Rectal itching (Anal itching) is also known as pruritus ani, it is the intense itching around the anus.
- SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- CAUSES
- PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
- DIAGNOSIS
- TREATMENTS
- PROGNOSIS
- COMPLICATIONS
- RECTAL ITCHING AND AYURVEDA
- NIDANA- AYURVEDIC CAUSES
- PURVAROOPAM- AYURVEDIC PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS
- SAMPRAPTI – AYURVEDIC PATHOGENESIS
- LAKSHANA- AYURVEDIC SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- AYURVEDIC PROGNOSIS
- CHIKITSA- AYURVEDIC TREATMENT
- AYURVEDIC SAMANA TREATMENT
- AYURVEDIC LOCAL TREATMENT
- COMMONLY USED AYURVEDIC MEDICINES
- HOME REMEDIES
- DIET AND BEHAVIOUR
- YOGA
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RECTAL ITCHING
- Intense itching (itchy anus) around the anal area.
- Burning sensation around the anus
CAUSES OF RECTAL ITCHING
- Fungal infections
- Pinworm infestation
- Contact dermatitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissure
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
The pathophysiology of rectal itching is based on the causative factor. Moisture content in the anal region enhances the growth of fungi. The persistent itching causes the continuous urge to scratch.
DIAGNOSIS
- Proper history taking
- Physical examination
- Stool culturing
- Colonoscopy is the ‘gold standard’ method of detecting intra-luminal colonic lesions.
- · Laboratory tests
TREATMENTS
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antibiotics to control infections
- Treatments for underlying pathology
PROGNOSIS
- The prognosis is based on the causative factor, stage of the disease, and condition of the patient
- Generally, rectal itching is self-limited.
COMPLICATIONS
- Rectal itching is manageable and does not produce many complications.
- RECTAL ITCHING AND AYURVEDA
- In Ayurveda, the treatment of rectal itching is based on ‘guda kandu’
NIDANA- AYURVEDIC CAUSES OF RECTAL ITCHING
- Excess consumption of acrid and unctuous food
- Kapha dosha vitiation
- Suppression of natural urges
PURVAROOPAM- AYURVEDIC PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS
- Kandu – rectal itching
SAMPRAPTI – AYURVEDIC PATHOGENESIS
Due to the causative factors, doshas become vitiated with the predominance of kapha dosha, resides in the rectum, and finally rectal itching is manifested.
LAKSHANA – AYURVEDIC SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RECTAL ITCHING
- Gudakandu – rectal itching
AYURVEDIC PROGNOSIS OF RECTAL ITCHING
Symptoms are manageable with proper Ayurvedic management
CHIKITSA- AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR RECTAL ITCHING
AYURVEDIC SAMANA TREATMENT FOR RECTAL ITCHING
- Triphala guggulu
- Gandhaka rasayana
- Chiruvilwadi kashayam
AYURVEDIC LOCAL TREATMENT FOR RECTAL ITCHING
- Washing with Triphala kashaya
- Washing with lukewarm saline water
COMMONLY USED AYURVEDIC MEDICINES FOR RECTAL ITCHING
Ayurvedic medicines for anus itching
- Chiruvilwadi kashaya
- Dusparsakadi Kashayam
- Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
- Soorana Modhakam
- Abhayarishtam
- Poothekaranjasavam
- Mustarishtam
- Triphala guggulu
- Gandhaka rasayana
It is advisable to use Ayurvedic medicines under the supervision of healthcare professionals. For free online consultation, please visit here.
HOME REMEDIES FOR RECTAL ITCHING
- Avoid irritants
- Properly clean the anal region
- Intake of water frequently to avoid dehydration
- Intake of water boiled with coriander and cumin seeds
DIET AND BEHAVIOUR
- Avoid food items that produce dosha imbalance like sweet, unctuous, because dosha imbalance aggravates the symptoms.
- Consume easily digestible food items, gruels
YOGA FOR RECTAL ITCHING
- Nadi shuddi pranayam – calms the mind and effective in anal irritations
The patient needs to be seated in a meditative posture with the head and spine erect, with the body relaxed. The patient has to close his one nostril (e.g. left nostril if using the right hand and vice versa) with the thumb and exhale completely through the other nostril. Again, he will have to breathe in deeply through the other nostril while the opposite nostril is still closed with the thumb.
The practices of shatkriya or yogic cleansing techniques purify the body and prevent digestive tract problems.