A-Z Health Guide from WebMD: Symptoms
Rectal Problems
Topic Overview
Rectal problems are common. Almost everyone will experience some
rectal itching, pain, or bleeding at some time during his or her life. These
problems are often minor and may go away on their own or with home
treatment.
Rectal itching
Rectal itching (pruritus) is usually not a sign of a serious
disease. At first, the skin of the
anal area may appear red. Itching and scratching may
make the skin become thickened and white. Common causes of rectal itching
include:
- Poor cleaning of the area after a bowel
movement. Itching and discomfort may occur when pieces of stool become trapped
in skin folds around the
anus.
- Medications, especially medications
that cause diarrhea or constipation, such as antibiotics.
- Cleaning
of the anus with very hot water and strong soaps. The anal area is normally
oily, and this barrier protects against the irritation of bowel movements.
Repeated cleaning or showering will remove these oils and can lead to a cycle
of itching and scratching that can be hard to stop.
- The use of
scented toilet paper, scented soap, or ointments (such as those that contain
benzocaine).
- A generalized dry skin condition that affects the
entire body. This condition is more common in older adults. For more
information, see the topic
Dry Skin and Itching.
-
Hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins near the
lower end of the
rectum or outside the anus. For more information, see
the topic
Hemorrhoids.
- An infection of the anus or
rectum which may be caused by viruses (such as
genital warts),
bacteria,
pinworms,
scabies, fungus, yeast, or parasites. Pinworms are the
most common cause of anal itching in children. For more information, see the
topics
Pinworms,
Scabies, or
Genital Warts (Human
Papillomavirus).
- Certain foods, such as coffee, tea, cola,
alcoholic beverages, chocolate, tomatoes, spicy foods, and large amounts of
vitamin C.
| Rectal Problems: Topic Overview |
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Last updated: June 28, 2005
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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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