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Anal inflammation. Colonoscope (endoscope) view of inflammation of the lining of the anus, known as anusitis. This is a retroflexed (bent backwards) view, which looks down on the anal sphincter (upper left) through which the colonoscope has entered (black). Anusitis is frequently mis- diagnosed as pruritus (itching) and the treatment prescribed, skin creams, only provides temporary relief. The cause of anusitis is related to diet and stress, sever cases may result in the anal lining splitting, causing severe pain and bleeding. Treatment involves a change in diet, although a cold reusable suppository stick can provide relief from pain. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/DAVID M. MARTIN, MD)