This page has moved. Click here to view. Pruritus Ani Pruritus ani is characterized by the intense desire to scratch the skin around the anal orifice. Pruritus ani may be related to fecal leakage.
Patients report an escalating pattern of itching and scratching in the perianal region.
These symptoms may be worse at night. The anal glands, located in the base of the anal crypts at the level of the dentate line, are the most common source of perianal infection. Acute infection presents as an abscess, and chronic infection results in a fistula. The most common symptoms of perianal abscess are swelling and pain. Fevers and chills may occur.