pruritus ani

pruritus /pru·ri·tus/ (proo-ri´tus) itching.prurit´ic

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pruritus a´ni  intense chronic itching in the anal region.

pruritus hiema´lis  xerotic eczema.

senile pruritus , pruritus seni´lis itching in the aged, possibly due to dryness of the skin.

uremic pruritus  generalized itching associated with chronic renal failure and not attributable to other internal or skin disease.

pruritus vul´vae  intense itching of the female external genitals.

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pruritus a·ni (n)

n.

Itching of varying intensity localized at the anus.

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pruritus ani,

a common chronic condition of itching of the skin around the anus. Some causes are candidal infection, contact dermatitis, external hemorrhoids, pinworms, psoriasis, and psychogenic illness. Treatment is best directed at the specific cause. However, symptomatic relief may be obtained with careful cleansing, soothing creams or lotions, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and tranquilizers.

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pruritus

itching; common in many types of skin disorders, especially allergic inflammation and parasitic infestations. Its presence in animals is inferred because of the presence of scratching, which would be a more accurate description. Pruritus is epidermal in origin and does not occur in deep ulcerations, although they may be painful. It is most intense at mucocutaneous junctions. See also paresthesia, hyperesthesia.

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pruritus ani

intense chronic itching in the anal region. May be caused by perianal dermatitis, intestinal parasitism and anal sac disease in dogs and cats.

cholinergic pruritus

caused by stimulation of afferent cholinergic fibers at the neuroglandular junction of the sweat gland with release of acetylcholine and sweat. There is mast cell degranulation. Called also heat reflex urticaria.

essential pruritus

that occurring without known cause.

symptomatic pruritus

that which occurs secondarily to another condition.

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Patient discussion about pruritus ani.

Q. I have had a rectal itghing problem for about 11/2 yrs.since my dr.put me on blood press.& cholest. medic it wakes me up & keeps me awake if my rectal contacts anything the itching is intolerable.I have had md's surg's and dermatologists look and they can't help. they say maybe excema, psoraisis but that med don't help, but benadryl cream seems to help a little

A. Have you tried to change your diet? Coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, tomatoes, and citrus fruits may cause itching in this area (termed anal pruritus). You can try to avoid these foods and to keep a log of the itching sensation to see what helped. Apart from that, consulting a doctor is usually necessary.