title: Pruritus ani.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anal pruritus affects up to 5% of the population. It is often persistent and the constant urge to scratch the area can cause great distress. Although usually caused by a combination of irritants, particularly faecal soiling and dietary factors, it can be a symptom of serious dermatosis, skin or generalised malignancy or systemic illness.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article discusses the assessment and management of pruritus ani.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is important not to trivialise the symptom of anal pruritus and to enquire about patient concerns regarding diagnosis. Once serious pathology has been excluded, management involves education about the condition; elimination of irritants contributing to the itch-scratch cycle including faecal soiling, dietary factors, soaps and other causes of contact dermatitis; and use of emollients and topical corticosteroid ointments. Compounded 0.006% capsaicin appears to be a safe and valid option for pruritus not responding despite adherence to these conservative measures.
authors.affiliation: Cairns Sexual Health Service, Queensland, Australia. joanne_maclean@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: MacLean
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011538:Pruritus Ani / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology