Etiologic and causative factors in perianal dermatitis: results of a prospective study in 126 patients

Evaluation, management and future perspectives of anal pruritus: a narrative review

PURPOSE

The without a time limitation. Most recent search was performed on 1st June 2022.

RESULTS

Thorough history and physical examination are very important in view of multiple possible causes of anal pruritus. Most of the focus during examination is drawn on to the perianal region. A digital rectal examination and an anoscopy are essential. It is necessary aim of this narrative review is to overview the classification, diagnostics, possible treatment options and future perspective of anal pruritus.

METHODS

The search was performed by two authors (AD and MJ) independently in the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Databases (AMED). Search was restricted to English language only to avoid moisture and the use of soaps in the perianal region. Furthermore, the patient should avoid certain foods and increase the intake of fiber. If the symptoms do not resolve, topical steroids, capsaicin (0.006%) and tacrolimus (0.1%) ointments may be used. For intractable cases, intradermal methylene blue injection might give a long-lasting symptom relief.

CONCLUSION

Anal pruritus is a long-term deteriorating quality of life issue. Most of the time it is a symptom with a difficult diagnosis. Thorough history and examination should be performed for the best possible treatment.

Causes and Management of Pruritus Ani

A 48-year-old healthy man presented to the office reporting a long-standing history of anal pruritus. He had tried various over-the-counter creams without much success. Besides an anal fissure in the past, which responded to nitroglycerin ointment, his medical history was unremarkable. On physical examination, he was found to have grade I hemorrhoids and mild fecal smearing on perianal skin. Recent colonoscopy and laboratory work ordered by the primary care provider were normal. He was counseled on common inciting agents and local irritants and was advised on hygiene, diet modification, and stool-bulking agents. The colorectal surgeon recommended that the patient keep a journal about his symptoms, foods, and household chemicals used. He was seen twice more over the course of 6 months to pinpoint the cause of his pruritus. A short-course trial of topical steroid, barrier cream, and topical tacrolimus was not helpful. A biopsy of perianal skin was performed and was unrevealing. Eventually, given the persistence of symptoms, it was decided that he would undergo methylene blue injection to address his pruritus (Fig. 1). The procedure consisted of several intradermal and subcutaneous injections of 10 mL of 1% methylene blue combined with 7.5 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine with adrenaline (1/100,000) and 7.5 mL 0.5% lidocaine. After the methylene blue injection, the severity of his symptoms improved, but pruritus still persisted. A methylene blue injection of the same concentration was repeated in 3 months with complete resolution of symptoms.

Clinical Efficacy of Tacrolimus Ointment + 3% Boric Acid Lotion Joint Chinese Angelica Decoction in Chronic Perianal Eczema

Objective

To unearth the clinical efficacy of tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion joint Chinese angelica decoction in chronic perianal eczema.

Methods

Patients with chronic perianal eczema admitted to hospital from June 2018 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the control group (n = 38) underwent basic therapy with tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, whereas those in the observation group (n = 38) were given oral Chinese angelica decoction on the basis of the above therapy. Patient's baseline information before therapy and clinical symptoms after therapy were observed and compared, including pruritus ani score, anus drainage and damp score, skin lesion score, skin lesion area score, life quality index score, and IL-2, IL-4, and IgE levels in serum. Overall efficacy in the two groups was also evaluated.

Results

No significant differences were found in the baseline information between the observation group and control group before therapy. After therapy, pruritus ani score (P = 0.023), anus drainage and damp score (P = 0.041), skin lesion score (P = 0.025), and skin lesion area score (P = 0.035) of patients in the observation group were remarkably lower than those in the control group. Significantly higher release levels of clinical symptoms of patients in the observation group were indicated. With respect to the control group, the life quality score (P = 0.020) and IgE level in serum (P = 0.003) of patients in the observation group were significantly lower, while IL-4 level in serum was significantly higher (P = 0.129). The therapy in the observation group achieved better clinical efficacy. Overall efficacy in the observation group was markedly favorable with respect to the control group.

Conclusion

With respect to tacrolimus ointment + 3% boric acid lotion, patients with chronic perianal eczema displayed better clinical efficacy after jointly being treated by Chinese angelica decoction.

German S1 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of perianal dermatitis (anal eczema)

Perianal dermatitis (anal eczema, perianal eczema) is one of the most common proctological conditions. It may occur as a sequela or a presenting symptom of various proctological, dermatological, allergic or pathogen-induced disorders. The three main types of anal eczema are irritant-toxic, atopic and allergic contact dermatitis. Adequate and successful treatment requires a comprehensive diagnostic workup to determine disease etiology and includes treatment/elimination of causative factors as well as nonpharmacological interventions (avoidance of aggravating factors). In addition, adjuvant topical anti-inflammatory and/or specific symptomatic treatment may be required. The present guidelines contain recommendations for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal dermatitis. Target users of these guidelines are clinicians in the fields of dermatology and proctology, as well as all other specialties involved in the management of patients with perianal dermatitis, both in hospital and office-based settings.

Understanding the role of cutaneous allergy testing in anogenital dermatoses: a retrospective evaluation of contact sensitization in anogenital dermatoses

BACKGROUND

Patients with anogenital symptoms may delay before seeking medical attention. Attempted self-treatment with multiple topical preparations and excessive hygiene measures offer ideal conditions for sensitization. The aim of this study was to identify the common allergens detected on cutaneous allergy testing in patients presenting with anogenital symptoms.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent cutaneous allergy testing for perianal and/or genital symptoms over a 3-year period, January 2013 to December 2015, n = 99. Information was gathered from medical records, pretesting questionnaires, and cutaneous allergy testing records.

RESULTS

At least one relevant allergen(s) was identified in 44/99 (45%) in our cohort, with allergic reactions to fragrances, Myroxylon pereirae, caine mix, sodium metabisulfite, and methylisothiazolinone most frequently observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutaneous allergy testing is a useful investigation in patients presenting with anogenital symptoms, but advice regarding general skin care measures should not be omitted. The most commonly identified relevant allergens in our study were those present in over-the-counter cleansing and hemorrhoid preparations.

Proctology - diseases of the anal region

Proctology is a medical subspecialty that encompasses diseases of the perianal region, anal canal, and rectum. Dermatologists play a pivotal role in this realm, as inflammatory perianal disorders, infectious and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as perianal tumors and their precursor lesions fall within the core competency of dermatology. In a concise manner, the present article highlights all relevant disease groups in the field of proctology. With a particular focus on aspects pertinent to dermatologists, this includes inflammatory disorders, "classic" proctologic diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, malignancies of the anal region, as well as pathogen-induced diseases. Despite the wide variety of disorders, there are only five key symptoms prompting patients to consult a proctologist, including anal pruritus and burning, discharge, bleeding, pain, and foreign body sensation. A simple algorithm, which incorporates these symptoms as well as key clinical features, may assist in quickly establishing the correct diagnosis in everyday clinical practice.

[Mucosal diseases from an allergological perspective]

The oral allergy syndrome is one of the most common form of food allergy and manifests as contact urticaria of the oral mucosa after consumption of cross reacting foods. Whereas allergic contact stomatitis often occurs due to dental materials, allergic contact cheilitis is usually a reaction due to topical therapeutics like herpes ointments or lip care products. As late type reactions are more frequent than immediate type reactions in the anogenital mucosa, contact dermatitis in this area should be identified via epicutaneous testing. In case of contact urticaria at the genital mucosa, a semen allergy or a latex allergy should be given due consideration as a possible cause. Angioedemas, which are mostly common histamine mediated, usually prefer skin areas with loose connective tissue such as the oral or genital mucosa. Fixed drug eruption also occurs preferentially in these areas. Bullous drug-induced skin reactions (e.g., SJS and TEN) are characterized by severe hemorrhagic, erosive affections of mucous membranes.

Patch testing in patients with perianal eczema

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Reports show that between 25% and 78% of patients with anogenital dermatitis have positive patch test results. Consequently, patch testing would appear to be warranted in patients presenting with eczema in the anogenital region. The objectives of the present study were to identify the most common allergens in patients with perianal eczema and to determine which allergen series are most useful for patch testing in patients with this condition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patch test results in patients with only perianal eczema between 2001 and 2012.

RESULTS

Of the 37 patients with perianal eczema, 16 had a positive reaction; methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone was the main allergen involved. With the exception of 1 case of sensitization to gentamicin, all the positive results with present relevance were to allergens from the standard series of the Spanish Contact Dermatitis and Skin Allergy Research Group (GEIDAC) or to the patient's own products.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone is the main allergen involved in perianal eczema, and sensitization often results from using wet wipes. Patch testing in perianal eczema should be based on the GEIDAC standard series and the patient's own products.

Herbal fumigation for treatment of perianal eczema

Perianal eczema is the most common skin condition of the perianal area, which is characterized by itching, various lesions, exudation and recurrence. The key points for the treatment of perianal eczema are to reduce skin lesions, alleviate the discomfort of itching and exudation, and solve the problem of easy relapse. Glucocorticoid therapy is still the main treatment, but it is associated with many adverse reactions and recurrence. Since herbal fumigation based on syndrome differentiation, following the principle of individualization, combining local and systemic therapies, and having the advantages of direct contact to perianal skin, exact efficacy, and less adverse reactions, it has gradually become a common treatment for perianal eczema and provides a new alternative to the treatment of this condition. In this paper, we will review the progress in research of herbal fumigation for perianal eczema with regard to mechanism of action, clinical application and adverse reactions.

Allergic contact dermatitis in children: which factors are relevant? (review of the literature)

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children is increasing. Sensitization to contact allergens can start in early infancy. The epidermal barrier is crucial for the development of sensitization and elicitation of ACD. Factors that may influence the onset of sensitization in children are atopic dermatitis, skin barrier defects and intense or repetitive contact with allergens. Topical treatment of ACD is associated with cutaneous sensitization, although the prevalence is not high. ACD because of haptens in shoes or shin guards should be considered in cases of persistent foot eruptions or sharply defined dermatitis on the lower legs. Clinical polymorphism of contact dermatitis to clothing may cause difficulties in diagnosing textile dermatitis. Toys are another potentially source of hapten exposure in children, especially from toy-cosmetic products such as perfumes, lipstick and eye shadow. The most frequent contact allergens in children are metals, fragrances, preservatives, neomycin, rubber chemicals and more recently also colourings. It is very important to remember that ACD in young children is not rare, and should always be considered when children with recalcitrant eczema are encountered. Children should be patch-tested with a selection of allergens having the highest proportion of positive, relevant patch test reactions. The allergen exposure pattern differs between age groups and adolescents may also be exposed to occupational allergens. The purpose of this review is to alert the paediatrician and dermatologist of the frequency of ACD in young children and of the importance of performing patch tests in every case of chronic recurrent or therapy-resistant eczema in children.

Cow's Milk Allergy Is a Major Contributor in Recurrent Perianal Dermatitis of Infants

Background. Recurrent perianal inflammation has great etiologic diversity. A possible cause is cow's milk allergy (CMA). The aim was to assess the magnitude of this cause. Subjects and Methods. This follow up clinical study was carried out on 63 infants with perianal dermatitis of more than 3 weeks with history of recurrence. Definitive diagnosis was made for each infant through medical history taking, clinical examination and investigations including stool analysis and culture, stool pH and reducing substances, perianal swab for different cultures and staining for Candida albicans. Complete blood count and quantitative determination of cow's milk-specific serum IgE concentration were done for all patients. CMA was confirmed through an open withdrawal-rechallenge procedure. Serum immunoglobulins and CD markers as well as gastrointestinal endoscopies were done for some patients. Results. Causes of perianal dermatitis included CMA (47.6%), bacterial dermatitis (17.46%), moniliasis (15.87%), enterobiasis (9.52%) and lactose intolerance (9.5%). Predictors of CMA included presence of bloody and/or mucoid stool, other atopic manifestations, anal fissures, or recurrent vomiting. Conclusion. We can conclude that cow's milk allergy is a common cause of recurrent perianal dermatitis. Mucoid or bloody stool, anal fissures or ulcers, vomiting and atopic manifestations can predict this etiology.

Perianal infections: a primer for nonsurgeons

The topic of perianal infections covers a broad range of illnesses that can be difficult to differentiate from each other. As a result, patients may suffer from unnecessary examinations and ineffective or delayed therapeutic interventions. This article reviews common and unusual infectious pathology and inflammatory or malignant conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Presentations of infectious pathology specific to HIV are discussed. New treatment strategies, where available, are noted.

Pruritus ani: an approach to an itching condition

Pruritus ani is frequently encountered in children by the primary care physician and the pediatrician. It is mainly due to an infection with pinworms, but fecal soiling, poor hygiene, local irritation, and dietary agents should also be considered. Treatment should be directed at the underlying etiology. Once these have been excluded, both general and specific measures must be initiated. There is almost no experience for local treatment modalities in children, and they cannot currently be recommended.

Randomized, comparative efficacy trial of oral penicillin versus cefuroxime for perianal streptococcal dermatitis in children

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of penicillin compared with cefuroxime for group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS) perianal dermatitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Children 1 to 16 years of age with signs and symptoms of perianal dermatitis and a positive anal swab were randomized to penicillin or cefuroxime treatment and were clinically re-evaluated on day 3 and at the end of treatment (cefuroxime, day 7; penicillin, day 10). An anal swab was obtained to document eradication of GABHS at the end of treatment. Severity of disease was assessed with a clinical score (perianal erythema, 5 points; perianal itch, 3 points; painful defecation, 3 points; constipation, 2 points).

RESULTS

Patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to penicillin (n = 18) or cefuroxime (n = 17) treatment. Treatment with penicillin was inferior to cefuroxime, which led to premature study termination after consultation with the ethics committee. Clinical improvement was more rapid in the cefuroxime group (P = .028) and GAHBS was not isolated from the anus the last day of therapy in 13 of 14 patients treated with cefuroxime compared with 7 of 15 patients treated with penicillin (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Cefuroxime was more effective than penicillin and therefore should be considered as the treatment of choice for perianal dermatitis due to GABHS.

Perineal herpes simplex infection in bedridden geriatric patients

BACKGROUND

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions are prone to reactivation and recurrence in response to various local or systemic triggering factors.

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristics of five bedridden geriatric patients who presented with herpetic recurrences on the buttocks, gluteal cleft, and perianal region during hospitalization.

METHODS

Data were gathered regarding age, gender, reason for hospitalization, localization of lesions, clinical presentation, previous clinical diagnosis and topical treatments, immune status and immunosuppressant drug intake, as well as prior history of labial or genital herpes. A skin biopsy was taken for histologic examination and immunohistochemical viral identification. Viral culture and viral serology were performed and data regarding antiviral therapy were recorded.

RESULTS

The five patients (three women, two men) were aged >80 years and hospitalized for either severe drug-induced renal insufficiency (one case), severe pneumonia (two cases), or stroke causing restricted mobility (two cases). Numerous well demarcated, painful ulcerations developed in the perianal region of these patients, and one patient also presented with some vesicular lesions. The lesions had been confused with mycotic and/or bacterial infections for 10-14 days. No inguinal lymphadenopathies were present and there was no fever. None of the patients had a previous history of recurrent labial or genital HSV infections or HIV infection. Histology was suggestive of HSV infection in two of five patients. Immunohistochemistry identified HSV type I (three patients) and HSV type II (two patients) infections. Viral culture with immunofluorescence viral identification revealed HSV type I in one of the four patients in whom a swab for viral culture was taken. Serology revealed past HSV infection. All lesions cured gradually after 10-14 days of intravenous acyclovir (aciclovir) treatment.

CONCLUSION

Herpetic lesions of the perineal region represent a rare complication in bedridden geriatric patients in the absence of a previous history of HSV infections at the same site. Common traits of patients with this condition were the presence of numerous ulcerated lesions, prolonged time course, and confinement to bed. The latter probably modifies the skin condition, which triggers viral reactivation and favors cutaneous extension of the infection. Complementary diagnostic methods for viral detection and identification are mandatory.