[Current trends in the diagnosis and therapy of anal pruritus. Review of 238 cases].

Perianal pruritus may be caused by a variety of factors. Of these, the most frequently occurring are proctological, infections, dermatological, dietary, and systemic. The results of a study carried out on 238 patients from 1980 to 1984 are reported. The survey was carried out with the aim of defining the frequency of pruritus in relation to the triggering cause, to sex and to age. It is emphasised that diagnosis is often difficult and requires the measurement of the following parameters: blood glucose levels, blood, nitrogen levels, ESR, haemochrome, hepatic functions, in addition to a gynaecological examination, analysis of faeces, proctocolonoscopy, skin biopsy and other tests. These are carried out to determine whether anal pruritus is a symptom of a systemic disease, or whether it is brought about by local causes. Treatment measures adopted are reported. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and aetiological for cases caused by local disturbances.