Dermatoses of the ano-perianal area

The authors examine the etiopathogenetic and clinical aspects of dermatological pathologies affecting the ano-perianal area. These include a large number of pathologies given that this area is not only affected by forms that normally occur in other skin areas, but also specific pathologies for which this is the elective site, and sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, given that this region is located in the intergluteal furrow as a direct continuation of the digestive tube, there are grounds for the development of additional morbid forms not found in most other cutaneous and mucosal areas. In order to aid the classification of the various pathologies, the authors divided the ano-perianal area into: undeterminate cutaneous region, elective cutaneous area, site of sexually-transmitted diseases, large skin fold, terminal part of digestive tube. The diagnostic difficulties are based on the tendential monomorphism of the various morbid forms, owing to special microclimatic conditions (moisture, friction) and the ease with which superinfections may occur owing to the possible presence of fecal material. To this it should be added that symptoms, when present, are generally aspecific. In conclusion, in view of its special anatomo-functional properties, the ano-perianal region presents unique dermatological characteristics, and the various morbid syndromes in this area can only be identified through a careful anamnesis and detailed objective examination focused on the search for possible other localizations in the skin and mucosa.