What is the difference between perianal eczema and anal pruritus?
The differentiation between perianal eczema and anal pruritus: Eczema often presents with papules, erythema, exudation, and erosion, followed by secondary itching. In contrast, anal pruritus is mainly characterized by itching without exudation. Scratching can lead to secondary exudation, bleeding, and erosion. The differentiation between perianal eczema and contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis has a clear history of exposure to irritants, which is easy to identify. The rash is limited to the area of contact, with a single morphology, large vesicles, and well-defined borders. After removing the cause, the dermatitis resolves relatively quickly and rarely recurs.
The differentiation between perianal eczema and perianal neurodermatitis: Neurodermatitis often starts with itching, followed by the appearance of flat papules, lichenification, pale brown color, dryness, and firmness. The affected area may extend to the sacrococcygeal region, perineum, and scrotum.
Prevention of perianal eczema
Remove all possible causes that could trigger eczema. Chronic anorectal diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, and anal sinusitis should be actively treated. Reduce the intake of spicy foods like chili peppers and strong alcoholic beverages. Analyze and identify potential allergens in items, tools, or chemicals you come into contact with, and remove them. If any local redness, itching, or other suspicious allergic symptoms occur during medication use, stop the medication immediately. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene around the anus, avoid scratching and friction, and refrain from washing with soap water or using irritating drugs for fumigation, sitz baths, or external application, as these could worsen the condition. Prevent diarrhea or constipation and other triggering factors.