The itchy bottom: causes and treatment

Anal pruritus is a frequent disorder accounting for many proctological consultations, affecting mainly middle-aged males. It is believed that it implies a vicious circle of itching and scratching, increasing irritation and inflammation, and thus symptoms. The most frequent causes are irritant factors such as anal over-hygiene and some foods, faecal soiling due to incontinence, and proctological diseases such as haemorrhoids. Candida infections of the anus and dermatological diseases including contact dermatitis are also frequent. Treatment depends principally on the underlying aetiology.