Anal itching (pruritus ani)
Anal itching, medically pruritus ani, is a very common problem that patients find hard to talk about – yet it is almost always very treatable. There can be many causes, from hemorrhoids to eczema to infections, which is why precise diagnostics are the key to success. At Proctocare you are discreetly examined by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 successfully operated patients.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with many years of experience
- An appointment with no referral, acute cases within 24 hours, even on weekends
- A discreet approach and targeted treatment according to the true cause
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What anal itching is
Pruritus ani is itching of the skin around the anal opening. It is not a disease of its own, but a symptom – the body is signaling that something is irritating the skin in a sensitive area. The itching is usually worst in the evening, at night or after a bowel movement, and scratching brings only short-lived relief; it keeps damaging the skin, so the problems often get worse in a vicious circle.
That is exactly why there is no point in experimenting with over-the-counter ointments for a long time. If the itching lasts more than one to two weeks or keeps coming back, a specialist examination is in order to reveal the true cause – which we can then treat in a targeted way.
How anal itching shows itself
Besides the itching itself, patients often notice other problems too
- itching or burning around the anus, typically in the evening and at night
- reddened, irritated or weeping skin in the anal area
- small wounds and scrapes from scratching, sometimes with traces of blood on the paper
- a feeling of moisture or soiled underwear
- thickened, whitish skin when the problems last a long time
If along with the itching you also notice bleeding, a lump or pain, it may be hemorrhoids or another anorectal condition – one more reason to get examined.
The most common causes of anal itching
Only an examination determines the exact cause in a specific patient
Hemorrhoids and anorectal conditions
Enlarged hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, skin tags or polyps change the conditions in the anal area, retain moisture and irritate the skin.
Eczema and skin conditions
Anal eczema, psoriasis or a contact allergy to soaps, wet wipes or laundry detergents are among the common skin causes.
Hygiene – both excessive and insufficient
Excessive washing with soap and aggressive hygiene dry out and irritate the skin, just as residues of stool do when hygiene is insufficient.
Infections and parasites
Yeast and bacterial infections, and in children as well as adults pinworms, can trigger intense itching, especially at night.
Anal warts
Wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus often show themselves precisely through itching and the feeling of a foreign body.
Diet and general diseases
Coffee, alcohol, spicy and acidic foods, but also diabetes or other general diseases, can trigger or worsen the itching.
Diagnosis – we look for the cause, not just relief
The basis is a discreet proctological examination: a conversation about your problems, hygiene habits and diet, a thorough assessment of the skin in the anal area and an examination of the rectum. Depending on the findings, we complement it with an anoscopy or rectoscopy, which allow the anal canal and rectum to be assessed from the inside – that is often where the true cause hides.
The initial examination takes about 15 minutes. You need no referral and no special preparation. You will find the details in the price list.
Treatment at our clinic – we treat the cause
After making the diagnosis we propose targeted treatment; if the cause is an anorectal condition, we can deal with it right at our clinic
Treatment of hemorrhoids
We treat the most common cause of itching with gentle outpatient methods – from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser surgery.
Removal of anal warts
We remove wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus on an outpatient basis and discreetly.
Removal of skin tags
Skin tags and folds that retain moisture and make hygiene difficult are removed gently under local anesthesia.
For eczema, an infection or irritation from hygiene, we manage the treatment with topical therapy and a change of habits; a clear skin-care plan is always part of it. We can issue an e-prescription.
When to see a doctor
Anal itching is nothing to be ashamed of – it is a reason to get examined
- the itching lasts more than 1–2 weeks or keeps coming back
- over-the-counter ointments do not work or make the problems worse
- bleeding, pain, a lump or a discharge appears as well
- the skin around the anus weeps, cracks or is changing in appearance
- the itching wakes you from sleep and limits your everyday life
Book a discreet examination
You get an appointment with us quickly and with no referral; we examine acute cases within 24 hours, even on weekends. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about anal itching
Hemorrhoids are just one of many causes. The itching can be caused by eczema, an allergy to cosmetics, excessive or insufficient hygiene, an infection, parasites, warts, but also by diet or general diseases. That is exactly why an examination that reveals the cause is the foundation.
They can bring short-term relief, but if they do not treat the true cause, the problems come back. Some products even irritate the skin further with long-term use. If the itching lasts more than one to two weeks, we recommend an examination instead of further experimenting.
The doctor first talks with you about your problems, then gently examines the skin around the anus and the anal canal, if needed also with an anoscope or rectoscope. The examination takes about 15 minutes, is discreet, and most patients experience it only as mild discomfort, not pain.
No, no special preparation is needed. Ordinary hygiene is enough. You do not need a referral from your general practitioner either – you book directly by phone.
In most cases the causes are minor and very treatable. Rarely, however, long-term itching can accompany a more serious anorectal condition, so we never recommend ignoring persistent problems – an examination brings certainty.
Wash only with lukewarm water without soap, dry the area gently, wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid perfumed wet wipes, spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. And above all, try not to scratch – scratching keeps damaging the skin.
Related topics
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of anal itching and bleeding, and the options for its gentle treatment.
Anal fissure
A painful wound of the anal canal that can cause burning as well as itching.
Anal warts
Wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus that often show themselves through itching.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Don't let the itching torment you – we find its cause
A discreet examination by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with no referral, acute appointments within 24 hours, even on weekends.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk
Anal itching (pruritus ani)
Anal itching, medically pruritus ani, is a very common problem that patients find hard to talk about – yet it is almost always very treatable. There can be many causes, from hemorrhoids to eczema to infections, which is why precise diagnostics are the key to success. At Proctocare you are discreetly examined by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 successfully operated patients.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with many years of experience
- An appointment with no referral, acute cases within 24 hours, even on weekends
- A discreet approach and targeted treatment according to the true cause
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What anal itching is
Pruritus ani is itching of the skin around the anal opening. It is not a disease of its own, but a symptom – the body is signaling that something is irritating the skin in a sensitive area. The itching is usually worst in the evening, at night or after a bowel movement, and scratching brings only short-lived relief; it keeps damaging the skin, so the problems often get worse in a vicious circle.
That is exactly why there is no point in experimenting with over-the-counter ointments for a long time. If the itching lasts more than one to two weeks or keeps coming back, a specialist examination is in order to reveal the true cause – which we can then treat in a targeted way.
How anal itching shows itself
Besides the itching itself, patients often notice other problems too
- itching or burning around the anus, typically in the evening and at night
- reddened, irritated or weeping skin in the anal area
- small wounds and scrapes from scratching, sometimes with traces of blood on the paper
- a feeling of moisture or soiled underwear
- thickened, whitish skin when the problems last a long time
If along with the itching you also notice bleeding, a lump or pain, it may be hemorrhoids or another anorectal condition – one more reason to get examined.
The most common causes of anal itching
Only an examination determines the exact cause in a specific patient
Hemorrhoids and anorectal conditions
Enlarged hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, skin tags or polyps change the conditions in the anal area, retain moisture and irritate the skin.
Eczema and skin conditions
Anal eczema, psoriasis or a contact allergy to soaps, wet wipes or laundry detergents are among the common skin causes.
Hygiene – both excessive and insufficient
Excessive washing with soap and aggressive hygiene dry out and irritate the skin, just as residues of stool do when hygiene is insufficient.
Infections and parasites
Yeast and bacterial infections, and in children as well as adults pinworms, can trigger intense itching, especially at night.
Anal warts
Wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus often show themselves precisely through itching and the feeling of a foreign body.
Diet and general diseases
Coffee, alcohol, spicy and acidic foods, but also diabetes or other general diseases, can trigger or worsen the itching.
Diagnosis – we look for the cause, not just relief
The basis is a discreet proctological examination: a conversation about your problems, hygiene habits and diet, a thorough assessment of the skin in the anal area and an examination of the rectum. Depending on the findings, we complement it with an anoscopy or rectoscopy, which allow the anal canal and rectum to be assessed from the inside – that is often where the true cause hides.
The initial examination takes about 15 minutes. You need no referral and no special preparation. You will find the details in the price list.
Treatment at our clinic – we treat the cause
After making the diagnosis we propose targeted treatment; if the cause is an anorectal condition, we can deal with it right at our clinic
Treatment of hemorrhoids
We treat the most common cause of itching with gentle outpatient methods – from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser surgery.
Removal of anal warts
We remove wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus on an outpatient basis and discreetly.
Removal of skin tags
Skin tags and folds that retain moisture and make hygiene difficult are removed gently under local anesthesia.
For eczema, an infection or irritation from hygiene, we manage the treatment with topical therapy and a change of habits; a clear skin-care plan is always part of it. We can issue an e-prescription.
When to see a doctor
Anal itching is nothing to be ashamed of – it is a reason to get examined
- the itching lasts more than 1–2 weeks or keeps coming back
- over-the-counter ointments do not work or make the problems worse
- bleeding, pain, a lump or a discharge appears as well
- the skin around the anus weeps, cracks or is changing in appearance
- the itching wakes you from sleep and limits your everyday life
Book a discreet examination
You get an appointment with us quickly and with no referral; we examine acute cases within 24 hours, even on weekends. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about anal itching
Hemorrhoids are just one of many causes. The itching can be caused by eczema, an allergy to cosmetics, excessive or insufficient hygiene, an infection, parasites, warts, but also by diet or general diseases. That is exactly why an examination that reveals the cause is the foundation.
They can bring short-term relief, but if they do not treat the true cause, the problems come back. Some products even irritate the skin further with long-term use. If the itching lasts more than one to two weeks, we recommend an examination instead of further experimenting.
The doctor first talks with you about your problems, then gently examines the skin around the anus and the anal canal, if needed also with an anoscope or rectoscope. The examination takes about 15 minutes, is discreet, and most patients experience it only as mild discomfort, not pain.
No, no special preparation is needed. Ordinary hygiene is enough. You do not need a referral from your general practitioner either – you book directly by phone.
In most cases the causes are minor and very treatable. Rarely, however, long-term itching can accompany a more serious anorectal condition, so we never recommend ignoring persistent problems – an examination brings certainty.
Wash only with lukewarm water without soap, dry the area gently, wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid perfumed wet wipes, spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. And above all, try not to scratch – scratching keeps damaging the skin.
Related topics
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of anal itching and bleeding, and the options for its gentle treatment.
Anal fissure
A painful wound of the anal canal that can cause burning as well as itching.
Anal warts
Wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus that often show themselves through itching.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Don't let the itching torment you – we find its cause
A discreet examination by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with no referral, acute appointments within 24 hours, even on weekends.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk
Anal itching (pruritus ani)
Anal itching, medically pruritus ani, is a very common problem that patients find hard to talk about – yet it is almost always very treatable. There can be many causes, from hemorrhoids to eczema to infections, which is why precise diagnostics are the key to success. At Proctocare you are discreetly examined by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 successfully operated patients.
- The examination is led by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with many years of experience
- An appointment with no referral, acute cases within 24 hours, even on weekends
- A discreet approach and targeted treatment according to the true cause
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II) | Žilina – Alexandra Rudnaya 100
What anal itching is
Pruritus ani is itching of the skin around the anal opening. It is not a disease of its own, but a symptom – the body is signaling that something is irritating the skin in a sensitive area. The itching is usually worst in the evening, at night or after a bowel movement, and scratching brings only short-lived relief; it keeps damaging the skin, so the problems often get worse in a vicious circle.
That is exactly why there is no point in experimenting with over-the-counter ointments for a long time. If the itching lasts more than one to two weeks or keeps coming back, a specialist examination is in order to reveal the true cause – which we can then treat in a targeted way.
How anal itching shows itself
Besides the itching itself, patients often notice other problems too
- itching or burning around the anus, typically in the evening and at night
- reddened, irritated or weeping skin in the anal area
- small wounds and scrapes from scratching, sometimes with traces of blood on the paper
- a feeling of moisture or soiled underwear
- thickened, whitish skin when the problems last a long time
If along with the itching you also notice bleeding, a lump or pain, it may be hemorrhoids or another anorectal condition – one more reason to get examined.
The most common causes of anal itching
Only an examination determines the exact cause in a specific patient
Hemorrhoids and anorectal conditions
Enlarged hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, skin tags or polyps change the conditions in the anal area, retain moisture and irritate the skin.
Eczema and skin conditions
Anal eczema, psoriasis or a contact allergy to soaps, wet wipes or laundry detergents are among the common skin causes.
Hygiene – both excessive and insufficient
Excessive washing with soap and aggressive hygiene dry out and irritate the skin, just as residues of stool do when hygiene is insufficient.
Infections and parasites
Yeast and bacterial infections, and in children as well as adults pinworms, can trigger intense itching, especially at night.
Anal warts
Wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus often show themselves precisely through itching and the feeling of a foreign body.
Diet and general diseases
Coffee, alcohol, spicy and acidic foods, but also diabetes or other general diseases, can trigger or worsen the itching.
Diagnosis – we look for the cause, not just relief
The basis is a discreet proctological examination: a conversation about your problems, hygiene habits and diet, a thorough assessment of the skin in the anal area and an examination of the rectum. Depending on the findings, we complement it with an anoscopy or rectoscopy, which allow the anal canal and rectum to be assessed from the inside – that is often where the true cause hides.
The initial examination takes about 15 minutes. You need no referral and no special preparation. You will find the details in the price list.
Treatment at our clinic – we treat the cause
After making the diagnosis we propose targeted treatment; if the cause is an anorectal condition, we can deal with it right at our clinic
Treatment of hemorrhoids
We treat the most common cause of itching with gentle outpatient methods – from rubber band ligation to the LHP® laser surgery.
Removal of anal warts
We remove wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus on an outpatient basis and discreetly.
Removal of skin tags
Skin tags and folds that retain moisture and make hygiene difficult are removed gently under local anesthesia.
For eczema, an infection or irritation from hygiene, we manage the treatment with topical therapy and a change of habits; a clear skin-care plan is always part of it. We can issue an e-prescription.
When to see a doctor
Anal itching is nothing to be ashamed of – it is a reason to get examined
- the itching lasts more than 1–2 weeks or keeps coming back
- over-the-counter ointments do not work or make the problems worse
- bleeding, pain, a lump or a discharge appears as well
- the skin around the anus weeps, cracks or is changing in appearance
- the itching wakes you from sleep and limits your everyday life
Book a discreet examination
You get an appointment with us quickly and with no referral; we examine acute cases within 24 hours, even on weekends. Call +421 948 687 667.
Frequently asked questions about anal itching
Hemorrhoids are just one of many causes. The itching can be caused by eczema, an allergy to cosmetics, excessive or insufficient hygiene, an infection, parasites, warts, but also by diet or general diseases. That is exactly why an examination that reveals the cause is the foundation.
They can bring short-term relief, but if they do not treat the true cause, the problems come back. Some products even irritate the skin further with long-term use. If the itching lasts more than one to two weeks, we recommend an examination instead of further experimenting.
The doctor first talks with you about your problems, then gently examines the skin around the anus and the anal canal, if needed also with an anoscope or rectoscope. The examination takes about 15 minutes, is discreet, and most patients experience it only as mild discomfort, not pain.
No, no special preparation is needed. Ordinary hygiene is enough. You do not need a referral from your general practitioner either – you book directly by phone.
In most cases the causes are minor and very treatable. Rarely, however, long-term itching can accompany a more serious anorectal condition, so we never recommend ignoring persistent problems – an examination brings certainty.
Wash only with lukewarm water without soap, dry the area gently, wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid perfumed wet wipes, spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. And above all, try not to scratch – scratching keeps damaging the skin.
Related topics
Hemorrhoids
The most common cause of anal itching and bleeding, and the options for its gentle treatment.
Anal fissure
A painful wound of the anal canal that can cause burning as well as itching.
Anal warts
Wart-like growths caused by the HPV virus that often show themselves through itching.
Who will take care of you
MUDr. Karim Masalkhi
Founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic · surgeon – proctologist
A recognized specialist with more than 20 years of experience in minimally invasive proctology and laser surgery, with over 2000 successfully operated patients. He regularly attends training placements abroad focused on the most modern techniques of minimally invasive surgery, proctology and surgical oncology.
- Certified in the LHP® method – he was the first to bring laser surgery of hemorrhoids and anal fissures to Slovakia
- A specialist in correcting unsuccessful proctological surgeries of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- He personally guarantees expertise, safety and a considerate approach to every patient
MUDr. Manuchekhr Burkhanov
Proctologist · office: Bratislava
He focuses on the diagnosis and outpatient treatment of proctological conditions – hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other disorders of the rectum – with a discreet and individual approach. He communicates with patients in Slovak, Russian and English.
MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak
Surgeon – proctologist · office: Žilina
At the Proctocare office in Žilina you will be cared for by MUDr. Matúš Kačeriak – a surgeon at the surgical department of the FNsP Žilina hospital. He focuses on proctological examinations, diagnosis of rectal disorders and minimally invasive proctological procedures with an emphasis on precise diagnosis and individual care.
Author and medical review: Your health is in the hands of MUDr. Karim Masalkhi – founder and head physician of the Proctocare clinic, a proctologist with more than 20 years of experience and over 2000 treated patients. · Last medical review: July 2026
Don't let the itching torment you – we find its cause
A discreet examination by MUDr. Karim Masalkhi with no referral, acute appointments within 24 hours, even on weekends.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
Žilina: Alexandra Rudnaya 100, 010 01 · by appointment
info@proctocare.sk