A so-called rectoscopy and the removal of a tissue sample is performed, for example, in case of suspected cancer.

Treatment of pruritus ani

Regardless of the causes, scratching - in spite of the itching - should be avoided, as otherwise the symptoms may worsen. In addition, further therapeutic measures are generally geared to the causes of the complaints. If, for example, pruritus ani is based on allergic reactions to cosmetics and hygiene products, the symptoms can generally be resolved by not using the appropriate products and / or changing the anal hygiene. Acute inflammatory skin irritations are often treated in conventional medicine with glucocorticoids, but these carry a significant risk of side effects especially after prolonged use. A long-term therapy of inflammatory skin diseases in the anal area is therefore usually with gentler drugs, such as ointments based on ammonium bituminosulfonate.

Diseases of the hemorrhoids are often first treated with so-called hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids), which can be purchased, for example in the form of suppositories, ointments, creams, mullein or anal tampons in the pharmacy. However, their effect is quite controversial in the professional world and of an own therapy without medical support is strongly discouraged. A change in diet can influence stool consistency to reduce pressure on the hemorrhoid during bowel movements. A high fiber content and sufficient fluid intake contribute here to a softer stool consistency .Generally, sufferers should avoid strong pressing during bowel movements as possible. Severe cases of hemorrhoidal disease require outpatient or even inpatient treatment.

Also in the treatment of anal fissures, a dietary change is usually provided in order to achieve a softer stool consistency and to keep the burden of the anal mucosa during bowel movements as low as possible. In case of severe pain, salves with local anesthetics can be used for relief. In addition, other ointments for local use are available, which should allow a relaxation of the sphincter. Within a maximum of two months, the anal fissures usually heal completely with appropriate care and thorough anal hygiene. If this is not the case, surgery may be considered.

Bacterial skin infections in the anal area are usually treated with the external use of antibiotic agents, against fungal infections come antimycotics used and against viral infections so-called antivirals or cytostatics can be applied. However, the viral infections are much more difficult to treat than the bacterial infections and fungal infection, since the drugs often do not show the desired effectiveness. Nevertheless, the chances of recovery in infectious skin diseases in the area of ​​the anus are relatively good overall.

Against parasitic infections with pinworms, so-called anthelminthics (vermifuge) are administered, which are intended to cause the worms to die. A particularly thorough hygiene with repeated changing of the underwear during the day is also the prescription of the therapy, in order to avoid re-infections. Also, the fingernails should be cut short so that no eggs of the pinworm can stick here. Furthermore, a daily change of bed linen may be appropriate. All laundry that may be contaminated with pinworms should be washed at least 60 degrees to ensure worm kidnapping.

According to the numerous possible causes of the itchy jaw several other treatment approaches come into play, ranging from the application of anti-inflammatory and healing-promoting ointments in anal eczema on surgical procedures in Marisken and tumors to radiotherapy for difficult to treat cancers. Which measures are required in the end depends to a large extent on the individual symptoms of the patients.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy holds out effective remedies and measures against many causes of the anus-jaw. For example, skin irritations in the anal area are often treated on a plant basis with marigold, horse chestnut and arnica ointment. Marigold ointment, I have also proven against hemorrhoids. The same applies to sitz baths made of chamomile, horsetail and oak bark extract as well as extracts of witch hazel (witch hazel). However, according to its holistic approach, natural medicine also includes other aspects, such as a possibly present acidification of the organism and indigestion (for example constipation) in the treatment. As homeopathic remedies for hemorrhoids, for example, the active ingredients Aloe, Aesculus and Nux vomica are used. Homeopathy uses Ratanhia for anal fissures. Sulfur is said to act as a homeopathic remedy generally against after-itching. The so-called orthomolecular medicine is increasingly used in naturopathic therapy when a connection of the itch with a vitamin deficiency is suspected. If the symptoms are related to psychological factors, learning relaxation techniques (for example, autogenic training) can be an important part of the therapy. In many cases of serious proctological diseases, however, naturopathy offers only ways to support conventional medical therapy. (Fp)

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