Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist, on
Anal itching is itching in and around the anus, sometimes with a burning feeling. It is common and harmless, and it usually responds well to treatment once the cause is known.
Reply within 12 to 48 hours · no referral needed · from € 39
Anal itching (pruritus ani) is itching in and around the anus, sometimes with a burning feeling. It is harmless, but it can bother you at work, in company and in bed. The itch often comes with eczema of the skin around the anus (perianal eczema). Anal itching is more common in men and mostly occurs between the ages of 45 and 64. In about 1 in 4 people no clear cause is found.
In most cases the skin around the anus becomes irritated and starts to itch. Scratching damages the skin further, and a cycle of itching and scratching begins. The dermatologist looks for the cause; there are many possibilities.
Common causes:
Itching caused by eczema or psoriasis usually shows on other parts of the body too. Read more about eczema and psoriasis.
The main symptom is intense itching, sometimes with a burning or painful feeling. The skin around the anus can be red, irritated or eczema-like. Scratching can cause small wounds that bleed. The itch can keep you awake at night.
The dermatologist looks at the skin and asks about your symptoms, your toilet habits and the products you use. Sometimes further tests are needed: a culture for bacteria, fungus or virus, a skin biopsy, an examination of the anus or an allergy test. At 247dermatologist you send photos of the skin around the anus and answer questions. This is discreet, from home, with no waiting room. The dermatologist assesses what fits your skin and whether further tests are needed.
Treatment targets the cause and calms the skin. The dermatologist agrees with you how often and how long to apply a cream.
A protective cream without an active ingredient, such as a vaseline-cetomacrogol cream or a zinc sulphate vaseline cream, also after each bowel movement. For very irritated skin, a corticosteroid cream (hydrocortisone) on prescription for a short time.
An antifungal cream (miconazole) for a fungal infection. An antibiotic cream (fusidic acid) for a bacterial infection.
Haemorrhoids can be treated with a cream from the pharmacy. For a tear, the doctor prescribes a cream or gel.
Threadworms are treated with a worming medicine (mebendazole), available without prescription.
If the itch persists despite treatment, the dermatologist may consider a cream with tacrolimus or pimecrolimus.
Usually, yes. When the cause is addressed and you follow the advice, the skin heals. Symptoms can return later; the same measures then help again.
Gentle hygiene is the basis:
Contact a doctor if:
Want the skin around the anus assessed discreetly? A dermatologist at 247dermatologist reviews your photos and answers within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed. You get an assessment of the skin and, where appropriate, a prescription.
Not sure whether this needs a look? Have a dermatologist assess it: you get an answer within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed. In an emergency, contact your GP straight away or call 112.
Usually skin irritation: from traces of stool, soap, moisture, wet wipes or scratching. Other causes are haemorrhoids, a fissure, fungus, worms, a sexually transmitted infection or a skin disease such as eczema or psoriasis. In 1 in 4 people no cause is found.
It can be. Haemorrhoids and small tears in the anus can cause itching and pain. Often there is another cause. If you also have pain or bleeding, have it assessed.
That depends on the cause. Without a clear cause, a protective cream such as zinc ointment or a vaseline-cetomacrogol cream helps. An antifungal cream for a fungal infection, and for very irritated skin a corticosteroid cream on prescription for a short time. Do not treat yourself at random: some creams make the itch worse.
In children, threadworms are a well-known cause. In adults it is less often the reason. Worms are treated with a worming medicine without prescription.
Yes. You send photos of the skin around the anus and answer questions. A dermatologist assesses them within 12 to 48 hours. Discreet, no waiting room and no referral.
As long as the cause is present and the skin stays irritated. Once you address the cause and follow the hygiene advice, the skin usually recovers well. Symptoms can return later.
Upload photos and answer a few questions. A BIG-registered dermatologist replies within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed, from € 39.
If more is needed, the dermatologist refers you to a medical specialist.
Want to know what a dermatologist does, when you can see one and how quickly that can happen? Read more about the dermatologist.
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