After 2 years of suffering from rectal itching, I was diagnosed by a surgeon with puritus ani. I tried every suggestion for diet modification; no alchohol, caffiene, citric acid, spicy food, fried food, tomato based food, dairy, even limited red meat. I treat the area gently, don't over clean, shower after bowel movements, drink lots of water, added fiber with metamucil, and protect the area with desitin baby rash ointment, (zinc oxide cream).