ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Anus Diseases/diagnosis , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/diagnosis , Dermatitis, Atopic/diagnosis , Eczema/diagnosis , Anus Diseases/therapy , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/therapy , Dermatitis, Atopic/therapy , Eczema/therapy , Germany , HumansSubject(s)
Anus Diseases/pathology , Erythema/pathology , Lichen Planus/pathology , Anal Canal/pathology , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Perianal dermatitis is one of the most common proctological disorders. The anatomy of the anal region provides suitable conditions for the development of dermatitis. In the diagnostic work-up and the management of patients with perianal dermatitis, three types need to be distinguished: irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Each type has its aetiological and pathogenetic factors, which will provide clues to the diagnosis and subsequent management of the condition. In the differential diagnosis of the condition, consideration should be given to inflammatory diseases of the perianal region which may produce eczema-like patterns.
