The medical term for the itchy bottom is Pruritus Ani. This is a condition characterized by an unpleasant skin sensation that produces the desire to scratch.
Causes
There may be different causes for anal itching. The most common of those are:
- fissures
- hemorrhoids
- fistulas
- certain foods and beverages – tea, coffee, dairy products, chocolate, carbonated beverages, nuts, and spicy foods
- moisture (due to sweating)
- a small amount of residual stool around the anus
- rare health conditions – Crohn’s disease, STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases like herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia), cancer, allergies, fungal infections (such as candida), skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis), pinworms
- diarrhea
- constipation
Rarely the primary issue is the lack of cleanliness. In most cases when someone develops this condition, they tend to wash up the area vigorously. But this usually has a negative effect due to damage to the perianal skin.
Warts, hypertrophic skin, and perianal dermatitis are other causes of anal itching.
Treatment
An examination by a specialist will identify what exactly causes the problem. A large percent of the patients never identify the reason for their problem, but they are still treated for their symptoms. The main goal is to maintain clean and dry skin. Here are some tips that will be of your service if you have an itchy bottom:
- Avoid some foods that might lead to this condition at least for a week or two. You can then gradually reintroduce them to your diet. By doing so you will identify which group is responsible for developing of that condition.
- Avoid moisture in the area around the rectum.
- Keep good anal hygiene to avoid further trauma. Clean the area with baby wipes, carefully pat it dry without rubbing.
- Don’t scrub the anal area with hard, scented toilet paper.
- Soap can cause the itch, so limit its use in the anal area.
- Use ONLY medication prescribed by a specialist.
- DON’T SCRATCH the itchy area. By constantly scratching the area, you will make the itching worse. If you get an intense urge to scratch the place, just don’t do it. The feeling will subside after 5-10 minutes.
- If you can’t rid of the symptoms of the itchy bottom after 4 to 6 weeks, visit a doctor.
- Apply ointment or cream to the affected area to reduce the inflammation after a bowel movement. An example of such ointment is Pranicura. You can even order anonymously if you click here.
- Adjust your diet by adding more fiber to it. Constipation is one of the most common causes of an itchy bottom. To avoid it, you have to consume 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Just eat more veggies, fruits, beans, grains, oatmeal. If you can get enough fiber from your food, you can try fiber supplements.
- Avoid irritants. Don’t use perfumed and medicated powders and soaps.
If the symptoms of itchy bottom persist for more than 2 weeks, visit your doctor. Pruritus Ani may lead to serious discomfort. So make sure to keep the anal area clean and dry, change your diet, and don’t scratch it!