Pruritus ani.
BACKGROUND
Pruritus ani is a common condition with many causes, predominately anorectal pathology. There are some new insights and therapies, but the most recommendations are based on low-level evidence.


METHODS
A literature search was carried out using Medline and the internet with the keywords 'pruritus ani' from 1950 to 2007.


RESULTS
A review of the evidence is presented and a management plan based on the elimination of irritants and scratching, general control measures and active treatment measures is offered.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of primary and secondary pruritus ani has a good prospect of regression of symptoms and skin changes.
Siddiqi
S
S
Department of General Surgery, University College Hospital, London, UK. shahab@doctors.org.uk
Vijay
V
V
Ward
M
M
Mahendran
R
R
Warren
S
S