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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreatment of anal itching depends on the cause of the problem. It may include self-care measures, changes to your diet, treatment of infections or, rarely, surgery to correct an underlying problem.
Medications
Medications that might help include:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream). Apply sparingly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and itching.
- A protective ointment that contains zinc oxide (Desitin, Balmex). Applied to the affected area, this also may help.
- Antihistimine. If your symptoms are worse at night, your doctor may also prescribe an antihistamine to reduce itching until topical treatments take effect.
With proper treatment, most people experience relief from anal itching in less than a week. Anal itching that continues for more than a few weeks needs to be evaluated by your doctor.
- Breen E, et al. Approach to the patient with anal pruritus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 24, 2010.
- Pruritus ani. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/pruritus_ani/. Accessed March 30, 2010.
- Pfenninger J, et al. Common anorectal conditions: Part I symptoms and complaints. American Family Physician. 2001;63:2391. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010615/2391.html. Accessed March 30, 2010.
- Pruritis ani. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch020/ch020j.html?qt=Pruritus%20Ani&alt=sh#sec02-ch020-ch020h-1370. Assessed March 30, 2010.
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