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Rectal Itching

What is rectal itching?

Rectal itching (also called pruritus ani) is a common condition. The itch, situated in or around the anus, is often intense and accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. While rectal itching is a condition, it is often a symptom of an underlying medical issue, including:

  • Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins.
  • Infections: These include sexually transmitted infections, pinworms, and yeast infections.
  • Skin conditions: Sometimes rectal itching is the result of a specific skin condition, such as psoriasis or contact dermatitis.
  • Irritants: Fecal incontinence and chronic diarrhea can irritate the skin. Or your skin care routine may include products or behaviors that irritate the skin, such as using harsh soaps or moist wipes and washing too aggressively.

What are the symptoms of rectal itching?

The itching and irritation may be temporary or more persistent, depending on the cause. Rectal itching symptoms may include:

  • Redness
  • Burning
  • Soreness

How is rectal itching treated?

Dr. Meyerson will do a sigmoidoscopy to look in your anus with a flexible lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope to determine the cause of your rectal pain. If an irritant is the cause, you may just need to change your soap. Other causes like skin conditions can be treated with ointments. And other causes like hemorrhoids can be treated with an in-office procedure like rubber band ligation.