What Causes Wet and Itchy Anal Area?
Anal moisture and itching may be related to physiological factors such as diet and personal hygiene, or may be caused by conditions like hemorrhoids, genital warts, and perianal eczema.
Consumption of greasy, spicy, and other irritant foods can stimulate the anus after defecation, leading to increased secretions, itching, and moisture. Additionally, poor personal hygiene can cause dirt and other substances to irritate the perianal area, causing itching and moisture. Adjusting diet and improving hygiene can generally alleviate these symptoms over time.
Factors such as prolonged sitting, standing, alcohol consumption, and spicy food preference can lead to hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can cause a lump-like tissue at the anus, leading to residual secretions and causing itching and moisture. Internal hemorrhoids can cause protrusion of a mass, leading to intestinal fluid secretion and anal itching and moisture. Dietary adjustments, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, warm sitz baths, or using medications like Titanoreine Suppositories and hemorrhoid cream as prescribed by a doctor can relieve symptoms. Severe cases may require surgical treatment, such as Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy and stapled hemorrhoidopexy.
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Individuals with multiple sexual partners and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of infection. Patients may develop cauliflower-like growths on the external genitalia and perianal area, causing itching and, when scratched, erosion and fluid leakage, which may cause perianal itching and moisture. Medications like podophyllotoxin, trichloroacetic acid, and imiquimod can be applied externally under the guidance of a professional doctor to alleviate symptoms.
Perianal eczema may be related to environmental, psychological, and dietary factors. Patients often exhibit perianal rashes and blisters accompanied by severe itching, which can lead to erosion when scratched, causing perianal itching and moisture. Adjustments in diet, improved hygiene, and maintaining a good mood are recommended. Additionally, medications like potassium permanganate, chlorpheniramine, and pimecrolimus can be used as prescribed by a doctor for treatment.
Moreover, there are many possible causes of perianal itching and moisture, which may also be related to conditions like anal fistula and tinea cruris. After excluding physiological factors, if symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought promptly to identify the underlying cause and provide targeted treatment. Avoid self-medication to prevent serious adverse reactions.