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digestive system
Pruritus ani
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
In rectal itching, or pruritus ani, the skin may be red or otherwise discolored, but often there is no accompanying rash. This condition is commonly due to pinworms, hemorrhoids, yeast, or an allergic reaction to clothing materials or to traces of laundry soap in the clothing.
If the condition seems to get worse or if it is accompanied by weight loss, diminished appetite, or constant stomach upset, consult a physician immediately.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Acidophilus 1/2 teaspoon or 1 capsule, 3 times a day. Take before or with each meal.
2. Hydrochloric Acid 1 capsule or 1/8 teaspoon with or after each meal. Do not take it if you suffer from heartburn.
3. Digestive enzymes 2 capsules with meals.
THE PROPER DIET FOR RECTAL ITCHING WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Avoid sugar and sugar-containing foods such as candy and pastries, as they will most probably aggravate the itching. Spicy food may have a similar effect on some people.
2. The quality of your food has an immediate effect on both your skin condition and how irritating the fecal material can be, so maintaining a healthy diet is of utmost importance.
Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Avoid refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice) and drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information, refer to the article on healthy diet.
3. Another consideration is food allergies. Certain foods seem more likely to cause or aggravate rectal itching. Eliminating these foods from your diet is a good way to determine if one or several of them are responsible. The main problem foods are dairy products (including milk, cheese, and ice cream), eggs, wheat, corn, oranges, peanut butter, and sugar.
After eliminating all of those foods from the diet, and the symptoms have gone away, one food at a time can be reintroduced to see if the symptoms reoccur. A new food would be introduced each week. If you need more information, refer to the article on Food sensitivities.
HERBS USED FOR RECTAL ITCHING:
1. Apply an extract of Witch Hazel to the area with a cotton cloth or a plant mister. To make a solution of Witch Hazel, put 2 teaspoons of the herb in 1 cup of boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes and cool.
2. Apply ointments of any of the following herbs, as needed, to relieve itching: Comfrey Root, Yellow Dock Root, Plantain, or Yarrow.
3. A non-oily Zinc ointment can help relieve pain and itching.
4. Get fresh Chickweed to make a poultice. (Most yards and gardens have plenty of wild Chickweed growing in the spring and summer.) Consult an herb book for a description. Heat 2 large handfuls of Chickweed in enough water to cover it. When the Chickweed softens, remove it from the heat, let it cool, and then apply directly to your skin. Cover with a dry cloth and a wool blanket or thermal underwear. You can also use Chickweed ointment, often available at health food stores.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue.
Sulphur 6c: For itching and burning with redness around the anus. The itching is made worse by heat. Take 2 or 3 times a day.
Teucrium 6c: For itching of the anus that is worse in the evening or in bed.
ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR RECTAL ITCHING ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Make a cold compress by dipping a cotton cloth in 1 quart of cold water mixed with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. Apply the folded cloth so that it covers the itchy area and an addi-tional 2 inches of skin. Cover with a dry cloth and a wool blanket or thermal underwear.
2. When taking a bath add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your bath water.
3. Avoid scratching, as it will aggravate the condition.
4. Refer to the articles on pinworms (intestinal worms) and hemorrhoids if these are relevant to your condition.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.