Hemorrhoids, How Can You Stop The Itching?

Hemorrhoids are swellings in the hemorrhoidal cushions of the anal canal. Piles can be classified as either internal hemorrhoids, which occur above the dentate line inside the anus, or external hemorrhoids, which occur below this line outside of the anus.

Internal piles are often painless and difficult to detect, while external piles may cause itching and discomfort. All types usually go away within a few days without complications; however, if they linger for more than two weeks, then it is considered chronic. Chronic cases require medical attention as this could lead to anemia or thrombosis.

What are hemorrhoids, and what are the symptoms

Piles are hemorrhages or swellings in the rectal cushions of the anal canal. They can be classified as either internal, which occurs above the dentate line inside the anus, or external, which occurs below this line outside of the anus.

Internal hemorrhoids are often painless and difficult to detect, while external hemorrhoids may cause itching and discomfort. All types of piles usually go away within a few days without complications; however, if they linger for more than two weeks, then it is considered chronic.

Chronic cases require medical attention as this could lead to anemia or thrombosis. There are many ways to stop hemorrhoid itch, such as eating foods that have high water content.

What are the causes of hemorrhoids?

There are many causes of hemorrhoids, some of which are more common than others. Some of the most common causes of hemorrhoids include:

– Straining during a bowel movement

– Sitting for long periods of time

– Obesity

– Pregnant or postpartum women

– Genetics

– Aging

– Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Why do hemorrhoids itch

There are a few reasons why hemorrhoids may itch. One of the most common reasons is that they are dry and irritated. Another reason may be that there is an infection around piles. If you have hemorrhoids that are bleeding, they may also itch as a result of the blood.

How to stop hemorrhoid itching

There are a few ways to stop itching. One way is to apply a cold compress to the area for 10 minutes several times a day. You can also take over-the-counter antihistamines to help stop the itching. Finally, you can apply a topical cream or ointment to the area.

What are hemorrhoid treatments?

There are a few treatments. One treatment is to apply a cold compress to the area for 10 minutes several times a day. You can also take over-the-counter antihistamines to help stop the itching. Finally, you can apply a topical cream or ointment to the area.

If they are causing a lot of pain, you may need to take prescription medication or have surgery. It is important to see a doctor if they do not go away within a few days or are causing a lot of pain.

If you are experiencing symptoms, there are many ways to find relief. One way is to apply a cold compress to the area for 10 minutes several times a day.

You can also take over-the-counter antihistamines to help stop the itching. Finally, you can apply a topical cream or ointment to the area. If they are causing a lot

How can you prevent hemorrhoids?

There are a few ways that you can prevent hemorrhoids from happening in the first place. One way is to eat a healthy diet that is high in fiber. You can also drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. If you are pregnant or postpartum, make sure to take care of yourself and avoid putting too much strain on your hemorrhoids.

If you have hemorrhoids that are genetic, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.

If the piles are caused by sitting for long periods of time, try to get up and move around every hour or so. If they are caused by constipation, make sure to drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods. Finally, if they are causing a lot of pain, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.

They can be an uncomfortable and often embarrassing condition. However, there are many ways to find relief from itching and pain. By applying a cold compress, taking antihistamines, and using a topical cream or ointment, you can stop the hemorrhoid itch quickly and easily.

If the piles are causing a lot of pain, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. By following these tips, you can get relief from hemorrhoid symptoms and feel more comfortable.

Itchy hemorrhoids: Causes, treatment, and symptoms

Hemorrhoids can cause itchiness. A person can treat this itchiness using over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum. They are common and affect around 1 in 20 people in the United States.

Itching is a common symptom of hemorrhoids.

In this article, we outline the causes of itchy hemorrhoids, explain other symptoms of hemorrhoids, and discuss treatment options.

Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins that occur around a person’s anus (the opening through which feces leave the body) or in their lower rectum (the lower end of the large intestine, which leads to the anus).

They may feel like hard, tender lumps near the anus. These extra lumps and crevasses can lead to improper cleaning of the anus, which may cause itchy skin due to leftover fecal matter.

The skin around the anus may also be irritated due to the swelling, which can cause an itching sensation.

Once these symptoms occur, a person may take steps to reduce symptoms and eliminate the feeling of itching and uncleanliness.

This can include vigorously wiping the area after bowel movements, sometimes with wipes containing alcohol and other chemicals or soaps. However, this can often make the irritation worse and increase the itchiness.

If a hemorrhoid is prolapsed, where the swollen blood vessel has fallen through the anal opening, this can also cause a person to experience increased moisture around the anus. Increased moisture can also cause itching.

A person can treat itchy hemorrhoids with OTC hemorrhoid creams or ointments. They may also use suppositories, which are medications a person inserts into their rectum.

These treatment options can help relieve itching and may also help relieve pain and swelling.

Other ways to treat hemorrhoids generally include:

• eating foods that are high in fiber
• taking stool softeners
• taking fiber supplements
• drinking water and other nonalcoholic fluids each day
• avoiding straining during bowel movements
• avoiding sitting on the toilet for long periods of time
• taking OTC pain medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
• sitting in a tub of warm water several times a day to relieve pain

Hemorrhoid symptoms may vary depending on whether they are external (around the anus) or internal (within the lower rectum).

External hemorrhoids

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:

• anal itching
• hard, tender lumps near the anus
• ache or pain in or around the anus, especially when sitting

The symptoms of external hemorrhoids can become worse if a person:

• strains too much when defecating
• rubs their hemorrhoids
• vigorously cleans around the anus

The symptoms of external hemorrhoids often go away on their own within a few days.

Learn more about external hemorrhoids here.

Internal hemorrhoids

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:

• bleeding from the rectum, which appears as bright red blood present on the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl
• a prolapsed hemorrhoid, which has fallen through the anal opening
• pain if the hemorrhoid is prolapsed

Other causes of anal itching include:

• Yeast infections: A yeast infection is a common fungal infection of the genitals. In some cases, yeast infections can cause a person to experience an itchy anus.
• Anal fissures: These are tears in the lining of the anus. In some cases, anal fissures can cause a person to experience an itchy anus.
• Pinworm infections: Pinworm is a common intestinal parasite that most often affects children. An itchy anus is a possible symptom of a pinworm infection.
• Psoriasis: This is an autoimmune condition that causes excess cells to develop on the skin. In some cases, psoriasis can cause a person to experience an itchy anus.
• Eczema: This is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin that can weep clear fluid. An itchy anus may be a possible symptom of eczema if the condition affects the skin around the anus.
• Iron-deficiency anemia: This condition occurs when a person’s blood contains too few red blood cells due to a shortage of iron. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause a person to experience an itchy anus.

Healthcare professionals often recommend a person use OTC hemorrhoid products for one week. If symptoms are still present after a week, a person should follow up with their healthcare professional.

A person should also contact a healthcare professional if these treatments cause dry skin around the anus or a rash.

Here are some answers to common questions about itching and hemorrhoids.

How long do itchy hemorrhoids last?

In most cases, hemorrhoids go away on their own within a few days. In some instances, the symptoms may last longer.

If a person’s hemorrhoids swell, they may experience pain that can last 5–12 days. This pain will usually resolve once the swelling goes down.

In some cases, hemorrhoids can persist, and a person may require further treatment.

Learn more about how long hemorrhoids last here.

Do hemorrhoids itch and bleed?

Itching and bleeding are both possible symptoms of hemorrhoids.

These symptoms can become worse if a person:

• strains when defecating
• rubs their hemorrhoids
• excessively cleans around the anus or uses wipes containing chemicals

Is it OK to itch hemorrhoids?

If a person scratches their hemorrhoids to relieve the itch, it may cause further damage to the area.

This can cause inflammation to occur, which can further irritate nerve fibers in this area that have already been irritated by the hemorrhoids. This can cause the area to become itchier.

The “itch–scratch–itch” cycle can be difficult for a person to break, which may complicate treatment.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower part of the anus and rectum. A common symptom of hemorrhoids is itchiness.

A person can treat this itchiness using OTC creams, ointments, and suppositories.

Other treatments for hemorrhoids include eating foods that are high in fiber or taking fiber supplements. A person can also take stool softeners to improve their hemorrhoid symptoms.

A healthcare professional may recommend that a person drinks more water or other nonalcoholic fluids each day to help improve their symptoms.

Anal itching – causes of occurrence, in what diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment

Worms

Allergy

Hemorrhoids

22816

04 June

Anal itching: causes of occurrence, in which diseases it occurs, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

Definition

Anal itching, or itching of the anogenital, anorectal region, is characterized by an unbearable desire to scratch the skin adjacent to the anus (the lumen of the anal canal). Areas of irritation, scratching and crusts appear on the skin in the anus. More often, itching bothers patients in the late afternoon or at night.

Burning and itching disturb sleep, lead to anxiety, irritability, neurosis.

Varieties of anal itching

It is customary to distinguish between primary (idiopathic) and secondary anal itching.

Possible acute manifestation of itching and chronic course. Acute itching is characterized by a sudden onset. In the chronic course of the process, itching sometimes weakens or stops, but then resumes with the same intensity.

Possible causes of anal itching

Primary (idiopathic) anal itching may be due to poor hygiene of the perineal area, resulting in poor cleansing of the anus, traces of feces irritating the skin. The same situation occurs with the insolvency of the anal sphincter, when the liquid part of the intestinal contents leaks when gases are released and the rectum is stretched.

Secondary anal itching is one of the symptoms of some diseases.

Diabetes mellitus . Skin manifestations in the early stages of diabetes can sometimes serve as signal markers of the disease. Especially often itchy dermatosis is observed in latent and mild forms of diabetes.

In many patients, itching appears six months or more before the diagnosis is made.

In this case, the most common localization of itchy areas are the folds of the abdomen, perineum, intergluteal region.

In patients with psoriasis, allergic and contact dermatitis itchy areas can be located in various areas of the body. The appearance of rashes on the skin of the buttocks and perineum is accompanied by severe, often painful itching.

In contact dermatitis, anal itching may be caused by allergic ingredients in paper and wet tissues, underwear fabrics, or in detergents used for personal hygiene.

Itching at hemorrhoids is caused by the fact that large hemorrhoids prevent the anal sphincter from fully closing, and the liquid part of the stool gets on the skin around the anus, causing it to become irritated. Another factor that leads to itching is the constant hydration of the skin due to the use of laxative suppositories. Other symptoms of hemorrhoids include discomfort, a feeling of nagging pain after a bowel movement, mucus and drops of red blood from the rectum.

Harbingers of hemorrhoids for a long time (from several months to several years) may be discomfort in the anus and anal itching.

Pinworm worms parasitize mainly in the large intestine, causing enterobiasis . When laying eggs, the females of these parasites crawl out through the rectum into the outer section of the anus, resulting in burning and itching.

Enterobiasis most often affects children under the age of 12 years.

In addition to pinworms, anal itching can be caused by tapeworms, ascaris, giardia, etc.

Microscopic fungi easily multiply on moist skin of the perineum. Candidiasis , which starts on the mucous membrane of the rectum and the vulva and vagina in women, spreads further, causing itching, burning and irritation of the skin. The development of candidiasis is facilitated by a decrease in immunity, oncological diseases, an imbalance of microflora due to diseases or the use of antibacterial drugs, diseases of the rectum, which are accompanied by cracks, erosion, leakage of the liquid contents of the intestine.

Chlamydia can infect the mucous membranes of the urinary tract, eyes, throat and pelvic organs. With development chlamydial infection in the rectum, the clinical picture of the disease is mostly asymptomatic, and clinical manifestations may include itching and burning in the anorectal region and slight yellowish discharge. Painful urge to defecate and mucopurulent discharge mixed with blood are also possible. The skin around the anus looks reddened and swollen.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) are often accompanied by anal itching. The mucous membranes of not only the small, large and rectum, but also the oral cavity and anus are affected.

Most patients have anal and perianal lesions (anal fistulas, fissures), which exacerbate itching.

Diffuse intestinal polyposis syndrome . Polyposis – outgrowths on the mucous membrane of the intestinal wall – are often asymptomatic, but in some cases, patients may experience bloody-mucous discharge, abdominal pain, and if polyps are located in the rectum (final intestine) and anus, constipation, diarrhea, anal itching.

Anal itching with proctitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sigmoid or rectum) appears due to the bulging of the rectal mucosa into the lumen of the anus and the ingress of its discharge (mucus, traces of blood) onto the surrounding skin. Proctitis occurs due to trauma, constant mechanical and chemical irritation (frequent enemas, prostate massage, eating spicy food). The disease also develops after radiation therapy for malignant tumors (radiation proctitis) or infections (gonorrheal proctitis). In the chronic course of the process, the patient has a feeling of discomfort, incomplete emptying of the intestine, frequent urge to defecate.

In case of chronic paraproctitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the rectum, in particular, adipose tissue), anal itching is associated with pus and mucus from the fistulous tract, which is located near the anus, on the skin. The disease is caused by pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate the tissues surrounding the rectum through the anal glands or damaged mucous membrane. Sometimes there is the formation of several fistulous passages, from which pus and feces are released.

Anal itching may be one of the symptoms of rectal cancer . For a long time, malignant tumors can disguise themselves as benign formations, manifesting only discomfort during bowel movements, anal itching, and sometimes a non-healing ulcer. Pain in the anus at the beginning of the disease is observed only during bowel movements.

Cryptitis (inflammation of the Morganian crypt). Blink crypts are channels through which the secret of the anal glands is discharged into the rectum. With inflammation of the crypt, which can be caused by injuries with hard feces, chronic inflammatory processes (for example, anal fissures), there is constant itching in the anus. The pain has a “scratching” character and is aggravated by defecation, there may be an admixture of blood in the feces. The course of cryptitis is undulating, often patients consider the period of remission to be a complete recovery.

If left untreated, cryptitis can be complicated by paraproctitis.

Which doctors to contact if anal itching occurs

If anal itching occurs in children, first of all, you should contact
pediatrician. Adult patients should visit
a therapist for referrals for tests and a proctologist. To exclude diabetes mellitus, the therapist may refer the patient to
endocrinologist. If the allergic nature of anal itching is confirmed, further treatment will be continued by an allergist-immunologist.

Diagnostics and examinations in case of anal itching

To diagnose the disease, the symptom of which is anal itching, fecal analysis for enterobiasis, clinical blood and urine tests, blood tests for glycated hemoglobin 18, fungal infections, autoimmune antibodies are prescribed.

Enterobiasis test (pinworm eggs, enterobiasis), swab

There are restrictions on the days of taking samples in medical offices and receiving samples self-collected for this study (feces, urine, etc. ).
We recommend clarifying the in…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

RUB 525

Add to cart

Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

Synonyms: Complete blood count, UAC. Full blood count, FBC, Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count (CBC with diff), Hemogram.
Brief description of the study CBC: general a…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

RUB 810

Add to cart

General urinalysis (Urine analysis with sediment microscopy)

Method of determination

Determination of physical and chemical parameters is carried out on an automatic analyzer using the “dry chemistry” method.

Hardware microscope…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

410 RUB

Add to cart

IgE total (Immunoglobulin E total, IgE total)

Immunoglobulin E total reflects the total amount of IgE class immunoglobulins in the blood serum.

Synonyms: Blood test for immunoglobulin E.

Immuno…

Up to 1 business day

Available with home visit

755 RUB

Add to cart

In addition, the doctor evaluates the condition of the skin around the anus and conducts a digital examination to determine the tone of the anal sphincter and identify pathological formations in the anal canal. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy may be prescribed.

Colonoscopy

Endoscopic examination of the large intestine to look for abnormalities, perform biopsies, and remove small polyps and tumors.

RUB 6,390

Sign up

What to do if anal itching occurs

The general recommendation for itching is to follow the rules of personal hygiene and prevent constipation.

Treatment for pruritus ani

Patients with pruritus ani are treated after the cause of the condition has been identified. With the primary nature of itching, the doctor, as a rule, gives recommendations on the rules of personal hygiene, advises to avoid wearing tight underwear, and not to eat spicy foods.

In case of secondary anal itching, it is necessary to treat the disease that caused it.

Sources:

1. Dermatovenereology: Short edition / Ed. Yu.S. Butova, Yu.K. Skripkina, O.L. Ivanova. – Moscow: GEOTAR-Media, 2013.
2. Clinical guidelines. Coloproctology. Acute and chronic hemorrhoids / Ed. Yu.A. Shelygin. M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2015. S. 30–52.
3. Clinical guidelines “Chlamydial infection”. Developed by: Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists, Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. – 2021.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Itching with hemorrhoids – causes and treatment

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why does itching appear
3. How to treat itching

The problem of anal itching may seem insignificant, but its appearance significantly spoils the quality of human life. This condition does not apply to independent diseases, but often itching becomes a manifestation of various pathologies. Most often, an itchy sensation in the anus indicates that the patient has some kind of disease. These include proctitis, paraproctitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, various sexual infections. However, practice shows that basically anal itching signals a problem such as hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidal disease is a consequence of the expansion of the cavernous plexuses and the deterioration of the outflow of blood from them. Hemorrhoids develop in patients of different sex and age.

Itching of the anus can be intermittent or constant. Most patients describe it as a burning or itchy feeling that creates an obsessive urge to scratch the problem area. Despite the fact that many consider itching to be a harmless phenomenon, it brings a significant share of anxiety and irritation in the life of any person. But against the background of constant itching, someone may even develop a neurosis.

Why does itching appear

The reason for the appearance of such an unpleasant feeling is that the epithelium of the perirectal zone reacts to external and internal stimuli. If the surrounding tissues become inflamed, then the epithelium begins to grow, which leads to hyperkeratosis. In patients with inflamed hemorrhoids, incomplete closure of the anus is often observed. This significantly impairs the hygiene of this area, allows the discharge from the rectum to get on the linen. Sometimes this happens due to the constant use of laxatives or rectal suppositories.

And another category of causes of anal judgment is allergic reactions. The sensitive area around the anus may react to the synthetic fibers that make up underwear or bedding. Also, such a reaction is possible on personal care products and cosmetics.

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of discomfort. As part of the diagnosis, he will collect the patient’s history, conduct an examination, and if necessary, prescribe additional studies, for example, take skin staples and send them to laboratory blood tests.

How to treat itching

If itching is a consequence of hemorrhoids, then it is he who is treated, and local antipruritic agents are used to alleviate the patient’s condition. In more than 80% of cases, patients with hemorrhoids stop suffering from itching after undergoing therapy. Many people prefer to use traditional medicine, but quite often such advice is not only useless, but can also be harmful. The best choice is a consultation with a qualified coloproctologist and a comprehensive approach to the problem. Treatment of hemorrhoids should be based on lifestyle modification, which includes the elimination of its underlying causes, adequate physical activity and proper diet. Hemorrhoids of the initial stages are successfully treated conservatively and minimally invasively. But if the disease has managed to progress to stage 3-4, then, most likely, surgical intervention and radical excision of hemorrhoids will be required.

In our multidisciplinary medical center, you can get advice from an experienced coloproctologist who will accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment.

FAQ

Drinking water alone will not eliminate the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

The fact is that in the large intestine, the microflora contributes to putrefaction and the formation of feces. They move due to peristalsis – undulating contractions of the smooth muscles of the intestine.

During the operation of the gastrointestinal tract, the walls of the colon constantly absorb incoming water. In the absence of a proper level of peristalsis, drinking even a large amount of water will not help, since the feces will linger in some areas for a long time and harden.

Enlarged hemorrhoids do not decrease over time, but, on the contrary, increase. Medicines can slow down the process or get rid of the symptoms. But sooner or later the patient will have to go to the doctor. Therefore, it is better not to delay.

The most common complications are bleeding and thrombosis of the hemorrhoid. A strong pain syndrome indicates a possible pinching of the node.

In addition, patients often complain of itching, a feeling of pressure in the rectal area, an anal fissure and fistula may appear.

Yes, there are a number of drugs that can affect the muscle contractions of the intestinal wall. However, in any case, do not prescribe medication yourself!

The use of laxatives, activated charcoal or other similar drugs may have a positive effect. But their intake should not be systematic, since in many diseases, increased peristalsis causes serious bleeding.

Influencing peristalsis in a safe way is possible through increased physical activity and proper nutrition.

Itching may be caused by pathological conditions:

• enterobiasis;
• helminthiasis;
• hemorrhoids;
• anal fissure;
• allergic reaction;
• consequences of epilation, etc.