About Allergies: Pruritus Ani - You're Itching Where?!

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Itching is a common medical problem experienced by nearly everyone at some point during their lives. Often, the itching is mild and short-lived -- but other people experience debilitating itching that can involve certain areas of the body, or even the entire body. Itching of the anus, called pruritus ani, is an especially embarrassing condition that can have a wide array of causes. The most well-known cause of pruritus ani, particularly in children, is due to infection by pinworms. Allergies can cause pruritus ani -- but not typically due to foods or medications, but rather as a result of contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis of the skin around the anus could be caused by toilet paper dyes and fragrances, wet wipes, soaps and even laundry detergents. Less commonly, pruritus ani could signal a more dangerous medical condition, such as colon cancer, diabetes and thyroid disorders. For this reason, it's best to seek the advice of a medical professional if you're suffering from pruritus ani. Pruritus Ani: An Embarrassing Medical Condition Itching of the skin, also called pruritus, is a common problem experienced by many people. The itching may or may not come along with a rash, which can be limited to small areas of skin or can occur over the entire body. When a rash does occur, it can be a clue as to the cause of the itching. Itching can be a minor nuisance, or can be a major disruption and severely impact a person's quality of life. When the itching involves the area around the anus, it's referred to pruritus ani, and can be an embarrassing problem. See More About:  itching  allergic rashes  food allergies All About Skin Itching: How to Solve the Mystery Pruritus refers to an unpleasant sensation that causes the need to scratch, commonly called itching by most people. Itching may be localized to a certain area of the body, or can be all over, or generalized. When there is a rash that goes along with the pruritus, the cause is usually easily determined and treated. However, the most difficult cases of pruritus are those without an associated rash. See More About:  skin allergies  hives  eczema http://allergies.about.com/od/skinallergies/a/skinallergyhub There are many types of itchy skin allergies and rashes. However, not all rashes that itch are related to skin allergies. The following are the most common types of allergic skin rashes... Allergy Basics The page covers topics which are basic to the understanding of allergic diseases in general. A brief question and answer format is used in an easy to read and understand manner. Allergies Ads Treatment Allergies Seasonal Allergies Allergies Allergies Relief Itchy Skin Rash Featured Articles Frequently Asked Questions Nose and Eye Allergies Skin Allergies Asthma and Lung Allergies Common Allergy Issues in Children Food Allergies   More from About.com Bake Sale Bestsellers Make your next bake sale a profitable one with these irresistible recipes. More> Real Recipes app Download our highly-rated app for free recipes and kitchen tools, for iPhone and iPod Touch. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies   Follow me on: Advertisement