An approach to the treatment of anogenital pruritus

Abstract

The anogenital area is a common location for pruritic complaints. Specific terms for chronic itch in this location have included pruritus vulvae, pruritus ani, lichen simplex chronicus, and neurodermatitis. A male counterpart to pruritus vulvae, pruritus scroti, is less common. Acute anogenital pruritus is usually caused by infections or contact dermatitis. In chronic pruritus, inflammatory dermatoses and malignancies must be ruled out. In idiopathic anogenital pruritus or neurodermatitis, the skin findings should be limited to lichenification and excoriations. Skin findings may be entirely absent. When treating anogenital pruritus, topic irritants and potential sensitizers must be eliminated. Cleansing and toilet habits must be addressed. A short course of a high-potency topical steroid should bring moderate to complete relief. Sedating antihistamines may limit nighttime symptoms. In some patients, psychotropic agents are required to achieve adequate sedation. Antidepressants may be required in patients refractory to treatment or with underlying psychiatric disorders.