Introduction: Pruritus ani is defined as a dermatologic disease characterized by itching and/or burning in the perianal area. It occurs in 15% of the population. Men are affected more frequently than women, in the ratio 4:1. It is accompanied by an irresistible desire to scratch in the perianal area. Pruritus ani is divided into two subtypes: primary (idiopathic) and secondary. In idiopathic (primary) pruritus it is not possible to detect any other cause of itching. Secondary pruritus has an obvious causal origin.The aim of this paper is to offer a complex overview of possible causes, diagnostic procedures and treatment possibilities of this unpleasant and annoying disease.
Methods: We have researched available publications using PubMed and MEDLINE databases, focusing on articles on anal pruritus. At first the key word "Pruritus ani" was put in without any restrictions. Subsequently, we limited the selection by the time period of 5 years and 10 years; then we looked up articles in English, German and Czech languages, and finally review articles, clinical trials and others.
Results: 574 articles were found without entering any restrictions; 45 of them were review articles and 25 clinical trials. 437 articles were in the English language and 40 of them were review articles. 44 were in the German language and 1 of them was a review article. A total of 33 articles were found with a 5-year time limit. 6 of them were review articles and 4 were clinical trials. 66 articles from the last 10 years were found. 14 of them were review articles and 10 were clinical trials. In most of the other articles among the total number of articles found, pruritus ani was mentioned only marginally in articles focused on different topics. We have not found any summary articles on this topic in Czech publications.
Conclusion: Pruritus ani is a common disease with a number of causes; therefore, effective treatment may be insufficient in the initial stages. The therapy is focused on the primary cause, if found. Broad differential diagnosis options need to be taken into consideration, and reevaluation of the therapy is a priority. When no obvious secondary cause is found, the empiric treatment is focused on an improvement of hygiene and change in the life style, removal of common irritators, and protection of perianal skin.