Introduction: Pruritus ani is a common condition with many causes, predominately anorectal pathology. There are some new insights and therapies, but the most recommendations are based on low-level evidence.
Patients and methods: A literature search was carried out using Medline and the internet with the keywords 'pruritus ani' from 1950 to 2007.
Results: A review of the evidence is presented and a management plan based on the elimination of irritants and scratching, general control measures and active treatment measures is offered.
Conclusions: Treatment of primary and secondary pruritus ani has a good prospect of regression of symptoms and skin changes.