Anal itching (known medically as pruritus ani) is irritation of the skin at the opening of the anal canal through which stool exits the body that leads to itching. The skin surrounding the opening is known as the anus. The itching is accompanied by the desire to scratch. Although itching may be a reaction to chemicals in the stool, it often implies that there is inflammation of the anal area. The intensity of anal itching and the amount of inflammation increases with the direct trauma of scratching and the presence of moisture. At its most intense, anal itching causes intolerable discomfort that often is described as burning and soreness.
What are additional symptoms associated with anal itching?
The intensity of anal itching and the amount of inflammation increases from the direct trauma of scratching and the presence of moisture.
At its most intense, anal itching causes intolerable discomfort that often is described as burning and soreness, especially during and after bowel movements.
There also may be small amounts of bleeding.
