What Causes Persistent Itching Around Anus?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Answered on

Tue, 4 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a persistent itching of the anus for about a month. Using witch XXXXXXX and prep H. It hasn't improved or gotten worse. What are the possibilities?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
several possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HCM.
There are several causes and right one should be established before adequate treatment can be started. Causes include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, pinworms, foods, medications. You need to be examined by proctologist to rule out fisures and hemorrhids. Many local ointments can be used. Local anashetics suc as benzocaine 5% is useful in most cases. Steroids,zinc oxide, vasopressors or keratolytics are used in dermatologic causes of itching. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (16 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply. I've had no pain, but have never had a persistent itching like this. I'm hoping to rule out something serious. Are pinworms visible or microscopic? What are possible causes? We have two cats, indoor except they go on our patio. Was wondering if that might be a factor.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (46 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it may be

Detailed Answer:
Pinworms are very small but usually visible in feces as white parasites. However, pinworm eggs which are located in rectum and anus, wont be seen and may cause your symptoms. It can be indigested by any food that is contaminated and any contact with animals increases this risk. So you can have proctologist examinaion and stool parasite test. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar