RT Book, Section
A1 Doherty, Gerard M.
SR Print(0)
ID 58098839
T1 Pruritus Ani
T2 Quick Answers Surgery
YR 2010
FD 2010
PB The McGraw-Hill Companies
PP New York, NY
SN 
LK accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=58098839
RD 2024/04/19
AB •  Severe  perianal  itching,  often  at  night•  When  chronic,  skin  becomes  white,  leathery,  and  thickened•  Usually  idiopathic•  Most  patients  have  tried  many  over-the-counter  preparations  without  relief•  Agents  may  exacerbate  the  problem  by  keeping  the  perineum  moist,  causing  further  irritation,  or  by  creating  a  contact  dermatitis•  Poor  cleansing  of  the  perineum  may  lead  to  irritation•  Frequent  washing  with  soaps  and  detergents  dries  the  skin,  also  leading  to  pruritus•  Pinworms  (Enterobius  vermicularis)  are  the  most  common  cause  of  perianal  itching  in  children•  Pruritus  may  result  from  tight  clothing,  obesity,  and  living  in  a  hot  climate•  When  a  specific  cause  cannot  be  found,  it  is  considered  idiopathic