title: Pruritus ani: etiology and management.
abstract: Pruritus ani is a dermatologic condition characterized by an unpleasant itching or burning sensation in the perianal region. This article briefly discusses the incidence and classification of pruritus ani followed by a more lengthy discussion of primary and secondary pruritus ani. The important points are summarized and a simple algorithm is provided for the clinical management of pruritus ani.
authors.affiliation: US Army Medical Corps, San Antonio, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Katharine W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Markell
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Billingham
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007509:Irritants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017512:Lichenoid Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011538:Pruritus Ani / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000982:Antipruritics; D007509:Irritants; D002211:Capsaicin; D008751:Methylene Blue; D006854:Hydrocortisone