Can an Anal Fistula Heal on Its Own?
Anal fistulas form when an abscess affects the anal area. An anal fistula is a tunnel between the skin of the buttocks and the anal canal. The condition can be painful—but can it heal on its own?
Why Am I So Itchy Back There?
You may feel hesitant to discuss anal itching with a health care provider, but this issue is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Anal itching is a common problem, and the causes range from lifestyle factors to medical conditions. If you’re dealing with anal itching that isn’t going away, it’s wise to discuss it with a doctor.
Board-certified colon and rectal surgeon Lisa Perryman, MD cares for patients at her office in Parker, Colorado, with a full spectrum of colorectal conditions. Anal itching is rarely a sign of something serious but can be intense and disruptive to your daily life. If you’re struggling with bothersome itching, Dr. Perryman can evaluate your symptoms and get to the root cause.
Anal itching
There’s no need to fret over an occasional itchy anus, but persistent anal itching isn’t normal, and it’s important to find the cause. Known medically as pruritis ani, anal itching is an irritating sensation around the anus. In most cases this is not due to a disease of the anus or rectum or a problem with the digestive tract.
Common causes of anal itching
Diagnosing anal itching involves a thorough review your symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. The following are some of the most common causes of anal itching.
Skin irritants
Everything from scented soaps and detergents to dyes in toilet paper can irritate the delicate skin of the anus. Stool left on the skin from leakage can also cause irritation, and once you start itching, scratching, or excessive wiping matters can become worse.
Diet
Certain foods and beverages can irritate the colon and rectum, triggering anal itching and discomfort. Some of the most common culprits are:
- Spicy foods
- Tomatoes
- Alcoholic beverages
- Coffee
- Tea
As the food or beverage travels through your digestive tract, it can take 24 hours to trigger anal itching.
Antibiotics
If you noticed anal itching after a course of antibiotics, the antibiotic may have upset the delicate balance of bacteria in the colon, triggering itching.
Skin conditions
Anal itching is sometimes associated with certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), parasitic pinworm infections, and yeast infections are just a few types of infections that can cause anal itching.
Colorectal and anal disorders
Sometimes anal itching is associated with the following colorectal disorders:
- Internal hemorrhoids
- External hemorrhoids
- Rectal prolapse
- Anal fissures
Once diagnosed, Dr. Perryman can advise you on a treatment plan. It’s best to avoid scratching or rubbing the anal area while you seek evaluation of your symptoms.
If you’re dealing with anal itching, we can help. Reach out to our office by phone or book online to schedule a visit with Dr. Perryman.
You Might Also Enjoy...
I’ve Been Diagnosed with Anal Warts; Now What?
Anal and genital warts result from HPV infection. Any sexual or skin-to-skin contact in the area around the anus could transmit an HPV strain that causes warts. Treatment depends on location and severity and typically involves topical solutions or surgery.
Chronic Anal Itching: When Should I Consult an Expert?
Anal itching can be embarrassing to talk about. It might not be a big deal if the problem is sporadic, but when it becomes chronic, you’ll want to find a solution, which may mean consulting an expert.
How Recurrent Anal Abscesses Increase Your Risk of Developing a Fistula
Glands inside the anus can sometimes become blocked, creating a painful anal abscess. About 50% of people with an anal abscess will go on to develop an anal fistula. Here’s what you need to know about each condition.
Can Pilonidal Disease Return After Surgery?
Pilonidal disease forms around the tailbone. Treatment often includes drainage or excision surgery. Will that take care of the problem? Maybe. Read on to learn about an approach with a high rate of preventing recurrence.
When Rectal Bleeding Requires Medical Attention
It’s never a good feeling when you discover blood after a bowel movement. It’s a problem that requires investigation, since rectal bleeding has both benign and serious causes.