What Are the Differences Between an Itchy Prostate and Anal Itching?

There is a fundamental difference between an itchy prostate and anal itching — they occur in two completely different areas.

An itchy prostate is typically a symptom of both acute and chronic prostatitis and is felt toward the front of a person's body. It may also be accompanied with urinary pain.

While prostatitis is an infection of the prostate, which results in the gland become inflamed and tender and possibly itchy, anal itching is not always caused by an infection.

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Anal itching occurs toward the back side of an individual and can result from a variety of different causes.

Pruritus ani, or itchy anus, may come from bodily leakage in cases of diarrhea, constipation, diet, food intolerance, or rectum tears, according to HealthDirect. Excessive sweating may also result in an itchy feeling in the area.

It could also indicate an infection similar to how an itchy prostate typically signifies inflammation. Infections resulting in anal itching include herpes or tinea.

Intestinal parasites such as threadworms could result in anal itching, along with hemorrhoids, warts, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and contact dermatitis due to skin irritation.

In rare cases anal itching has accompanied the presence of anal cancer, HealthDirect said.

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Individuals experiencing this symptom should not scratch or rub as it could make the symptoms worse and damage the skin, HealthDirect said. Clean the area gently with warm water, wear natural-fiber clothing for breathability, and keep a healthy diet.

Patients who experience bleeding along with anal itching should contact a doctor.

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