Anal itching is a common problem for many men. Anal itching can be something a small as an annoyance from eating foods or it can be something more severe like diabetes. If you experience itching around your anus, then you suffer from anal itching. The skin around your anus may itch and it may cause an urge to scratch it. Anal itching has been linked to may things such as: wetness around the anus, feces around the anus that was not wiped, pressure from sitting, abrasions, hemorrhoids, clothing, antibiotic use, diabetes, dry skin, sweating, perfumes, chemicals, toilet paper, diarrhea, foods, infections, genital warts, and cancer. With proper treatment, anal itching can be relived and prevented.

The most common symptoms of anal itching is itching or burning around the anus. You may also experience soreness around the anus. Anal itching may be a temporary condition, or it may be a persistent condition. For many people anal itching provides a strong urge to scratch, which can be irresistible and embarrassing. Anal itching may also lead to a rash or soreness in the area surrounding the anus.

Anal itching is usually minor and can be treated quickly; there are some circumstances where anal itching may lead to a more severe problem. Here are the common causes of anal itching:

• Dry Skin - as our bodies' age, the skin around the anus tends to dry out. For many people anal itching is a result of dry skin or psoriasis.
  
• Wetness - too much moisture around the anus can also cause anal itching. Excessive sweating or moist, sticky stools can cause the skin around the anus to become irritated and itch. Frequent diarrhea can also cause anal itching and anal leakage can also cause anal itching.
  
• Washing - each time you use toilet paper to cleanse the skin after a bowel movement, you dry out the skin. Aggressive scrubbing of the anus can also lead to anal itching. Harsh soaps and failure to properly rinse the soap off will lead to anal itching.
  
• Chemicals - many people may experience a chemical reaction to laundry soap, colognes, douches, and birth control products. All of these chemicals may lead to anal itching. Avoid purchasing scented or colored toilet paper as it can lead to anal itching. Try changing your toilet paper brand if you experience anal itching.
  
• Food - anal itching can be caused by the food you eat. There are different chemicals in foods that irritate the skin around your anus as it exits your colon. Chocolate, spicy foods, fruits, nuts, tomatoes, popcorn, corn, milk, caffeinated beverages, and other things can lead to anal itching. Not enough water can lead to diarrhea, which also leads to anal itching.
  
• Medications - anal itching may be a result of a certain medication you are taking. Some people taking antibiotics may experience anal itching. Other medications can cause diarrhea, which causes anal itching.

•  Laxatives - using too many laxatives leads to anal itching. Laxatives also lead to diarrhea, a common anal itching culprit. 
  
• Hemorrhoids - for anyone with hemorrhoids, anal itching is just another daily occurrence. Hemorrhoids are engorged veins located just under the membrane in the lower rectum and anus. Individuals who strain during bowel movements often experience hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually bleed and occasionally they will itch as they are healing. You can easily relief anal itching from hemorrhoids with the use of certain creams or witch hazel applied on the anus.
  
• Infections - a common culprit of anal itching is an infection. Sexually transmitted diseases often involve the area surrounding the anus and the infection causes anal itching. Pinworms often lead to persistent anal itching.
  
• Skin problems - for many individuals with psoriasis, seborrhea, and eczema, anal itching is a problem. Certain skin problems will irritate the skin surrounding the anus and lead to anal itching.
  
• Yeast infections - women tend to experience anal itching if they have a yeast infection. A yeast infection causes painful burning and itching of the vagina and anus. 
  
• Fissures and abrasions - having a small tear in your anus (abrasion) will cause anal itching. Usually anal abrasions are a result of straining during bowel movements and large feces that is passing through a tight anus. An anal fissure is a deep tear in the anus and leads to bleeding, pain, and itching during and after bowel movements.
  
• Tumors - some anal tumors may lead to anal itching. Anal tumors rarely cause anal itching for most individuals.
  
• Other - there are other reasons some people experience anal itching. Stress and anxiety are just two of many other symptoms of anal itching.

You should never give into the urge to scratch the anus. Scratching or rubbing the anus will lead to bleeding and cause the symptoms to worsen. When you scratch the anus, you are removing superficial layers of skin and causing the new skin to become infected. Excessive washing of this area can also lead to anal itching. Washing can aggravate the condition by removing the protective oils on your skin. The best thing you can do for anal itching is properly cleanse the skin and avoid touching it.

If you have tried treating your anal itching and the symptoms persist or worsen, you need to seek medical advice. Most often anal itching is a minor condition that will not be the result of something more extreme, but it has been known to be an early warning sign of diabetes and even cancer. Persistent anal itching may be related to a skin condition like psoriasis.

 When you talk to your doctor about anal itching, they will discuss your symptoms with you. Most anal itching is a result of improper diet and washing of the anal area. Your doctor may need to perform a physical examination and look at the skin surrounding the anus. If you're anal itching isn't easily diagnosable, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in treating anal and rectal problems. This doctor will perform a rectal examination and determine what is causing your anal itching. Rare cases may require you to have a proctoscopy or colonoscopy that will allow the doctor to get a better view of the digestive tract and find the underlying cause of anal itching. For some people, anal itching causes may never be identified and you can only manage your anal itching.

Treating your anal itching will depend solely on the root cause of the problem. If your doctor decides that your anal itching is a result of your diet, they will give you diet guidelines to follow. Most treatment procedures for anal itching are self-care measures. In rare circumstances, individuals with anal itching need to have surgery performed.

Topical creams and medications may be part of your treatment plan. Over the counter creams such as Preparation H or Cortaid will provide instant relief to anal itching. You simply apply the cream or ointment to the anus and it will reduce the inflammation and itching of your anus. Using medicated wipes such as Tucks or Witch Hazel wipes will help to reduce the inflammation of the anus. Apply the creams and use the wipes sparingly so you don't keep the area too wet, causing more anal itching to occur. Infants with diaper rash are given protective ointments such as Destin or Balmex. These ointments have zinc oxide in them and help to relieve itching and redness. Adults can use these same ointments to relieve anal itching. If your symptoms worsen at night, talk to your doctor about antihistamines that will help reduce itching. Most people who follow proper treatment procedures will experience relief from anal itching in a few days to weeks.

You can easily prevent anal itching with good hygiene. Proper washing of the anus before and after bowel movements will help reduce anal itching. Avoid using lotions or perfumes in the anus, as this worsens the condition. Never scrub the anus, instead lightly cleanse the area with wet tissue and blot it dry. Use a wet washcloth, bathroom tissue, medicated wipes, cotton balls, or unscented baby wipes to cleanse the anus after a bowel movement. A bottle of water can be used to cleanse the area too. Always thoroughly dry the skin surrounding the anus after you have properly cleansed it. Toilet paper or a soft paper towel can be used to dry the skin. Some individuals even use hair dryers to dry the skin. Whatever way you try, be sure the skin is dry before you cover it with clothing. If you sweat profusely, consider using non-medicated talcum power to keep the area dry.

Always follow the treatment program designed by your doctor. Improper use of creams can worsen your anal itching and cause more irritation to the skin. Never scratch the area where it itches, this only further irritates the skin. Try taking a lukewarm bath or use a cold compress to take away the urge to scratch. Changing your toilet paper is another way to help your anal itching. Colored and scented toilet papers are often the problem for many people. Always wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. The area needs to keep dry and proper ventilation will help.