60 seconds on anal itching

Anal itching, known medically as ­pruritus ani, is a fairly common ­condition that may occur either in ­or more often around the anus.

It’s rarely serious although it may be embarrassing and difficult to treat. in post-menopausal women, pruritus ani ­is often associated with itching around the vagina (pruritus vulvae).

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The most common cause of anal itching is candida (thrush) with redness and scaling of the adjacent skin. Localised itching may also be caused by poor ­personal hygiene, haemorrhoids or threadworm infestation.

Itching around the anal area may be ­a symptom of a skin disease such as psoriasis or eczema or be due to an ­allergic reaction to a substance such as laundry detergent or washing soap.

Once the skin has been thickened by chronic scratching (neurodermatitis), ­it is very difficult to break out of the itch-scratch-itch cycle.

There are several measures you can take:

● Make sure you keep the anal area clean by washing and drying it carefully after every bowel movement.

● Use a PH-balanced soap and try not to scratch the problem area because it will only worsen the itching.

● A warm bath or shower before bed may soothe night-time itching.

● Wear loose underclothes, preferably ones made of natural fibres.

● an over-the-counter cream ­containing a mild topical corticosteroid may provide some relief.

● Itching that lasts for longer than a week should be assessed by a doctor.

Your doctor may arrange for tests to look for causes that need treatment. ­for example, severe haemorrhoids might need to be removed.