6 Possible Causes of Sharp, Burning Anal Pain

Anal pain is often more than a modest annoyance. Sometimes, it can present as sharp and burning, interfering with your daily life and creating an urgent need for treatment. 

For positive identification of one of the many causes for burning anal pain, visit proctologist Dr. Lisa Perryman and the team at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado. As rectal pain specialists, we’re here to diagnose and treat your condition and help you get your life back on track quickly. 

We’ve compiled a list of 6 common reasons why you might be suffering from significant anal pain to help get you on the path to recovery. 

Hemorrhoids

One of the most common anal/rectal issues, hemorrhoids are itchy in a best case scenario, but  they can cause sharp, burning pain when they’re severely symptomatic. Half of the population in the country will suffer from hemorrhoids by the time they’re 50, accounting for about 2 million medical visits annually. 

Anal fissures

The skin around the anus can be subject to cracking and tearing, often in connection with stretching from passing constipated or large bowel movements. Sharp, burning pain is a common symptom once a fissure starts. Fissures can lead to infection. 

Anal abscesses and fistulas

Glands around the anus can become plugged, similar to the way skin pores on your face clog when you have acne. Like acne, abscesses and fistulas can cause bacterial infections, which in turn triggers burning pain. You may have other symptoms of infection, including chills and fever. 

Fistulas frequently form because of an abscess, creating a tunnel from the anal canal to the skin’s surface outside the anus. These, too, can cause sharp pain. 

Eczema and psoriasis

Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can lead to sharp, burning pain when you have an outbreak around the anus. Both conditions can lead to dry, scaly patches of skin that are vulnerable to irritation. 

Sexually transmitted infections

The anus and rectum can be vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which can cause symptoms such as itching and burning pain. STIs that may affect the anus include: 

• Anal herpes
• Anal warts (human papillomavirus, or HPV)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be more susceptible to infections of the anus and rectum, leading to sharp pain. 

Unhealthy hygiene

Prolonged contact between feces and skin can irritate the skin to the point where painful symptoms develop. Incomplete cleaning after bowel movements can lead to burning pain. 

Conversely, aggressive cleaning can also irritate the skin, removing its natural protective barriers. This can cause itching that leads to even more aggressive cleaning and more severe symptoms. 

The time to visit Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists is when your symptoms are in the early, itching stages, before sharp, burning pain takes over. To take care of anal pain before it comes serious, call our office or use our online booking link today to make an appointment to see Dr. Perryman.