‘Pruritus ani’ is a surprising bum issue men experience but don’t get checked out
Madison Burgess
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Now, this is awkward, but it's important to talk about.
A new study has revealed that a whopping 61 per cent of UK men have experienced an uncomfortable sensation called 'pruritus ani' at some point in their lives.
However, only 12 percent of those involved in the survey conducted by Anusol said they had actually heard of the term, and 43 percent said they had no idea what the term meant.
First of all, for those in the latter category who are likely confused right now, we'll break it down - 'pruritus ani' is essentially a fancy word for anal itching, or an 'itchy bum'.
Advert
But among those experiencing these irritating symptoms, only 34 per cent of men correctly identified what they were dealing with.
We all know that talking about what's going on down there isn't exactly easy, and it can be a tricky topic to approach, with the embarrassment leading many men to just simply ignore it, rather than going to the doctors.
Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, explained to Metro: "Pruritus ani is the medical term for itching around your anus, but it’s important to understand that it’s a symptom, not a condition in itself.
"The main sign is itching, which can range from mild to quite intense, and may be worse at night. Some people also experience soreness, redness, or irritated skin, especially if there’s been a lot of scratching."
It's important to work out what's causing the itching in order to solve the problem - don't worry, it's usually not serious, but it's better to get it checked out by a health professional.
Budd added: "It can sometimes be overlooked because people tend to focus on the itch itself rather than the underlying cause. There can also be a degree of embarrassment, which means people may delay getting advice."
Common conditions that could be causing pruritus ani include haemorrhoids, eczema and psoriasis, fungal infections, threadworms, as well as allergies and irritation from soaps, wipes, sweat, and other lifestyle factors.
"So rather than one group being universally at risk, it really depends on what’s triggering the symptom," Ian explained.
Adding: "That said, people with ongoing digestive issues, sensitive skin, or conditions affecting the anal area may be more likely to experience it at some point."
The expert explained that 'digestive issues, such as diarrhoea or leakage, can contribute, as can certain foods and drinks (such as spicy foods, or caffeine)'.
Not cleaning the area properly can lead to itching, and on the other hand, frequently over-cleaning it can also cause irritation.
To treat pruritus ani, it's important to first identify the underlying cause, and you can also try soothing treatments like 'barrier creams or mild topical products' which can help 'relieve irritation and protect your skin'.
There is no singular treatment, so experts recommend a visit to your GP if the itching becomes persistent or keeps coming back, ‘so the underlying cause can be identified and treated appropriately.’