Reasons why hemorrhoids become itchy and how to deal with them

Hemorrhoids often become itchy when the veins in the anus or rectum become swollen and inflamed. The inflammation, in turn, stimulates the release of a chemical called histamine, which causes anal itching.anal pruritus). Scratching can cause further irritation and make things worse.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce hemorrhoid itching, including hydrocortisone cream, sitz baths, local anesthetics, and improved anal hygiene.

This article explains why hemorrhoids cause itching and what to do about it. Also look into other causes of anal itching.

Why do hemorrhoids itch?

Pruritus ani is commonly seen with internal or external hemorrhoids. This is a complex sensory response that involves the immune system and other biological and physical factors.

inflammation

Hemorrhoids cause inflammation that is mediated by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins do not cause itching, but they can destroy immune cells in the skin called mast cells.

Mast cells contain a chemical known as histamine. These are the same chemicals that cause allergic symptoms in other parts of the body. When histamine is released in the tissues, itching occurs, which can get worse the more you scratch or rub. This includes wiping with toilet paper.

Repeated rubbing or scratching can also overstimulate local nerves in the skin.

defecation and humidity

Research shows that hemorrhoid symptoms generally improve when stool (feces) is removed from the anal tissue. This suggests that the stool is an irritant that causes itching.

You may also rub your hemorrhoids when defecating, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. This is especially true if you have constipation. Diarrhea can also irritate the skin, especially if the skin is not washed thoroughly after defecation.

Mucus leakage is also a common symptom of hemorrhoids. Because the mucus is so thick, moisture can become trapped in the skin folds of the anus, causing moisture-related skin damage (maceration) and irritation. Excessive sweating has a similar effect.

Conversely, over-cleansing strips your body of oils, causing skin dryness, irritation, and itching.

How to stop hemorrhoids itching

There are several ways to reduce hemorrhoid itching as part of an overall treatment plan. These include:

• good hygiene: After defecating, gently wipe with a damp cloth or unscented baby wipes. Do not rub too hard. You might also consider using a bidet. After washing your face, pat it dry.
• Avoid scented soaps: Avoid scented or colored soaps, bath bombs, shower gels, baby wipes, and skin lotions as they can irritate the skin.
• hydrocortisone: A low-potency steroid cream that calms inflammation and helps shrink hemorrhoids. These are available over the counter in 1% to 2.5% potency.
• oral pain reliever: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) provide short-term relief from anal itching and pain.
• numbing cream: These include over-the-counter anesthetics such as lidocaine, xylocaine, dibucaine, and benzocaine.
• Sitz bath: This involves submerging your butt in a plastic bathtub or sitting in a bathtub filled with several inches of water. Regularly taking a sitting bath for 20 minutes can help relieve itching and inflammation. Then, pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
• stool softener: These over-the-counter products reduce irritation caused by bowel movements. Also known as an emollient laxative.They contain active ingredients docusate sodium.
• Witch hazel: A liquid distilled from the leaves, bark, and twigs of the witch hazel plant. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve hemorrhoids.
• zinc oxide: An over-the-counter medicated cream, ointment, or paste that relieves skin irritation.
• aloe: Aloe vera gel or cream has a soothing effect and can be helpful if your skin is dry or irritated.

treat hemorrhoids

It is equally important to address the root of the problem and treat the hemorrhoids themselves. This may include medications, professional treatment, and surgeries such as:

• hemorrhoid cream or suppository: These topical medicines contain the following ingredients: Phenylephrine (vasoconstrictors that constrict blood vessels) and pramoxine (an anesthetic that relieves pain and itching in the anus).
• rubber band ligation: This involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow, causing the hemorrhoid to shrivel and fall off within a week.
• sclerotherapy: This is a chemical injection of a solution (called a hardening agent) into the hemorrhoid. This solution irritates the veins, causing them to harden and collapse.
• coagulation: This specialized procedure uses heat, laser, or infrared light to harden and shrink bleeding hemorrhoids.
• hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids. Depending on the size and severity of the hemorrhoid, it can be performed under local anesthesia, spinal block anesthesia, or general anesthesia.

Other causes of anal itching

Hemorrhoids are just one of many causes of anal itching, some of which can be serious. Therefore, it is important to contact your health care provider if your symptoms persist, are severe, or worsen.

anal fissure

An anal fissure is a tear in the anal lining caused by forceful defecation. This may cause symptoms such as pain and itching. If a laceration is left untreated, a bacterial infection can develop that can spread to the bloodstream and become serious.

fungal infection

Anal itching can be caused by a fungal infection, such as a yeast infection. Itching caused by an anal fungal infection may be relieved by good hygiene and wearing loose, breathable clothing.

Prescribed antifungal medications may also be helpful. Over-the-counter antifungal creams are not recommended for anal yeast infections.

viral infection

Anal warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Warts start as small tumors and can grow. Anal warts can cause symptoms such as itching, bleeding, mucus production, and the sensation of a lump in the rectum.

Genital herpes can affect not only the genitals but also the anal area. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Anal itching is often followed by painful blisters and sores.

proctitis

proctitis Inflammation of the rectal lining that occurs in the following cases:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• radiation therapy
• Bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted diseases
• Anal or rectal injury
• Side effects of certain drugs
• lack of blood flow to the rectum

psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes symptoms such as itching. It can occur in the genital and anal areas. In addition to itching, it can cause cracking, scaling, and bleeding of the skin on the buttocks and anus.

parasite

Pinworms are small parasites that live in the colon and rectum. They are more common in children than adults. Many people have no symptoms, but in some people it can cause severe itching that interferes with sleep.

Scabies is a skin disease caused by tiny mites that hide in the outer layer of the skin. It can also cause severe itching.

food sensitivities

Food sensitivities can also cause anal itching in some people. Some of the more common culprits start with the letter “C”, such as:

• Cola
• coffee
• chocolate
• citrus
• Calcium (found in calcium-fortified foods)

anal cancer

Although the causes of anal itching are less common, you should consider anal cancer as a possible cause of your symptoms.

Anal cancer is a rare cancer associated with HPV. Signs include bleeding from the anus or rectum. There may also be a lump near the anus, which can easily be mistaken for hemorrhoids. Itching and anal discharge are common.

summary

Hemorrhoids can cause itching due to inflammation, poor anal hygiene, excess moisture, and excessive anal irrigation. Scratching or rubbing may make the itching worse.

Keeping the affected area clean and dry can help relieve itching and inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream, oral pain relievers, sitz baths, and stool softeners are just a few ways to relieve anal itching caused by hemorrhoids.