Pruritus ani: diagnosis and treatment

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2013 Dec;42(4):801-13. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2013.09.002. Epub 2013 Nov 7.

Abstract

Pruritus ani is a common condition with multiple causes. Primary causes are thought to be fecal soiling or food irritants. Secondary causes include malignancy, infections including sexually transmitted diseases, benign anorectal diseases, systemic diseases, and inflammatory conditions. A broad differential diagnosis must be considered. A reassessment of the diagnosis is required if symptoms or findings are not responsive to therapy. The pathophysiology of itching, an overview of primary and secondary causes, and various treatment options are reviewed.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Primary; Pruritus ani; Secondary; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anus Neoplasms / complications
  • Anus Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Candidiasis / complications
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma in Situ / complications
  • Carcinoma in Situ / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / diagnosis
  • Herpes Zoster / complications
  • Herpes Zoster / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lichen Planus / complications
  • Lichen Planus / diagnosis
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / complications
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / diagnosis
  • Paget Disease, Extramammary / complications
  • Paget Disease, Extramammary / diagnosis
  • Pruritus Ani / diagnosis*
  • Pruritus Ani / etiology
  • Pruritus Ani / therapy
  • Psoriasis / complications
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis
  • Uremia / complications
  • Uremia / diagnosis