Pruritus Ani Specialist

Robert G Yavrouian, MD, FACS, FASCRS

Colon and Rectal Surgery located in Los Angeles, CA & Glendale, CA

Up to 5% of Americans experience the uncomfortable and frustrating issue called pruritus ani, or itchy anus. Accomplished colorectal surgeon Robert Yavrouian, MD, can determine the cause of pruritus ani and provide immediate relief at his offices in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles and Glendale, California. If you have hemorrhoids or another problem that causes pruritus ani, you need not itch anymore. Call the office or click on the online scheduler for help today.

Pruritus Ani Q & A

What is pruritus ani?

Pruritus ani, Latin for “itchy anus,” occurs when the skin around your anus itches frequently. This condition affects up to 5% of all Americans, with men being about four times more likely to experience it.

Pruritus ani can cause an extreme urge to scratch the itch, but doing so can only stem the discomfort for a short period. And scratching the irritated skin can worsen the problem, leading to skin damage, sores, and infections.

What causes pruritus ani?

Pruritus ani has more than 100 possible causes, with some of the most common including:

Colorectal conditions

Up to 52% of people with pruritus ani have colorectal conditions. External hemorrhoids (swollen rectal veins), anal fissures (small tears in the lining of the anus), and anal fistulas (abnormal infected tunnel between the anus and the skin) can all cause severe anal itching.

Anal moisture

Sweat, stool leakage, or mucus can linger around the anal opening, and this excessive moisture can lead to itching.

Diet

Certain foods, such as coffee, carbonated beverages, nuts, dairy products, and tomato-based products, are associated with pruritus ani.

Over cleansing

Over cleansing, such as too-frequent washing, can destroy the skin’s natural protective barriers, leading to anal itching.

Some of the many other cases of pruritus ani include pinworms, yeast infections, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. Yavrouian skillfully evaluates your symptoms and determines the root cause of your pruritus ani so he can prescribe an effective treatment.

How is pruritus ani treated?

Treatment involves both good anal hygiene and medication or procedures in many cases. Dr. Yavrouian gives you tips about anal hygiene, such as gentle cleansing with water and avoiding scrubbing or itching the area. He may also recommend using dye-free unscented toilet tissue to prevent irritation in the future.

Depending on the underlying cause of your pruritus ani, Dr. Yavrouian may recommend an in-office procedure such as hemorrhoid banding or sclerotherapy. Some types of colorectal issues may require surgery, such as minimally invasive laser surgery to close anal fistulas.

Pruritus ani is a very treatable condition, so there’s no need to live with the unbearable anal itching any longer. Call the Glendale office or click the online scheduler to book your consultation with Robert Yavrouian MD today.

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