Pruritus Ani

Prurtius ani is defined as a dermatological condition characterized by an unpleasant itching or burning sensation in the perineal region ( Billingham RP et al 2004 ). Its a Latin term for itchy anus.

How common - It affects 1-5 % of the population Four times more common in men Most frequent between 4th -6th decades of life The patient is often anxious and / or over weight with a colonic reflx associated with stress Patients often attribute this to poor hygeine and wold have tried various measures asvigorous washing with soapextended cleansing with dry toilet paperusing baby wipesscratching with fingernailsgenerous use of creams , ointments or other agents Most sufferers have a relapsing and remitting course although some have severe symptoms with significant impact on QOL.

Types - Pruritus ani of unknown cause- Primary or Idiopathic pruritus ani. Responsible for 50-90 % of all cases and considered to be functional or psychological in nature.

Secondary pruritus ani- causes include infectious , dermatological , systemic , local irritants , anorectal .

History- Onset , duration of symptoms any pattern ? e.g more at night any one else in the household affected ? medical history for e.g any systemic illness dermatological...