These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Pruritus Ani
Question: What are the causes and treatments for Pruritus Ani?
Answer: There are several causes of pruritus ani. About 80% of the time the cause is not found.
Possible causes are: 1) Different foods implicated in pruritus ani including: alcohol (especially
beer), cola, coffee, spices (especially ketchup and pizza sauce), tea, and milk. 2) Drugs including
colchicine and laxatives. 3) Fungal infections. 4) Parasitic infections including pinworm and scabies. 5) Rectal prolapse and hemorrhoids.
Treatment centers on using Sitz baths several times a day with warm to luke-warm water.
Good anal hygiene with post BM cleansing with Tucks, baby wipes or glycerine coated
cotton swabs is recommended. Clean the anal area once a day, minimizing the rubbing and follow with bath or mineral oil to the anal area. Use cotton (not nylon) underwear and avoid
sitting for long periods of time.
