When the itching involves the area around the anus, it’s referred to pruritus ani, and can be an embarrassing problem. Pruritus ani can affect up to 5% of people and is more common in men ...

Medically reviewed by Robert Burakoff, MD Hemorrhoids often itch when swollen veins in the anus or rectum trigger inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, stimulates the release of a chemical called ...