Pruritus Ani.
10.3393/jksc.2011.27.2.54
- Author:
Seok Gyu SONG
1
;
Soung Ho KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Coloproctology, Seoul Song Do Colorectal Hospital, Seoul, Korea. sksong00@yahoo.co.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Idiopathic pruritus ani;
Active treatment measures
- MeSH:
Humans;
Hygiene;
Irritants;
Life Style;
Pruritus;
Pruritus Ani;
Sensation;
Skin
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Coloproctology
2011;27(2):54-57
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Pruritus ani is an unpleasant cutaneous sensation that induces the desire to scratch the skin around the anal orifice. It may start insidiously and appears in 1% to 5% of the population. It is classified as primary (idiopathic) pruritus ani when no cause can be found. However, as 25% to 75% of cases have co-existing pathology, a detailed history and examination are necessary. The goal of treatment is asymptomatic, intact, dry, clean perianal skin with reversal of morphological changes. The management of pruritus ani is directed towards the underlying cause. If the diagnosis is idiopathic pruritus ani, the patients can still be managed with great success by eliminating of irritants and scratching, by giving general advice regarding hygiene and lifestyle modification and by using active treatment measures.
