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Coffee, tea, beer, and colaChocolateTomatoesCitrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruitDiseases that affect the anus, such as:- An anal abscess " � This is a lump that happens when a gland inside the anus gets infected.
- An anal fistula " � This is a tunnel that forms between the anal gland and the place where the abscess is on the skin.
- Cancer " � Some people who get anal, rectal, or colon cancer have anal itching.
Skin diseases, such as:- Psoriasis " � A skin condition that can cause a rash and itching.
- Dermatitis " � A skin rash that can happen after your skin touches something that irritates it or something you are allergic to. This could be a skin cream, laundry detergent, or something else that touches the area around your anus.
Diseases caused by infection with a bacteria or fungus.
Is there anything I can do on my own to get rid of anal itching? " � There are some things you can try. These include: � �
- Keeping the anus and skin around it clean and dry " � You can:
- Wipe gently after a bowel movement, using a moist pad or tissue
- NOT use a cleaning lotion, such as witch hazel " � This can make symptoms worse.
- Take a bath after you have a bowel movement " � Use mild, unscented soap. Pat the area dry with a soft towel or use a hair dryer on the cool setting.
- Put some unscented talcum powder on the skin around the anus " � This can help keep the area dry.
- Putting an anti-itch ointment on the area " � You can use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (sample brand names: Preparation H, Anu-med HC). But do not use anti-itch cream for more than 2 weeks.
- Putting a zinc oxide skin ointment or paste on the area (sample brand names: Desitin, Balmex)
If the itching is worse at night, you can take medicines called antihistamines (sample brand names: Benadryl, Aler-Cap). � �
You can also try NOT eating or drinking things that can cause anal itching or diarrhea. For example, some people get diarrhea when they drink milk or eat foods made with milk. � �
Will I need tests? " � Maybe. Your doctor or nurse will do an exam and learn about your symptoms. You might also have the following tests: � �
- Biopsy " � If the doctor or nurse finds a growth, he or she will take a small sample of tissue from the area. Another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope to check for cancer.
- Colonoscopy " � This test looks at the inside lining of a persons large intestine, called the "colon. " � During a colonoscopy, the doctor puts a tube with a tiny camera into your anus and up to your colon. This lets the doctor look for cancer or other problems. Before a colonoscopy, you get medicine to make you relax.
How is anal itching treated? " � If a medical condition is causing the anal itching, doctors can treat that condition. This usually gets rid of the itching. � �
A few people have anal itching even after trying different things to stop it. If this happens, doctors can give other ointments and in rare cases an injection (shot) of medicine around the anus. This can stop the itching. � �
Can anal itching be prevented? " � You can reduce your chances of getting anal itching by: � �
- Keeping the area around the anus clean and dry
- NOT eating foods that can cause anal itching or diarrhea
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83428 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " � As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
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Digestive system
This drawing shows the organs in the body that process food. Together these organs are called "the digestive system," or "digestive tract. " � As food travels through this system, the body absorbs nutrients and water.
Graphic 66110 Version 4.0
View Original
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