Proctology

Abstract

Proctology is a medical discipline that includes diseases of the perianal/anal region and the distal rectum. Proctological diseases are treated by different medical specialties. Dermatology has a special importance in the field of proctology asinflammatory, pathogen-induced, sexually transmitted, (pre-)malignant and malignant diseases of the perianal/anal region represent a dermatological core competence and therefore is often patients' first introduction to the dermatologist. Proctological diseases are frequent and increase with increasing age. Despite the multitude of different proctological diseases, there are only few cardinal symptoms, which, together with a detailed anamnesis and simple examination techniques, help to make the correct diagnosis. Owing to the taboo of the perianal/anal region, proctological diseases are frequently seen in an advanced stage by proctologists. Pretreatments with various household remedies and over-the-counter preparations often lead to problems in diagnosis because of a change in morphology. This chapter provides an overview of the diseases of the perianal/anal region relevant to dermatology.