Chapter 42 Pruritus Ani
INTRODUCTION
Description: Pruritus ani is acute or chronic itching (generally intense) of the anal and perianal skin. Patients also may have complaints of vulvar itching or of a vaginal infection that has not responded to therapy.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Anal disease—fissures, fistulae, infection (bacterial, fungal, pinworms, scabies), neoplasia, hemorrhoids, leakage of stool. Dermatologic processes—psoriasis, eczema, fecal irritation, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, vulvitis, chemical dermatitis (diarrheal irritation), dietary intolerance (coffee, cola, tomatoes, chocolate). Other—excessively zealous hygiene, psychologic problems.
