PRURITUS ANI

PRURITUS ANI

This is intractable itching around the anus, a common and embarrassing condition. Usually , the skin is reddened and hyperkeratotic and it may become cracked and moist. The causes are numerous but most commonly relate to poor or excessive hygiene, moist discharge secondary to other anorectal conditions, parasitic causes, especially threadworms ( Enterobius vermicularis ), and dermatological conditions (allergy , psoriasis, lichen planus). Care must be taken not to miss neoplastic changes such as anal SCC, malignant melanoma, Bowen’s disease and extramammary Paget’s disease.