Anal itching, also called pruritus ani (proo-RIE-tus A-nie), has several possible causes. They include infections, hemorrhoids and ongoing diarrhea. Skin inflammation, also called dermatitis, is another cause.
Anal itching (pruritus ani) is a skin condition that affects your perianal area, which may become worse at night or after a bowel movement. Causes include poor anal hygiene, allergies, certain foods and drinks and other health conditions. Treatments include creams, ointments, medications and home remedies.
To treat anal itching at home, you should keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Clean the anus gently after bowel movements, without scrubbing. Use a squeeze bottle of water, unscented baby wipes, a wet washcloth, or wet unscented toilet paper. Avoid soaps with dyes or fragrances.
Causes of an itchy bottom
haemorrhoids (piles) – swellings that contain enlarged and swollen blood vessels in and around the anus. anal fissure - a tear or open sore (ulcer) that develops in the lining of the anal canal. a chronic condition - such as diabetes.
Symptoms of pinworm infection may include: Itching of the anal or vaginal area. Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness. Occasional stomach pain and nausea.
An itchy bottom (anus) is not usually a sign of anything serious. You can often do simple things yourself to ease the itching. Talk to your GP if the itching does not stop. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a bigger health issue.
It moves. If it doesn't wiggle, it's probably lint or a thread. The worm may be seen around the anus or on the child's bottom. It is especially active at night or early morning.
If you have pinworms, you might see the worms in the toilet after you go to the bathroom. They look like tiny pieces of white thread. You also might see them on your underwear when you wake up in the morning. But the pinworm eggs are too tiny to be seen without a microscope.
If left untreated, the intense itching and scratching associated with these infections will result in secondary bacterial infections. Some of these may be difficult to treat. Untreated people can continue to infect other people.
Pinworm infection (called enterobiasis or oxyuriasis) causes itching around the anus which can lead to difficulty sleeping and restlessness. Symptoms are caused by the female pinworm laying her eggs. Symptoms of pinworm infection usually are mild and some infected people have no symptoms.
Pinworms are spread when an infected person, most often a child, has scratched his/her bare anal area and the eggs get under his/her fingernails. Pinworms can then be spread in the following ways: By an infected child not washing hands after using the bathroom.
Here's the good news: pinworms are easily treated with either over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Sometimes worms are visible in the anal area, on underwear, or in the toilet. In stool, they look like small pieces of white cotton thread.
How long does pinworms last? The life cycle of a pinworm is 4 to 6 weeks. Without treatment, infestation will continue as long as fresh eggs are being swallowed, unless a person develops immunity to pinworms, which is unusual before age 15.
undercooked pork. other undercooked or raw meats, such as beef. raw fruits and vegetables. raw or undercooked freshwater or marine fish.
The people most likely to be infected with pinworm are children under 18, people who take care of infected children and people who are institutionalized. In these groups, the prevalence can reach 50%. Pinworm is the most common worm infection in the United States.
Anyone can get a pinworm infection. It's the most common kind of worm infection in the United States. But it's more likely if: You're between the ages of 5-10.
Pinworms are also called “threadworms.” They're the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the U.S., and one of the most common in the world. They're thin and white, and about one-quarter to one-half inch long -- about as long as a staple. Tapeworms are flatworms that look a bit like ribbons.
To treat pinworm infection, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pyrantel pamoate or prescribe medication to all members of your household to prevent infection and reinfection. The most common prescription anti-parasite medications for pinworms are: Mebendazole. Albendazole (Albenza)
Pinworm infections are contagious. The worms get into the body when people swallow the tiny pinworm eggs. The eggs can be on contaminated hands, under fingernails, and on things people touch a lot, such as: clothing, bed linens, and towels.
The medications used for the treatment of pinworm are either mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or albendazole. Any of these drugs are given in one dose initially, and then another single dose of the same drug two weeks later. Pyrantel pamoate is available without prescription.
Worms are mainly spread in small bits of poo from people with a worm infection. Some are caught from food. You can get infected by: touching objects or surfaces with worm eggs on them – if someone with worms doesn't wash their hands.
One way to detect pinworms is to shine a flashlight on the anal area. The worms are tiny, white, and threadlike. If none are seen, check for 2 or 3 additional nights.