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Pruritus Ani – Why Does My Anal Area Itch So Much at Night?
General Medicine
Question #6280
45 days ago
642

Pruritus Ani – Why Does My Anal Area Itch So Much at Night? - #6280

Anonymously

For the past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with severe itching around my anus, especially at night. It’s so bad that I wake up feeling the urge to scratch, and it’s starting to affect my sleep and daily comfort. I looked up my symptoms, and I found something called pruritus ani, which means chronic anal itching. What are the main causes of pruritus ani, and why does it seem worse at night? Could this be caused by poor hygiene, excessive moisture, diet, or even an infection? I also read that hemorrhoids, fungal infections, or pinworms can trigger this—how do I figure out what’s causing my itching? I’ve tried using antiseptic wipes and over-the-counter creams, but they don’t seem to help much. What are the best treatments for pruritus ani, and should I see a doctor if it doesn’t improve soon? Are there any foods or lifestyle habits that could be making my symptoms worse? Should I avoid spicy food, caffeine, or certain fabrics?

Pruritus ani
Anal itching
Hemorrhoids
Fungal infection
Nighttime itching
Pinworms
Skin irritation
100 INR (~1.18 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
43 days ago
Pruritus ani, or chronic anal itching, can have several causes, including poor hygiene, excessive moisture, irritants from certain foods or soaps, or even infections like fungal infections, hemorrhoids, or pinworms. The fact that your symptoms are worse at night might be due to increased moisture or sweating during sleep, which exacerbates irritation. Additionally, the skin in the anal area is sensitive, and nighttime relaxation can make the itching feel more intense. To figure out the exact cause, I recommend seeing a doctor who can examine you and may suggest tests, such as stool samples or a skin swab, to rule out infections like pinworms. If hemorrhoids or fungal infections are suspected, targeted treatments, such as antifungal creams or medicated wipes, may help. Lifestyle changes, such as keeping the area dry, avoiding harsh soaps, and avoiding known irritants like spicy foods or caffeine, might reduce symptoms. If over-the-counter creams haven’t worked, your doctor may prescribe stronger treatments.
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