What you should know about anal itching
Anal itching is an itching or tingling sensation at or around the sphincter of the bowel, the anus. It is also known as perianal itching or pruritus, and it can affect men, women and children. Itching around or inside the anus can be intense, creating a strong urge to scratch and causing considerable discomfort, irritation and sleepless nights. If the anus itches only in the evening while in bed, there may be an infection with pinworms (worms).
What to do about anal itchingIf you have anal itching, it is important to always maintain good hygiene:
– Wash your hands frequently and after every visit to the toilet
– Avoid perfumed or moist toilet paper
– Avoid skin-care products such as cream
– Wear cotton underwear that is not too tight
– Prevent hemorrhoids and straining during bowel movements
Symptoms of anal itching
- Irritation of the skin around the anus
- Red spots or bumps
- Changes in bowel movements
- Sleep may decrease
- Fatigue
- Acute: when the itching starts suddenly, a food allergy or contact allergy, an infection, or a reaction to medication (or cosmetic products) is most likely
- Chronic: with long-lasting itching, food intolerances and intestinal complaints should be considered
- If the condition lasts longer than a week, consult your doctor
Testing for anal itching
For itching and other skin complaints, stool testing through Darmklachten.nl may help. See our recommended test packages and individual modules below.
Additional tests
For anal itching, in addition to stool testing, it is advisable to also have additional tests carried out for the following parameters:
- Diabetes
- Allergies
- If gonorrhea, genital warts or chlamydia are suspected
- Hemorrhoids
- Tumors
Causes of anal itching
- Excessive washing and the use of soap and skin-care products
- The use of moist wipes and toilet paper containing dyes and perfumes
- A food allergy
- Gluten intolerance
- Diabetes
- Pinworms
- Candida infection
- A skin condition such as psoriasis
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal tumors
- Sexually transmitted infection
More information about the tests
- Digestive parameters pH, fat, starch, color and consistency of the stool – read more…
- Yeasts and fungi – Testing for the presence of Candida albicans, among others – read more…
- Worms – Testing for infections with worms (multicellular parasites) – read more…
- Antigliadin and anti-ht-Transglutaminase – Markers for gluten intolerance – read more…
About darmklachten.nl
Darmklachten.nl is an initiative of MGlab&Advies, a laboratory specializing in stool testing. …read more
