Editorial
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 14, 2009; 15(26): 3201-3209
Published online Jul 14, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.3201
Table 1 Etiologies of pruritus ani
Anorectal diseaseAnal fistula, fissure, skin tags, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, anal papillomas, rectal and anal carcinoma, fecal incontinence, hidradenitis
Systemic diseaseDiabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, iron deficiency, thyrotoxicosis, myxedema, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, jaundice, leukemia, aplastic anemia
Dermatologic conditionsPsoriasis, erythrasma, seborrheic dermatitis, atropic dematitis, intertrigo
InfectionsVirus, bacteria, fungi, parasites
Gynecologic conditionsVaginitis, endocervicitis
NeoplasmsExtramammary Paget’s disease, squamous cell carcinoma, cloacogenic carcinoma, Bowen’s disease
HygienePoor cleansing or overaggressive cleansing with rubbing or excessive soap use
DietCoffee, chocolate, citrus, spicy foods, tea, beer, sodas containing caffeine, fat substitutes, milk and milk products
Local irritantsObesity, excessive hair, tight-fitting clothing, anal creases, perfumed or dyed toilet paper, anal creams
Diarrheal statesUlcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome
RadiationPostirradiation changes
PsychogenicAnxiety, neuroses, psychoses
Drugs: IdiopathicQuinidine, colchicine, antibiotics, ointments that may contain alcohol