title: [Diagnostics and treatment of pruritus ani].
abstract: Pruritus ani is defined as an intense itching sensation affecting the perianal skin. The condition affects up to 5% of the population, and occurs four times more commonly in men than in women. Pruritus ani occurs in a primary form caused by overt but insufficient cleansing of the perianal skin, and in a secondary form caused by underlying pathology, often of proctological or dermatological/infectious origin. Causes and treatment are reviewed, and it is concluded that the condition, even in its chronic refractory form, has a favourable prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Kirurgisk Gastroenterologisk Afdeling, Bispebjerg Hospital, København NV. sft@city.dk
authors.forename: Simon Francis
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Thomsen
authors.forename: Helle Kiellberg
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Kikke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hagen
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011538:Pruritus Ani / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy