Perianale

Perianale is the Italian term for the perianal region, the area of skin and tissue surrounding the anus. In medical English, the corresponding term is perianal, used to describe conditions, anatomy, and symptoms in this specific area.

Anatomy and scope: The perianal region includes the skin immediately around the anal verge, the anal canal, and adjacent subcutaneous tissues. It borders the perineum and buttocks and contains skin folds, glands, and the external anal sphincter. The region is richly supplied by nerves and has specific lymphatic drainage patterns, making it susceptible to a range of inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic processes.

Common conditions: Perianal disease spans dermatitis and irritation, pruritus ani, fissures, abscesses, and fistulas. Perianal dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin around the anus, often due to moisture, irritation, or infection. Anal fissures are small tears in the anal lining causing pain, especially with defecation. Perianal abscesses arise from infected anal glands and can cause swelling and severe pain; fistulas may develop as a chronic connection between the anal canal and perianal skin. Hemorrhoids, perianal skin tags, infections, and, less commonly, neoplasms can involve the perianal region. Conditions may be associated with underlying inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease or with infections like HPV.

Diagnosis and management: Evaluation relies on history and physical examination, including inspection of the perianal area and, when appropriate, digital rectal examination or anoscopy. Imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI) may be used for suspected deep abscesses or fistulas. Treatment is condition-specific and ranges from improved hygiene and barrier creams for dermatitis to topical therapies for fissures, drainage for abscesses, and surgical consultation for fistulas. Persistent or suspicious lesions warrant biopsy and specialist follow-up.

Prevention and prognosis: Good hygiene, avoidance of irritants, prompt treatment of moisture-related irritation, and management of constipation or diarrhea can reduce recurrence. Prognosis varies by condition, with dermatitis and fissures often responsive to conservative care, while abscesses and fistulas may require surgical intervention.