Anal eczema: itching and burning – when should you see a doctor?
Anal eczema - an underestimated problem: itching, burning or redness in the anus area are unpleasant but widespread. Almost one in three adults suffers from this discomfort at least once in their lives. But what many people don't know: Anal eczema can not only be harmless, but also a sign of a serious illness.
Is it a fungus? Hemorrhoids? A skin disease or a bacterial infection?
Many people do not take itching or burning in the anus seriously - but if anal eczema is left untreated, it can become chronic and lead to painful inflammation or infections.
Medically tested by:
Dr. Hamidreza Mahoozi, FEBTS, FCCP
First publication:
April 23, 2025
Updated:
April 23, 2025
What is anal eczema?
Anal eczema (perianal dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin disease in the area of the anus. The affected skin is red, irritated and can be dry, scaly or weeping.
Typical symptoms of anal eczema:
- Severe itching (pruritus ani) – often unbearable, especially at night
- Redness & skin swelling – irritated skin in the anus area
- Oozing or scaling – depending on the type of eczema
- Burning or slight pain – especially after a bowel movement
- Skin changes – cracks, thickening or pale patches of skin
Anal eczema is often confused with hemorrhoids or fungal infections – but the treatment is different!
Causes of itching & burning in the anus
Anal eczema can be triggered by many different factors. The most common causes include
A. Skin irritation & incorrect anal hygiene
- Too much cleansing – Aggressive soaps, wet wipes & perfumes irritate the skin.
- Too little cleaning – fecal residues can cause inflammation.
- Moist skin & sweating – Promotes fungal infections & eczema.
Tip: Clean only with clean water and soft toilet paper!
B. Hemorrhoids – cause of itching and oozing?
- Enlarged hemorrhoids can cause itching, oozing & burning.
- Typical signs: Blood on toilet paper, foreign body sensation, burning sensation in the anus.
- Difference to anal eczema: Hemorrhoids are often palpable, eczema is not.
- Fungal infections (anal fungus, Candida infection)
- Skin fungi (Candida albicans) – often after antibiotics or with diabetes
- Bacterial infections (streptococci, staphylococci)
- Typical symptoms: Whitish coating, oozing, burning, redness & itching
Note: Fungus or anal eczema? Only a smear test can provide clarity!
C. Chronic skin diseases (neurodermatitis, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus)
- Long-lasting itching, dry & cracked skin
- Whitish skin changes (with lichen sclerosus)
Note: Dermatologist’s examination necessary!
D. Allergies & contact dermatitis
- Wet wipes, detergents or intimate sprays as triggers
- Typical: itching & reddening of the skin after contact with allergenic substances
- Avoid irritants, have an allergy test carried out!
When should you see a doctor with anal eczema?
Alarm sign for a serious illness:
- Itching for longer than 2 weeks
- Blood in the stool or on toilet paper
- Severe oozing or pus formation
- Pain during bowel movements or sitting
- No success with home remedies & creams
VenaZiel Berlin offers specialized proctology diagnostics for anal diseases!
Diagnosis: How does the doctor recognize anal eczema?
- Skin examination with dermatoscope
- Microbiological smear (fungi, bacteria)
- Allergy test for contact allergens
- Proctoscopy (exclusion of hemorrhoids)
- Blood tests (diabetes, autoimmune diseases)
Tip: VenaZiel Berlin Proctology Center uses state-of-the-art diagnostics in proctology!
Treatment options: What helps with anal eczema?
Skin care & anal hygiene
- Clean only with clean water & soft toilet paper
- Air-permeable cotton underwear
- No scratching – makes the inflammation worse!
Ointments & medication
- Zinc ointment – Supports healing
- Antifungal ointments (clotrimazole, nystatin) – For fungal infections
- Cortisone creams (short-term) – For severe eczema
- Antihistamines – relieve allergic itching
Conclusion: Don’t ignore itching in the anus!
Anal eczema can be harmless, but it can also indicate serious illnesses. Hemorrhoids, fungal infections or skin diseases can cause similar symptoms.
Early treatment can prevent chronic complaints!
VenaZiel Berlin – Your specialist for proctology & anal diseases! Make an appointment now!
VenaZiel Proctology Center Berlin – Experts for anal eczema and hemorrhoids!
