The anus is the small opening of the large intestine through which urine is passed. The rectum is about 12 cm long and lies between colon and anal canal. The itchy feeling in anus and rectum area can be due to many causes. Poor hygiene practice like accumulating dried feces, not removing dried skin cells can cause itching sensation in rectum and anus. Dry skin is one of the major causes for itchy anus and is more in elderly people.
Taking spicy foods like chilly, hot spices, coffee and eating milk products, lots of nuts and drinking too much of citrus juices can also cause itching. It is also caused by seborrheic dermatitis a type of skin inflammation that is caused due to excess secretion of sebaceous oil. Formation of varicose veins in the anus can cause itching. Infrequent bowel movements and diarrhea can cause itching and swelling in rectum. Finally fungal infection may also cause severe itching. Major symptoms of itchy anus and rectum are moderate to severe itching, pain, swelling in anus area, and bleeding in rare case.
Itchy rectum can be treated by using over the counter ointments and creams. Home remedies can cure the inflammation and heal the affected area. Treatment of itchy anus can be done by washing the area by lukewarm water and cleaning regularly by moisturizing tissues. Avoid taking hot showers and changing soaps frequently. Apply moisturizing cream (mild) on the affected area. In case the itchy rectum is due to seborrheic dermatitis, it can be treated by applying mild ointments like ketoconozole, selenium sulfide and corticosteroids. The best way of treatment is to find out the root cause and treat it.
What Is Rectum or Anus ?
Rectum is that region of your body through which feces are expelled out. Many factors can contribute for anal itching which can be in and around the anus/rectum. Itchy rectum is caused by poor personal hygiene or sexually transmitted infections or due to specific skin conditions. Anal itching can be the result of pinworms or allergic food or medications or due to underlying medical issues. It can cause persistent itching and sometimes burning pain while passing stool. The doctor would perform physical exam and use colonoscopy technique to diagnose the cause of anal itching. Treatment is in the form of lifestyle changes combined with medications depending on the cause.