4 Reasons Your Anal Itching Hasn't Resolved

Occasional anal itching is common, occurring for a variety of reasons. However, it’s not always a here-and-gone condition. Some patients have persistent or frequently recurring symptoms. 

Lisa A. Perryman, MD, FACS, FASCRS at Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists in Parker, Colorado, can help you if home care steps haven’t relieved the itch. Today, we’ll examine four reasons why your anal itching hasn’t resolved. 

Causes of anal itching

Anal itching can be a problem all its own, or it may be a symptom of another condition. Primary anal itching is also called idiopathic, since no cause is known. Secondary anal itching commonly results from conditions like: 

• Anal warts
• Skin conditions
• Anal fissures
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fistulas

Bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections could also contribute to anal itching, as can some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The foods you eat may sometimes irritate the skin around the anus during a bowel movement. 

4 reasons your anal itching hasn’t resolved

Chronic anal itching may be either a primary or secondary condition, with symptoms lasting for an extended period or reoccurring often. When there’s a diagnosable reason for your chronic anal itching, it’s often because of one of these: 

Active infections

Patients who are prone to yeast infections may develop anal itching from a nearby genital or urinary infection. Certain STIs can result in an itchy anus. These include anal herpes and strains of the human papillomavirus, some of which are the cause of anal warts. A parasite called pinworms can also cause anal itching.

Lifestyle conditions

Prolonged and repeated contact between skin and fecal matter causes a skin irritation commonly called diaper rash, since babies frequently experience this condition during the period when they wear diapers. In adults, ineffective wiping after bowel movements can cause the same issue, as can anal leakage or fecal incontinence. 

Aggressive cleaning of the anal region can rob skin in the area of its natural protection. Overwashing can cause micro damage to the skin, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and infection. 

Certain foods can irritate the skin around the anus following bowel movements. Common offenders include caffeinated beverages like cola and coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate, and spicy foods. 

Clothing choices

Tight-fitting clothing and underwear can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacterial infection and skin irritation. Synthetic fabrics sometimes aggravate the problem. 

Choosing loose-fitting, natural fabrics like cotton can help your skin breathe and dry out, reducing the chances of developing anal itching. 

Certain medical conditions

While anal ailments frequently lead to itching in the area, other, seemingly unconnected medical conditions could increase your risk of anal itching problems, including: 

• Diabetes can contribute to anal itching in several ways. First, high blood sugar levels can act as food for yeasts, including those that infect the human body. Also, high blood sugar damages nerve tissue. If sensory nerves around the anus suffer from neuropathy, itching sensations may be generated without an additional active cause.
• Candida yeast normally lives under control in the digestive system, mouth, and vagina. It’s not normally a resident on the skin around the anus, but infection can take hold if this yeast overproduces and spreads. 
• Some medications cause anal itching as a side effect. Let our staff know each medication you take regularly so we can evaluate the possibility of interactions. 
• Skin conditions like contact dermatitis, dry skin, or psoriasis carry the risk of anal itching. 
• Thyroid disease sometimes features anal itching as a symptom. 

When home treatment isn’t enough to break the anal itching cycle, call or click to book an appointment with Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists.